Carrying a famous name in football often brings as much pressure as promise. For the sons of former stars, every step is watched and scrutinized.
Larry Fitzgerald built his reputation on consistency, discipline, and production over a Hall of Fame career. Years after his final snap, his son is now the center of attention with different colors, a new setting, and his father’s experience guiding the way.
How Notre Dame Landed Devin Fitzgerald in Marcus Freeman’s Legacy Recruiting Strategy
Three-star wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald, son of Hall of Famer Larry, committed to Notre Dame Fighting Irish on July 5, selecting the Fighting Irish over Clemson, Stanford, and UCLA.
At 6’2″ and 205 pounds, Fitzgerald starred at Brophy Prep in Phoenix, where he caught 52 passes for 720 yards and nine touchdowns during his junior season. He becomes another legacy recruit for head coach Marcus Freeman, who has made adding former NFL players’ sons a key part of his 2026 class strategy.
In Saturday’s announcement on the 247Sports YouTube channel, Fitzgerald revealed he chose the Irish after building a relationship with Fighting Irish receivers coach Mike Brown, whom he has known since age 5. His connection with the staff helped seal his decision over other top programs that recruited him hard.
“Having my dad there to help me throughout the recruiting process has been great,” Fitzgerald said. “He knows what’s important. You want to go somewhere you feel like you belong and where you fit in.” The receiver shared this sentiment during his commitment announcement and in a conversation with ESPN.
The younger Fitzgerald is rated a three-star recruit by most services and No. 150 among 2026 wide receivers, though some outlets rank him higher.
Notre Dame offered him in early May after his breakout season and pursued him aggressively, aware of his technical polish and improving athleticism. His junior year numbers put him on the radar of several Power Four programs, but the Irish made him feel like a priority from day one.
What Son of Larry Fitzgerald Brings to Notre Dame’s Already Loaded Receiver Room
Fitzgerald enters a receivers room loaded with talent, including NFL legacy peers Kaydon Finley, the son of former Green Bay tight end Jermichael Finley, as well as Bubba Frazier and Dylan Faison.
The competition will be fierce, but Freeman has shown he can develop multiple receivers simultaneously. Overall, the 2026 class now boasts 24 commits and ranks in the national top five.
Freeman‘s track record with legacy recruits dates back to players like Jerome Bettis Jr., Jordan Clark, and Elijah Burress. Under his leadership, the Fighting Irish completed the 2024 season with a 14-2 record, captured two New Year’s Six bowls, and narrowly lost the national title game to Ohio State this year.
That success helps when recruiting players whose fathers know what championship-level programs look like.
Fitzgerald is a sharp route runner with strong hands, skills his father showed throughout his 11-time Pro Bowl NFL career.
At Brophy Prep, he’s gotten faster and stronger each season, matching Freeman’s plan to add receivers who can contribute early. His 720 receiving yards as a junior came despite teams often bracketing him with double coverage, knowing he was the primary threat.
The commitment gives Notre Dame another weapon in what could be one of the most talented receiving corps in recent memory.
With Freeman continuing to land top-tier legacy recruits, the Irish are building something special for the future. Fitzgerald’s decision shows that players with NFL bloodlines still see South Bend as a place where they can develop and compete at the highest level.