Notre Dame Strikes Gold: Larry Fitzgerald’s Son, Elite 2026 WR Devin Fitzgerald, Commits to Fighting Irish Football Dynasty

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish just landed one of the biggest recruiting prizes in recent memory, and this one comes with NFL royalty in his bloodline. Devin Fitzgerald, a highly-touted wide receiver from the Class of 2026 and the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame lock and 11-time Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald, has officially committed to play for Notre Dame, he announced Saturday night via social media.

It’s a monumental recruiting victory for Marcus Freeman’s program, signaling that the Fighting Irish remain a powerhouse destination for elite talent as they continue their pursuit of national championship contention. But beyond the headline appeal of his last name, Devin Fitzgerald brings a game of his own that scouts have been raving about for years — polished, explosive, and remarkably mature for his age.

Fitzgerald, listed at 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, attends Pinnacle High School in Phoenix, Arizona — the same state where his father became a legend on Sundays as the face of the Arizona Cardinals. Ranked as a consensus top-10 wide receiver nationally for the 2026 cycle, Devin has drawn scholarship offers from nearly every major program in the country, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, USC, Michigan, and his father’s alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh.

But after extensive visits, countless conversations with the Notre Dame staff, and deep reflection with his family, Devin Fitzgerald made it clear Saturday night that South Bend is where he wants to carve his own legacy.

“It’s home,” Fitzgerald said during his announcement. “Notre Dame isn’t just a football program — it’s a family, it’s tradition, it’s excellence on and off the field. I grew up watching my dad compete at the highest level, but he always told me greatness starts with the people you surround yourself with. The Notre Dame staff, the players, the community — it just felt right.”

For Notre Dame, the commitment is not only a statement for their 2026 recruiting class, but it also underscores the national reach and pedigree the program still commands. Devin Fitzgerald is considered one of the most polished high school receivers to emerge in years. He combines crisp route-running, elite footwork, soft hands, and an understanding of defensive coverages that scouts say belies his age.

Some even argue that having Larry Fitzgerald as a personal mentor has accelerated Devin’s football IQ far beyond typical high school prospects. According to Pinnacle head coach Dana Zupke, Devin’s preparation, work ethic, and technical refinement have set him apart.

“Devin doesn’t act like a kid living in his father’s shadow — he works like someone trying to write his own story,” Zupke said in a recent interview. “You can tell he’s been around greatness his whole life, but he’s putting in the hours, the film study, the grind to be his own player. Notre Dame’s getting not just a big-time recruit, but a leader.”

Devin’s father, Larry Fitzgerald, has largely stayed quiet publicly regarding his son’s recruitment, emphasizing that the decision ultimately belongs to Devin. But sources close to the family say Larry was impressed by Notre Dame’s balance of academics, athletics, and character development — values he’s long prioritized.

Larry Fitzgerald, of course, is one of the most decorated wide receivers in NFL history. Over a 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals, he amassed 11 Pro Bowl selections, was named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, and retired second all-time in career receiving yards behind only Jerry Rice. He’s widely revered for his professionalism, consistency, and sportsmanship — qualities many scouts say Devin already exhibits.

For Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, securing Devin Fitzgerald is another feather in the cap of a recruiting campaign that has elevated the Irish’s national profile. Since taking over, Freeman has emphasized landing elite offensive playmakers to complement Notre Dame’s traditionally strong defense and offensive line units.

Fitzgerald’s commitment is a continuation of that philosophy. His presence, paired with recent blue-chip quarterback commitments, positions Notre Dame as a future offensive juggernaut capable of contending with college football’s elite.

While Fitzgerald still has two years of high school football ahead, his skill set is already drawing comparisons to current collegiate stars — and even to his father in certain aspects. Recruiting analysts describe Devin as an exceptional route technician, a reliable target in contested catch situations, and a receiver who thrives in both the short and vertical passing game.

“I see flashes of his dad — the way Devin tracks the football, how smooth he is in and out of breaks,” said 247Sports analyst Blair Angulo. “But Devin’s building his own game. He’s a little more versatile early on — you can line him up inside, outside, use him in motion. His football IQ is outstanding, and he’s just scratching the surface of his physical potential.”

The commitment also carries significance beyond the football field. Notre Dame’s academic rigor and holistic development approach were reportedly major factors in Fitzgerald’s decision. The Fitzgerald family has long emphasized education and community involvement, aligning with Notre Dame’s core values.

For Fighting Irish fans, Devin Fitzgerald’s commitment evokes excitement, optimism, and nostalgia. It’s a reminder that the Notre Dame brand remains powerful — not only attracting top-tier recruits but also players from storied football families.

The Irish faithful wasted no time flooding social media with celebrations and welcome messages for Fitzgerald. Some pointed to his commitment as a signal that Notre Dame is positioning itself to break through the College Football Playoff barrier and return to national championship prominence.

Meanwhile, Fitzgerald remains focused on the work ahead. His message to Notre Dame fans Saturday night was clear — he’s ready to earn everything that comes with the spotlight.

“This is just the beginning,” Fitzgerald said. “Nothing’s guaranteed because of my name. I’ve got to work for everything, and I’m coming to Notre Dame to compete, to get better, and to win championships.”

The Fighting Irish’s 2026 class, already ranked among the top groups nationally, just received its most significant boost with Fitzgerald’s pledge. The future star receiver is expected to enroll in South Bend after completing his senior season at Pinnacle High, where he’ll look to lead his team to an Arizona state championship while continuing to hone his craft.

For now, the buzz around Notre Dame Football is reaching new heights. And with Devin Fitzgerald on board, the Irish just might be building something special — blending tradition, talent, and the promise of a new generation ready to leave its mark.

As the saying goes in South Bend — Play Like a Champion Today. And come 2026, Devin Fitzgerald plans to do just that, while carrying a legendary name into the next chapter of his family’s football legacy.