Notre Dame Football Gains a Star Recruit with NFL Roots

Notre Dame football is making waves in the recruiting world, adding another top talent to its 2026 class. Devin Fitzgerald, a standout wide receiver from Phoenix Brophy College Prep, has chosen the Fighting Irish over strong contenders like Clemson, Stanford, and UCLA. Fitzgerald is not just any recruit; he's the son of NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald, an 11-time Pro Bowler. This makes him the second NFL legacy recruit to join Notre Dame in recent days, following Kaydon Finley, son of former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley. The 2026 class is shaping up to be something special. With Fitzgerald on board, Notre Dame now has 24 commits, including four-star linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. and wide receivers Bubba Frazier and Dylan Faison. The Irish are currently ranked in the top five nationally for this recruiting cycle. So, what made Fitzgerald choose Notre Dame? He emphasized the importance of relationships, highlighting connections with current players and coaches. He played with freshman cornerback Cree Thomas in high school and was impressed by the shared goals among the recruits. Fitzgerald's stats speak for themselves: 52 catches for 720 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. He's a versatile player, capable of playing both outside and in the slot. He sees himself fitting perfectly into Notre Dame's offense, potentially replacing Jaden Greathouse. The recruiting process was thorough. Fitzgerald visited all four of his finalists and several other schools. But it was his fourth visit to Notre Dame that sealed the deal. The camaraderie among the recruits left a lasting impression. Fitzgerald is excited about the future. He believes Notre Dame is on the rise, with a strong defense and a promising offense. He's looking forward to contributing to the team's success and winning a national championship.