The Notre Dame football program has bolstered its 2026 recruiting class with the verbal commitment of Devin Fitzgerald, a standout wide receiver from Phoenix Brophy College Prep. Fitzgerald, the son of NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald, chose the Fighting Irish over other top programs including Clemson, Stanford, and UCLA.
Fitzgerald’s commitment is the latest in a series of high-profile recruits for Notre Dame, following the announcement of Kaydon Finley, another NFL legacy, just a day earlier. Finley, a four-star recruit from Aledo High School in Texas, is the son of former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley.
Building a Legacy: NFL Connections Strengthen Notre Dame’s Class
Devin Fitzgerald is part of a notable trend at Notre Dame, where NFL legacy recruits are becoming a cornerstone of the 2026 class. Alongside Fitzgerald and Finley, the class includes Thomas Davis Jr., a four-star linebacker and son of former NFL linebacker Thomas Davis Sr.
These commitments have propelled Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class into the top five of the Industry Ranking Team Recruiting Rankings. According to On3 | Rivals, Fitzgerald is currently rated as a three-star prospect, ranked 14th in Arizona and 150th among wide receivers nationally. However, he is expected to receive a rankings boost in the upcoming evaluations.
Influence of Relationships in Recruiting Decisions
Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of relationships in his decision-making process. He highlighted connections with fellow recruits and Notre Dame staff, including head coach Marcus Freeman and wide receivers coach Mike Brown, as pivotal in his choice.
“They are what made it for me,” Fitzgerald said. “I like how all the recruits I’m going in with have the same goals as me and can help push me on the field and in the classroom.”
Fitzgerald’s history with current Notre Dame freshman cornerback Cree Thomas, whom he played alongside at Brophy Prep, further cemented his decision. This connection, along with the academic and athletic prestige of Notre Dame, made it an irresistible choice for the young athlete.
The Role of Mike Brown and Future Prospects
Mike Brown, Notre Dame’s wide receivers coach, played a crucial role in Fitzgerald’s recruitment. The relationship between Brown and Fitzgerald’s father dates back nearly a decade, providing a strong foundation for the recruitment process.
Fitzgerald, who stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 185 pounds, sees himself as a versatile player in Notre Dame’s offense, similar to current receiver Jaden Greathouse. He expressed a desire to be a “50/50 jump-ball guy,” a role he believes he can excel in under Brown’s guidance.
Last season, Fitzgerald showcased his talent by recording 52 receptions for 720 yards and nine touchdowns, earning All-Central Region second-team honors. His performance attracted scholarship offers from 18 Power Four programs before he ultimately chose Notre Dame.
Looking Ahead: Expectations for Notre Dame’s 2026 Class
Fitzgerald’s commitment is part of a broader trend of high-profile recruits joining Notre Dame, with six of the nine uncommitted visitors from a recent recruitment weekend now pledged to the program. This influx of talent has heightened expectations for Notre Dame’s future performance.
“I only see Notre Dame going up from here,” Fitzgerald stated. “I think the (possible) new quarterback, CJ Carr, has a great arm. The offensive coordinator (Mike Denbrock) will hopefully do what he did with LSU when Jayden Daniels was there.”
With a strong defense already in place, Fitzgerald believes that Notre Dame’s offense, under the right leadership, can become a formidable force. He is eager to contribute to the team’s success and has his sights set on winning a national championship.
As Notre Dame continues to attract top talent, the program’s future looks promising. Fitzgerald’s commitment not only strengthens the 2026 class but also reinforces the university’s reputation as a destination for elite athletes seeking both academic and athletic excellence.
