Fitzgerald Dynasty Extends to South Bend: Legacy WR Devin Fitzgerald Commits to Notre Dame

The echoes of NFL greatness will soon reverberate through the hallowed grounds of Notre Dame Stadium. Devin Fitzgerald, a highly touted four-star wide receiver prospect from Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona, has officially flipped his commitment to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, choosing the Golden Dome over the North Carolina Tar Heels and several other prominent programs. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound athlete, son of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, announced his decision, sending ripples of excitement through the Notre Dame faithful and the college football recruiting landscape. This move marks a significant victory for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff, adding a player with exceptional pedigree and promising talent to their 2026 recruiting class.

Fitzgerald’s recruitment has been closely watched, not only due to his lineage but also because of his impressive skillset. As a junior at Brophy Prep, he showcased his abilities by hauling in 52 receptions for 720 yards and nine touchdowns. These statistics highlight his reliability as a pass-catcher, his ability to gain significant yardage after the catch, and his knack for finding the endzone. His size and athleticism make him a versatile threat, capable of playing both in the slot and on the outside. Several recruiting services consider him a top-100 wide receiver in the 2026 class, underscoring the value he brings to any program.

The allure of Notre Dame proved strong for Fitzgerald, even after he had included North Carolina among his top schools. He had scheduled official visits to several programs, including UCLA, Clemson, Stanford, and North Carolina, with a visit to Notre Dame slated for the weekend of June 13th. However, the connection with the Fighting Irish seemed to deepen over time. Notre Dame offered Fitzgerald a scholarship earlier this month, solidifying their position as a serious contender. He had also visited South Bend on multiple occasions, including a junior day event in January, indicating a sustained interest in the program.

The family connection to Notre Dame, while not direct through his father’s playing career, appears to have played a role. Larry Fitzgerald, despite his legendary status with the Pittsburgh Panthers in college and the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL, has reportedly spoken positively about the Notre Dame program. This endorsement, coupled with the strong family atmosphere often associated with the Fighting Irish, likely resonated with Devin as he navigated his recruitment. Furthermore, Brophy College Preparatory has a history of sending talented players to Notre Dame, including current freshman cornerback Cree Thomas and former standout Benjamin Morrison, who was recently drafted into the NFL. This existing pipeline and familiarity with the school could have also influenced Fitzgerald’s decision.

The commitment of Devin Fitzgerald is a significant boost to Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class, which is already shaping up to be a strong one. The Irish currently have a number of verbal commitments from top prospects across the country, including several offensive playmakers and defensive standouts. Adding a receiver of Fitzgerald’s caliber enhances the offensive firepower of the class and provides a high-ceiling talent for the future. His blend of size, speed, and strong hands fits the mold of the type of receiver Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock typically seeks.

For North Carolina, the de-commitment is a setback, as Fitzgerald was a key target for their 2026 class. The Tar Heels, now under the leadership of new head coach Bill Belichick, are working to build a strong recruiting foundation. While they have secured commitments from several promising players, missing out on a talent like Fitzgerald, especially after being considered a top contender, will undoubtedly sting. They will now need to focus on other targets to bolster their wide receiver corps for the 2026 season.

The legacy of Larry Fitzgerald looms large, but Devin Fitzgerald is determined to carve his own path. While the comparisons to his father are inevitable, Devin possesses his own unique skillset and potential. His commitment to Notre Dame provides him with a platform to develop his talents at a program with a rich history and a track record of producing NFL-caliber players. The Fighting Irish will be hoping that Devin can follow in his father’s footsteps and become a dominant force on the collegiate gridiron before potentially making his own mark in the professional ranks.

The addition of Devin Fitzgerald underscores Notre Dame’s continued ability to attract top talent from across the nation. Coach Freeman and his staff have emphasized building strong relationships with recruits and their families, and this commitment is a testament to those efforts. The Fighting Irish are aiming to build a program that can consistently compete for national championships, and securing players with the potential of Devin Fitzgerald is a crucial step in achieving that goal. The Notre Dame faithful will eagerly await his arrival on campus and the opportunity to witness the next chapter in the Fitzgerald football legacy unfold in South Bend. His commitment has undoubtedly added another layer of intrigue and anticipation to the future of Notre Dame football.