Notre Dame Lands Commitment From NFL Legend Larry Fitzgerald’s Son, Who Will Continue His Family Legacy In South Bend

Notre Dame Football just secured one of its most headline-grabbing commitments of the 2026 recruiting cycle—and it comes with one of the most famous last names in the sport. Devin Fitzgerald, the son of NFL icon and future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish over the weekend, setting the stage for a new generation of Fitzgerald excellence to unfold in South Bend.

Devin, a standout wide receiver in his own right, had been one of the most highly coveted prospects in the nation. The Class of 2026 playmaker received more than 30 scholarship offers from blue-blood programs across the country, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, USC, and Michigan. But in the end, the allure of Notre Dame’s tradition, academics, and rapidly evolving offense under head coach Marcus Freeman proved impossible to resist.

For Notre Dame, this commitment is about far more than just name recognition—it’s about adding elite talent to an already loaded pipeline of offensive weapons. Devin Fitzgerald isn’t riding his father’s coattails. He’s been making his own waves on the recruiting circuit with an impressive blend of size, speed, and route-running savvy that has drawn comparisons to some of the top young receivers in college football.

At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Fitzgerald brings a prototypical frame to the position, giving Notre Dame a reliable target who can line up on the outside or in the slot. His hands are as reliable as you’d expect from the son of one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, and scouts have praised his football IQ and work ethic, often noting his ability to break down coverages and find soft spots in the defense.

But make no mistake, this isn’t simply about genetics or legacy. Devin Fitzgerald’s recruitment has been closely tracked by nearly every major outlet for the past two years, with some analysts projecting him as the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2026 class. His highlight reels are filled with jaw-dropping catches, crisp footwork, and an ability to separate from defenders that sets him apart from his peers.

For Notre Dame, his commitment sends a clear message that the Irish intend to compete with the nation’s elite for top offensive talent. Under Freeman, Notre Dame has aggressively reshaped its recruiting identity, landing blue-chip quarterbacks, dynamic receivers, and game-changing playmakers across the board. Adding Fitzgerald not only bolsters that trend but brings an undeniable level of national attention and credibility to the program.

“I’ve always loved Notre Dame,” Fitzgerald said during his announcement. “It’s a special place with a special tradition. I want to be part of building something great there, and I believe Coach Freeman and the staff have this program heading in the right direction.”

His father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr., offered his full support of the decision, noting that Notre Dame’s emphasis on character development, academics, and athletic excellence made it the ideal place for his son to grow.

As for Larry Fitzgerald Jr., the 11-time Pro Bowler, 2008 Walter Payton Man of the Year, and second all-time leader in NFL receiving yards has largely stayed in the background during his son’s recruitment, allowing Devin to chart his own course. But the elder Fitzgerald couldn’t hide his pride after the announcement, sharing a simple but heartfelt message on social media: “Proud of you, son. The journey continues. Go Irish ☘️.”

For Notre Dame fans, the commitment represents more than just another name on the roster—it’s symbolic of the momentum building under Freeman, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Historically known for its physicality and stout defense, Notre Dame has sometimes struggled to consistently produce explosive plays in the passing game. Fitzgerald’s arrival is expected to help change that narrative.

Pairing Fitzgerald with the Irish’s recent high-profile quarterback commitments provides a glimpse of a potentially dynamic aerial attack that could rival the nation’s best. In recent years, Notre Dame has made significant strides in attracting elite talent to South Bend, and Fitzgerald’s decision only reinforces the program’s upward trajectory.

Recruiting insiders say Notre Dame’s offensive vision under new coordinator Mike Denbrock played a pivotal role in the younger Fitzgerald’s decision. Denbrock, who returned to South Bend after successful stints at LSU and Cincinnati, has been instrumental in modernizing the Irish’s offense, emphasizing speed, versatility, and creativity.

“Notre Dame is building something different,” one national recruiting analyst said. “They’ve always had tradition and toughness, but now they’re stacking elite skill players who can change games. Devin Fitzgerald fits that mold perfectly.”

The younger Fitzgerald has already drawn comparisons to his father—not only because of his surname but because of his smooth route-running and ability to make contested catches look effortless. While still developing physically, scouts believe he possesses the tools to contribute early in his college career and eventually emerge as a key piece in Notre Dame’s pursuit of a national championship.

It’s been nearly two decades since Larry Fitzgerald electrified the college football world at the University of Pittsburgh, finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist before embarking on his legendary NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals. Now, the Fitzgerald name returns to the college football spotlight, this time in the blue and gold of Notre Dame.

The Irish faithful, always passionate and fiercely loyal, have wasted no time embracing the newest member of their football family. Social media erupted with excitement following Devin’s announcement, with fans eagerly envisioning touchdown catches in front of a packed Notre Dame Stadium and dreaming of another Fitzgerald carving his name into football history.

But beyond the headlines and expectations, those closest to Devin Fitzgerald describe him as humble, driven, and focused on the work ahead.

“Devin understands the expectations, but he’s always been his own person,” one of his high school coaches shared. “He works hard, he studies the game, and he’s committed to getting better. His last name might open doors, but his talent and dedication are what’s going to keep him on the field.”

As the Class of 2026 cycle unfolds, Notre Dame’s recruiting class continues to take shape, and landing Devin Fitzgerald is already being heralded as one of the crown jewels. His commitment adds to a growing list of blue-chip prospects heading to South Bend, many of whom have cited a belief in Coach Freeman’s vision and a desire to be part of something transformative.

Notre Dame hasn’t hoisted a national championship trophy since 1988, but optimism within the program is reaching new heights. With a revamped offensive identity, relentless recruiting efforts, and now the addition of one of the sport’s most recognizable family names, the Fighting Irish appear poised to challenge for college football’s ultimate prize in the years ahead.

For Devin Fitzgerald, the journey is only just beginning. The bright lights, the legacy conversations, and the inevitable comparisons will follow him every step of the way. But if his track record is any indication, he’s ready to embrace the challenge, blaze his own trail, and carry the Fitzgerald name into a new era of Notre Dame football greatness.