Notre Dame Lands Commitment From 2026 WR Devin Fitzgerald, Son of NFL Legend Larry Fitzgerald, Adding Star Power to Recruiting Class

Notre Dame Football made waves this weekend by adding a name that resonates far beyond South Bend: Devin Fitzgerald, son of Hall of Fame receiver Larry Fitzgerald, has officially committed to the University of Notre Dame. This moment unites pedigree, talent, and ambition under the Golden Dome and adds a compelling chapter to an already storied recruiting narrative.

Building the Looming Legacy

Devin’s commitment isn’t just a headline grabber—it’s a statement. As a four-star wide receiver from Brophy College Prep in Phoenix, Arizona, he’s proven on tape and on the field that his reputation isn’t solely defined by his lineage. Yet, the Fitzgerald name carries undeniable cachet in football circles. Larry Fitzgerald Sr.’s 17-year NFL career, near-record longevity, and status as one of the game’s greatest hands-men lends instant legitimacy—and expectation—to Devin’s future.

Devin stepped onto national radars early. Sporting explosiveness at the top of routes and a catch radius reminiscent of his father, he caught 61 passes for 1,023 yards and 11 touchdowns his junior year and earned first-team All-State honors. He also ran track, showcasing sub-11-second 100-meter speed—proof of both his athleticism and explosiveness.

But what impressed Notre Dame staff is how grounded and mature he appears. “He’s thoughtful, driven, and has a worker’s mindset. You feel comfortable having him around teammates,” said a source involved in his recruitment.

The Recruitment Journey

Devin’s recruitment was electric: offers from powerhouses Georgia, Alabama, Michigan and his father’s alma mater, Pittsburgh, created a war of interest. But Notre Dame built early momentum.

Wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey made an impressionous initial visit, praising Devin’s competitive spirit and football IQ. Patrick Sargent, the program’s recruiting coordinator, emphasized their vision of Devin flourishing in a broad receiver corps that values cerebral route-running, contested catch ability, and versatility in offensive schemes.

A major turning point came during Devin’s June official visit. Seeing the Golden Dome up close, meeting the current roster and staff, and attending an open locker room experience seemed to solidify his decision. Both his father and Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman were there for some of those recruiting events—joining a memorable meeting that Devin later described as “special.”

“Meeting Coach Freeman meant a lot,” Devin said. “He’s clear about the type of player and person they develop—on and off the field. That resonated.”

Notre Dame’s 2026 Class: Already Elite

Devin becomes the sixth Blue-Chip recruit in Notre Dame’s 2026 class, which ranks top-three nationally. The class includes:

• Ty Hawkins (QB, TX) – A dual-threat passer ranked in the top 15 nationally.

• Elijah Dixon (S, OH) – A hard-hitting safety with range.

• Caleb Warner (OL, PA) – A powerful gut-door interior lineman.

• Brayden Robinson (WR, TX) – A speedster with rocket-burst first step.

• Devin Fitzgerald (WR, AZ) – A polished route runner with pedigree.

Previously, the Irish secured U.S. Army All-American selections and projected immediate-impact athletes on all phases. Adding Devin bolsters both the offense and the star-power narrative. He slots alongside Brayden Robinson to create a potentially formidable wide receiver room in 2026—one with size, speed, difference-making ability, and now NFL lineage.

Moreover, Devin’s stated intention to enroll early in January strengthens the early enrollee tradition that Freeman’s staff has cultivated. This helps deeper roster building and potentially challenges for immediate playing time.

Why Why This Commitment Matters

1. NFL Pedigree: The Fitzgerald name transcends eras. Larry’s résumé—11 Pro Bowls, Cardinals franchise records, sustained elite performance—brings awareness and raised expectations. Devin inherits not only a legacy, but also lessons from one of the best route technicians of his generation.

2. Recruiting Momentum: The commitment fuels Notre Dame’s visibility in the Arizona/Texas region. Devin adds to a growing trend of the Irish pulling talent from historically SEC-dominant territories. Coaches believe they can sustain and even expand this pipeline.

3. On-field Utility: Devin’s game fits Notre Dame’s evolving passing system. The offense under coordinator Mike Denbrock and Freeman is geared toward more explosive playmakers, diversified releases, and contested-catch environments. Devin’s core strengths align with this philosophy.

4. Program Image: Notre Dame is viewed less as a football relic and more as a national contender with cultural currency. Devin’s decision—despite heavy SEC/ACC offers and his family’s Philly roots—speaks to the university’s rising attractiveness at both athletic and institutional levels.

Devin Fitzgerald: Player Profile

Physical Traits:

• 6’-2” | 185 lbs

• 4.58–4.65 40-yard dash (verified)

• Demonstrates NFL-like extended catch radius

Playing Style:

• Precise triple-chip footwork

• Effortless top-tier body control in contested situations

• Strong after-catch burst, fitting well in YAC-based concepts

• Special teams value with return ability

Strengths:

• Football IQ: Reads defenses quickly, adjusts on the fly

• Hands: Rare elasticity—secure, naturally inclines toward tough catches

• Versatility: Played both X and Z outside receiver roles, capable of motion schemes

• Leadership: Expresses humility, weightless confidence, team-first mentality

What Comes Next for Devin and Notre Dame

Senior Year Impact: Brophy College Prep will rely heavily on Devin for production, but Notre Dame staff expect continued relationship nurturing. Planned wolf-packs include fall visits, community events, and off-season workouts. Devin is expected to visit a 2025 home game (likely late September) as a household name by then.

Early Enrollment Potential: If Devin enrolls by January 2026, he can participate in spring ball, battle immediately for playing time, and learn the college-level offense early—an important step toward freshmen contributors like Brayden Robinson and Ty Hawkins.

Future NFL Projection: Analysts view him as a Day 2 prospect with Rosario potential—compensating for size and speed with elite route-run and hand eye coordination. A strong college career could push him into first-round conversations.

Brand and NIL Future: As Larry’s son, Devin enters with built-in public interest and branding appeal. Notre Dame’s partnership-ready environment—coupled with local options in South Bend, Indianapolis, Chicago—gives him firm freedom to develop both athletic and personal brand foundations.

Quotes That Capture the Moment

Marcus Freeman:

“Devin brings traits we chase in every recruit—intelligence, accuracy, passion. And coming in as Larry Fitzgerald’s son brings that combined cultural dimension we value.”

Larry Fitzgerald Sr.:

“Notre Dame’s cultural foundations—academically, athletically—aligned best with what we wanted for Devin’s future.”

Devin Fitzgerald:

“Growing up, I always dreamed of playing somewhere with history, expectations, and development. Notre Dame doesn’t just talk that—it delivers it whole-heartedly.”

A New Chapter Starts in South Bend

Five-star bluechips bring wins; legacy blue-chips bring depth and permanence. Devin Fitzgerald’s commitment not only shores up Notre Dame’s 2026 class but sends a signal about where the Irish see themselves: as destination for elite athletes balancing character, belief, and craft. To the fit, brand, football lore—they have it now.

For Devin, the journey begins officially this fall—dominating his high school field, absorbing culture, and preparing for January’s national signing day spotlight. For Notre Dame, it’s validation—and a lever to push for more high-level talent.

Notre Dame Nation sat up. So have college football insiders.

Welcome to South Bend, Devin Fitzgerald. The Golden Dome just got a spotlight-ed brighter—even beyond your father’s shadow.