For Kaydon Finley, home is where the heart is, and for the 2026 Texas receiver, that heart now belongs in South Bend, Indiana. Finley has announced his commitment to Notre Dame, marking a significant addition to the Fighting Irish’s already impressive recruiting class.
With Finley’s commitment, Notre Dame now boasts 23 verbal commitments in the Class of 2026, including three receivers: Dylan Faison, Bubba Frazier, and now Finley. The Irish are poised to potentially expand this number as Arizona receiver Devin Fitzgerald and Texas’ Brayden Robinson are set to announce their decisions this weekend, with Notre Dame considered strong contenders for both.
Finley, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound standout from Aledo High School, is the son of former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley. Despite his Texas roots and his father’s legacy as a Longhorn, Finley has visited Notre Dame more frequently than Austin, indicating a strong affinity for the program.
Recruitment Journey and Decision Factors
Throughout the recruiting process, Finley made several trips to Notre Dame, including two visits last month. These visits were pivotal in his decision, as he felt a strong connection with the coaching staff and the program’s culture. Despite a strong push from Texas, where sources indicated the Longhorns viewed Finley as a crucial prospect, Notre Dame emerged victorious.
“They see me fitting in more like an outside deep receiver; like post routes, go routes, curls, comebacks and all those,” Finley explained. “I think anything on the field will fit me well, but I think those are my strengths.”
Influential Figures in Finley’s Commitment
Notre Dame’s coaching staff played a significant role in securing Finley’s commitment. Receivers coach Mike Brown, general manager Mike Martin, and head coach Marcus Freeman were instrumental in convincing Finley to join the Irish. Finley expressed high regard for Freeman, stating, “I think Coach Freeman is one of the best coaches that I’ve personally been with. He’s a very genuine person. I think he’s a head coach anybody in the nation would run through a wall for.”
Finley was also impressed by Martin, noting, “He’s a very smart football guy. I can hear it. He’s very energetic too, so I think he can be a great general manager for Notre Dame.”
Impact on Notre Dame’s Recruiting Class
Finley’s commitment is another significant win for Notre Dame, which has been successful in closing deals with top targets during official visits in June. This includes tight ends Ian Premer and Preston Fryzel, offensive linemen Charlie Thom and Grayson McKeogh, and defensive backs Khary Adams and Joey O’Brien.
The Irish are also in favorable positions with other high-profile recruits, such as safety Nicholas Reddish and defensive end Elijah Golden, who are set to announce their decisions later this month. The status of tight end Evan Jacobson remains uncertain, but the overall outlook for Notre Dame’s 2026 class is exceptionally positive.
“What is clear is that the Irish are putting together one of the very best classes in recent memory, and Finley is a major piece of that puzzle.”
Looking Ahead
As Notre Dame continues to build a formidable recruiting class, Finley’s commitment underscores the program’s growing appeal and strategic recruiting prowess. The Irish’s ability to attract top talent from competitive regions like Texas highlights their national reach and the effectiveness of their coaching staff’s efforts.
With the potential for additional commitments in the coming days, Notre Dame is well-positioned to assemble one of the most talented classes in recent history, setting the stage for future success on the field.
