In a significant boost for the notre Dame Fighting Irish football program, devin Fitzgerald, the highly-touted son of legendary NFL wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, has officially committed. The announcement solidifies Notre Dame’s standing with one of the top college football recruiting classes in the nation for the 2026 cycle. Fitzgerald, a talented wide receiver from Arizona, joins a growing group of promising prospects heading to South Bend, Indiana. His decision was revealed on Saturday night, marking a major moment for both the player and the university.
This commitment is being hailed as a “blockbuster” addition to an already impressive incoming class. Devin Fitzgerald’s lineage brings immediate attention, but his on-field potential is also a key factor. He is regarded as one of the top players at his position nationwide.
Who is Devin Fitzgerald?
Devin Fitzgerald plays wide receiver at Brophy Prep in Arizona. He is part of the competitive Class of 2026. Recruiting analysts offer varying assessments of his talent. While Rivals rates him as a four-star recruit, ESPN, 247Sports, and On3 list him as a three-star prospect. Despite differing star ratings, he is widely considered a consensus top-10 recruit within the state of Arizona. ESPN specifically ranks him as the 71st-best wide receiver prospect in his class.
His commitment to Notre Dame came after careful consideration. He chose the Fighting Irish over several other notable programs. UCLA was a primary finalist, but he also received interest from Stanford, Clemson, and home-state Arizona State. Earlier in his recruitment process, North Carolina was also seen as a serious contender. However, a positive official visit to Notre Dame reportedly went so well that he cancelled a planned visit to the Tar Heels.
The Path to Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s recruitment of Devin Fitzgerald was consistent. The program had been engaged with him since his freshman year. The official scholarship offer from the Irish didn’t arrive until May. This timing came after a breakout junior season for Fitzgerald last fall. His performance caught the attention of numerous Power 4 programs. During that impressive campaign, he recorded 52 receptions for 720 yards and scored nine touchdowns. This strong showing validated Notre Dame’s long-term interest and prompted the offer.
A crucial factor in Fitzgerald’s decision was his deep connection with Notre Dame’s wide receivers coach, Mike Brown. Brown, who played in the NFL from 2012 to 2015, has known Devin since he was just five years old. This longstanding relationship provided a level of trust and familiarity. Devin told ESPN that Coach Brown believes he has significantly improved. The coaching staff sees him developing into a “great player.” Their plan for him involves the potential to step up and play early in his college career.
Following in Legendary Footsteps
Devin Fitzgerald is set to follow a path forged by his famous father, Larry Fitzgerald. The elder Fitzgerald had an incredible college career before becoming an NFL icon. Larry Fitzgerald was a dominant pass catcher at the University of Pittsburgh starting in 2002. He surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark in both of his college seasons. In 2003, as a sophomore, he won the prestigious Biletnikoff Award. He also finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting that year, a rare feat for a wide receiver.
Selected third overall in the 2004 NFL draft, Larry Fitzgerald spent his entire 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2008. When he retired in 2020, he stood second only to Jerry Rice in the NFL record books. His career totals include 1,432 receptions and 17,492 receiving yards.
Larry Fitzgerald’s vast experience was invaluable during Devin’s recruiting process. Devin told ESPN that his father’s guidance was “great.” Larry understood what truly matters when choosing a college. He emphasized finding a place where Devin felt a sense of belonging and a strong fit.
Notre Dame’s Growing 2026 Class
Devin Fitzgerald’s commitment bolsters Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class. His pledge marks the 24th member of the class. As of his announcement, Notre Dame’s 2026 class holds a strong national ranking. ESPN’s latest class rankings place the Fighting Irish fourth overall. 247Sports also ranks their class fourth nationally with 16 commits listed on their specific platform.
The addition of Fitzgerald is particularly noteworthy for another reason. He represents the third prospect with NFL lineage committed to Notre Dame for the 2026 cycle. Four-star outside linebacker Thomas Davis Jr., the son of former Carolina Panthers All-Pro Thomas Davis, committed in November. Four-star wide receiver Kaydon Finley joined the class recently, committing over Texas. Kaydon is the son of former Green Bay Packers tight end and Super Bowl XLV champion Jermichael Finley. This concentration of sons of former NFL players in one class appears to be a unique element for Notre Dame football.
Devin Fitzgerald is one of four wide receivers currently committed to Notre Dame this cycle. He joins Kaydon Finley, Bubba Frazier (ranked No. 266 in the 2026 ESPN 300), and three-star recruit Dylan Faison. The receiving corps for the 2026 class could potentially grow further. Prospect Brayden Robinson, ranked No. 293, is expected to announce his decision soon. His finalists include Arizona, Miami, and Notre Dame.
From a local Arizona perspective, Fitzgerald’s decision to leave the state for college is seen by some as a “major, and seemingly inevitable, bummer.” However, there is also excitement about watching his development. Many hope his journey eventually brings him back to Arizona to play professionally for the Cardinals, following directly in his father’s footsteps. Head Coach Marcus Freeman’s recruiting success, particularly following their run to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, demonstrates the program’s significant “pulling power.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Devin Fitzgerald play, and which college football program did he commit to?
Devin Fitzgerald plays wide receiver. He is a highly-rated prospect in the Class of 2026. He officially committed to play college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. His decision was announced on Saturday night, July 5, 2025.
Besides Devin, are there other sons of former NFL players committed to Notre Dame’s 2026 class?
Yes, Devin Fitzgerald is the third son of a former NFL player to commit to Notre Dame for the 2026 class. He joins four-star linebacker Thomas Davis Jr., son of former All-Pro Thomas Davis, and four-star wide receiver Kaydon Finley, son of former tight end Jermichael Finley. This concentration of NFL legacy players is a notable aspect of the Irish’s incoming class.
How did Larry Fitzgerald’s experience influence his son Devin’s college decision?
Larry Fitzgerald’s extensive experience navigating college football recruiting and a successful NFL career provided invaluable guidance to his son, Devin. Devin stated that his father’s help was “great.” Larry emphasized the importance of finding a college program where Devin felt he truly belonged and fit in, drawing on his own journey to elite success.
In summary, the commitment of Devin Fitzgerald represents a significant win for Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting efforts. Beyond the famous last name, Devin brings a promising skillset and a strong relationship with the coaching staff. As he prepares to start his college career, the football world will be watching to see how this talented wide receiver develops, potentially charting his own course while carrying forward a remarkable football legacy.
