Phoenix, Arizona — Devin Fitzgerald, a talented wide receiver from Brophy Preparatory, has announced his commitment to the University of Notre Dame, following in the footsteps of his father, NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald. The announcement came Saturday evening, marking a significant moment in the recruiting landscape for the 2026 class.
Fitzgerald, rated as a three-star prospect and ranked 71st among wide receivers by ESPN, chose the Fighting Irish over several competing programs, including UCLA. His decision adds him as the 24th member of Notre Dame’s stellar recruiting class, which currently holds the fourth position in the national rankings.
From a young age, Fitzgerald has demonstrated exceptional talent on the field, culminating in a standout junior season where he recorded 52 receptions for 720 yards and nine touchdowns. He noted that Notre Dame’s coaching staff, particularly wide receivers coach Mike Brown, has consistently engaged with him since his freshman year. Although the Fighting Irish extended a scholarship offer only in May, Fitzgerald’s recruitment gained momentum this spring as Power 5 schools took notice of his impressive performance.
“I’ve developed into a better player, and they really believe I can excel at the next level,” Fitzgerald said regarding Notre Dame’s confidence in his potential. He highlighted his longstanding connection with Coach Brown, whom he has known since childhood, as pivotal in his recruitment experience. Coach Brown’s vision for Fitzgerald includes an opportunity for early contributions upon his arrival.
Devin Fitzgerald’s journey mirrors that of his father, Larry Fitzgerald, one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. The elder Fitzgerald made a name for himself during his college career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he not only amassed over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his two seasons but also finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and won the Biletnikoff Award. His distinguished NFL career saw him play exclusively for the Arizona Cardinals, retiring as the second all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.
Devin expressed gratitude for the guidance his father has provided throughout the recruiting process, emphasizing the importance of finding a program where he feels he belongs. “You want to go somewhere you feel like you fit in,” he stated.
With Devin’s commitment, Notre Dame continues to bolster its recruiting class, which already includes four-star outside linebacker, the son of former NFL standout Thomas Davis, and four-star wide receiver Kaydon Finley, whose father, Jermichael Finley, was a Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers.
Fitzgerald now joins a growing group of wide receivers in Notre Dame’s 2026 class alongside Finley, Bubba Frazier, and Dylan Faison. The Fighting Irish’s recruiting efforts may not be finished, as Brayden Robinson, currently ranked 293rd, is expected to announce his decision soon, with Notre Dame among his top choices.
As Fitzgerald prepares for the next chapter of his football career, anticipation builds for how his arrival will impact the Fighting Irish’s future on the field.