Notre Dame lands commitment from son of NFL legend for 2026 NCAAF season

Last NCAAF season was a dream run for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. But despite their remarkable campaign, the storied program fell just short of capturing the National Championship trophy in the final game. With redemption firmly in sight, head coach Marcus Freeman is focused on building a championship-caliber roster — and just recently, he added the son of an NFL icon for the future.

The offense continues to take shape — even more so with the recent commitment of Devin Fitzgerald, son of Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald. The 3-star recruit arrives as one of the program’s key bets for the future.

The news was reported by college football insider Hayes Fawcett, who shared the development via his official X account (formerly Twitter), highlighting this intriguing move by one of the top contenders for the national title.

“BREAKING: Class of 2026 WR Devin Fitzgerald has Committed to Notre Dame, he tells me for @rivals. The 6’2 205 WR from Phoenix, AZ chose the Fighting Irish over Clemson, Stanford, & UCLA. He is the son of NFL Legend Larry Fitzgerald,” the insider reported via @Hayesfawcett3.

Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill and Devin Fitzgerald during NFL game at State Farm Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 47-24.

Carrying on Larry’s legacy

Devin’s arrival to the Fighting Irish could have a significant impact on the program, as Notre Dame looks to once again position itself among the top title contenders. The son of legendary Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps and carve out his own path to greatness.

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Larry made his mark at the collegiate level with the Pittsburgh Panthers, where his standout performances earned him the No. 3 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Arizona had the privilege of selecting him — and the rest, as they say, is history.

An 11-time Pro Bowler, 2-time NFL receptions leader, 2-time receiving touchdowns leader, and First-Team All-Pro, Larry Fitzgerald carved out an iconic 16-season career in Glendale — cementing his status as one of the game’s living legends. Now the question is: can his son write a legacy of his own?

Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the side of the field during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 19, 2020 in Seattle, Washington.

What’s in store for the Fighting Irish in 2025?

For the upcoming season, Notre Dame’s primary objective is to reach the National Championship Game once again. Head Coach Marcus Freeman is determined to guide the program back to college football’s pinnacle, aiming to solidify the Fighting Irish’s position among the elite in FBS.

His vision extends beyond just a championship appearance; it’s about consistent excellence. The team will be focused on maximizing talent development and fostering a winning culture to ensure they are a perennial contender for the national title.