Larry Fitzgerald’s Son, Devin, Commits to Notre Dame: A Legacy Continues in South Bend
By [Your Name], July 12, 2025
In a move that’s sending ripples across the college football landscape, Class of 2026 wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald — the son of NFL legend and Hall of Fame-bound receiver Larry Fitzgerald — has committed to the University of Notre Dame. The announcement, made on July 5, 2025, ends a hotly contested recruiting battle and marks the continuation of a remarkable football leg act
Fitzgerald, a rising senior at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona, chose the Fighting Irish over top-tier programs including Alabama, Clemson, Stanford, and UCLA. Though many assumed he might follow his father’s footsteps to the University of Pittsburgh, Devin charted his own path — and one rooted in what he described as “purpose, people, and the power of tradition.”
“It just felt right,” Fitzgerald told 247Sports. “When I was on campus, I felt like I belonged. The coaches, the academic support, the faith — it all lined up with who I am and what I want to become.”
A Rising Star in the 2026 Class
Devin Fitzgerald has been steadily climbing recruiting boards since his breakout sophomore season. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he brings a rare combination of size, body control, and route discipline, drawing natural comparisons to his father. In 2024, he hauled in 52 receptions for 720 yards and nine touchdowns, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make contested catches in traffic.
Recruiting services vary in their evaluations, with ESPN listing him as a three-star prospect while Rivals and On3 have him trending toward four-star status. Regardless of his current star rating, scouts see Fitzgerald as a high-upside, polished receiver with an NFL pedigree — and the work ethic to match.
“Devin’s not just a legacy,” said Brophy head coach Jason Jewell. “He works like he’s trying to earn everything from scratch. That’s what separates him.”
A Perfect Fit for Notre Dame
For Notre Dame, Fitzgerald represents more than just a name. He’s the first wide receiver commit in the Irish’s 2026 class, which is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory. Head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock made Fitzgerald a top priority early, making multiple trips to Phoenix and hosting him on multiple visits in South Bend.
Their efforts paid off.
“Coach Freeman talked to me about how Notre Dame develops men, not just football players,” Fitzgerald said. “That really resonated with me and my family. They believe in me as a player, but more importantly as a person.”
The Irish offense, which has emphasized pro-style balance with vertical passing elements, is an ideal match for Fitzgerald’s skillset. He’s a disciplined route-runner who thrives in structured systems, much like Notre Dame’s current offensive philosophy. With several veteran receivers set to graduate in the next two years, Fitzgerald will have an opportunity to compete for early playing time.
A Legacy, Reimagined
While Devin’s commitment is naturally being compared to his father’s iconic career, both he and Larry Fitzgerald Sr. have emphasized the importance of carving out his own path.
“I’m proud of him for doing things his way,” the elder Fitzgerald said during an interview with The Athletic. “He’s not trying to be me. He’s trying to be better — as a student, as a man, and as a player. I couldn’t be more proud of that.”
Larry Fitzgerald, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and the second all-time leading receiver in NFL history, starred at Pittsburgh before becoming a franchise cornerstone with the Arizona Cardinals. Despite his deep ties to the Panthers and a well-documented affinity for the program, he gave his son full independence in making his college decision.
“He earned this moment on his own,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s a Notre Dame man now.”
What This Means for Notre Dame
Landing Fitzgerald is a significant win for Notre Dame — not only because of his talent, but because of what his commitment signals. The Fighting Irish continue to establish themselves as a national recruiting power under Marcus Freeman, particularly with high-profile prospects from talent-rich states like Arizona and California.
More than anything, though, Fitzgerald’s commitment symbolizes the continued appeal of Notre Dame’s unique combination of football tradition, elite academics, and spiritual identity.
“Devin is exactly the kind of student-athlete we want representing Notre Dame,” said Freeman in a brief statement. “He’s humble, hungry, and has a great head on his shoulders. We can’t wait to see what he brings to this program.”
Final Thoughts
While there’s still a full high school season ahead before Fitzgerald dons the gold helmet in South Bend, the excitement surrounding his commitment is palpable. Notre Dame not only secured a promising wide receiver, but also gained a new chapter in one of football’s most iconic family stories.
The Irish faithful have a new Fitzgerald to root for — and if the early signs are any indication, Devin is ready to write his own name into the annals of college football history.
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