Devin Fitzgerald, the son of Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald, has officially committed to Notre Dame, marking his choice over UCLA and further solidifying the Fighting Irish’s reputation for attracting top-tier recruits from NFL families. The 3-star receiver, ranked 55th in his 2026 class by 247Sports.com, is a three-star prospect out of Brophy Prep in Arizona. His decision adds to the growing list of NFL stars’ children playing for Notre Dame, including past recruits like Shedeur Sanders, Jerome Bettis Jr., and Elijah Burress.
Devin Fitzgerald’s commitment comes after Notre Dame offered him a scholarship in May following his junior season, where he recorded 52 receptions for 720 yards and nine touchdowns. He highlighted his strong relationship with head coach Mike Brown, whom he has known since he was five years old. The elder Fitzgerald, now set to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026, has a deep connection to the university, having developed his own career there, and has encouraged his son to take advantage of the opportunities available.
The recruitment of Devin Fitzgerald underscores Notre Dame’s strategic approach to building a future football dynasty by attracting the next generation of NFL talent. The Fighting Irish have continued to attract high-profile recruits, including Thomas Davis Jr., the son of ex-Carolina Panthers All-Pro Thomas Davis, who also plans to join the team in 2026. This trend reflects the program’s ability to maintain its legacy and draw from NFL families, creating a unique pipeline of talent that could shape the future of college football.