WR Kaydon Finley on his Notre Dame Football official visit

Kaydon Finley, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound wide receiver from Aledo, Texas, has emerged as one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2026 class. His impressive blend of size, speed, and football IQ has garnered attention from top programs across the nation. Among these, Notre Dame has made significant strides in building a relationship with Finley, culminating in an official visit to South Bend in June 2025.

Finley’s connection to Notre Dame is not new; his aunt is an alumna, and he had previously visited the campus during her graduation. However, this official visit marked a deeper exploration into what the university and its football program could offer him as a prospective student-athlete. The visit was not just a routine trip; it was an opportunity for Finley to assess how well Notre Dame’s culture, coaching staff, and facilities aligned with his aspirations.

During his time in South Bend, Finley had the chance to engage with several key figures in the Notre Dame football program. He spent considerable time with wide receivers coach Mike Brown, whose coaching style and rapport with players left a lasting impression on Finley. “I really like Coach Brown,” Finley remarked. “He has the wide receivers playing fast. You could see him really teaching, and the players were really reacting well to him.” This interaction highlighted the emphasis Notre Dame places on player development and the importance of building strong coach-player relationships.

Another significant aspect of the visit was Finley’s meeting with head coach Marcus Freeman. Finley expressed his admiration for Freeman’s authenticity and leadership qualities. “He’s a genuine person and one of the very best coaches in the nation,” Finley noted. “He’s somebody any player would run through a wall for.” Such sentiments underscore the impact of Freeman’s leadership in attracting top-tier talent to Notre Dame.

The visit also provided Finley with insights into the team’s offensive strategies. He observed spring practices and noted the dynamic nature of the offense under offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. “Coach Denbrock really brought some energy over with him from LSU,” Finley observed. “He has the wide receivers really excited to be a part of the offense.” This exposure to Notre Dame’s offensive schemes allowed Finley to envision how his skill set could be utilized within the system.

Beyond the football program, Finley also took the time to explore the Notre Dame campus. He was impressed by the facilities and the overall atmosphere, which he described as “great.” This holistic experience provided Finley with a comprehensive understanding of what life at Notre Dame would entail, both academically and athletically.

Finley’s visit to Notre Dame was part of a broader trend of multiple visits to the university. He had previously attended a spring practice and a game against Louisville, experiences that further solidified his interest in the program. Each visit allowed him to deepen his understanding of Notre Dame’s culture and how he could contribute to its success.

The Notre Dame coaching staff has been proactive in their recruitment of Finley. They have made multiple visits to Aledo High School, demonstrating their commitment to building a strong relationship with him. These efforts have not gone unnoticed by Finley, who appreciates the personal attention and interest shown by the coaching staff.

As of now, Finley has a plethora of offers from prestigious programs, including Texas, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Penn State. However, Notre Dame’s consistent engagement and the positive experiences during his visits have positioned the Fighting Irish as a strong contender in his recruitment. Recruiting analysts have noted that Notre Dame is among the leaders to land Finley’s commitment, with some even predicting a future commitment to the program.

Looking ahead, Finley plans to continue evaluating his options. He has expressed interest in returning to Notre Dame for future visits, indicating that the Fighting Irish will remain a significant factor in his decision-making process. His recruitment is expected to intensify as the season progresses, with other programs likely to increase their efforts to secure his commitment.

Kaydon Finley’s official visit to Notre Dame in June 2025 was a pivotal moment in his recruitment journey. The visit allowed him to assess the program’s fit for his athletic and academic goals, and the positive experiences have positioned Notre Dame as a strong contender for his commitment. As Finley continues to evaluate his options, the relationships he has built with the Notre Dame coaching staff and his experiences during his visits will undoubtedly play a significant role in his ultimate decision.