The landscape of college football recruiting is a perpetual motion machine, constantly churning out new stars and pivotal decisions. Few commitment announcements generate as much intrigue and anticipation as that of Devin Fitzgerald, a highly-touted wide receiver in the Class of 2026. Not only is Fitzgerald a top-100 recruit at his position, but he also carries the weight of an illustrious NFL legacy as the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald. The younger Fitzgerald has meticulously navigated a demanding recruitment process, taking official visits to premier programs across the nation. Now, the moment of truth arrives on July 5th, when he is set to announce his college choice from a final, formidable quartet: Notre Dame, Clemson, UCLA, or Stanford.
Devin Fitzgerald, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing around 185-195 pounds, has emerged as one of the most exciting pass-catching talents in his class. Playing for Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona, he showcased his abilities during his junior season, recording 52 receptions for 720 yards and nine touchdowns. Scouts praise his polished route-running, strong hands (a trait undoubtedly influenced by his legendary father), and ability to make contested catches. He’s also reportedly been focused on enhancing his athleticism, emphasizing speed work and recovery in his offseason training, hinting at an even higher ceiling.
His recruitment process has been thorough, with official visits to all four of his finalists over the past two months. Each program offers a unique blend of academic rigor, football success, and cultural environment, making Fitzgerald’s decision a truly personal one.
Let’s examine what each of these collegiate titans brings to the table and why Devin Fitzgerald considered them for his future:
- The Appeal: Notre Dame holds significant sway, and current recruiting predictions, notably from Rivals and 247Sports, indicate the Fighting Irish as the frontrunner. The allure of “Fighting Irish” football is unparalleled – a program steeped in tradition, academic excellence, and a passionate national fanbase. For Fitzgerald, the “South Bend had a great energy to it” and the overall “environment was all about brotherhood, a very tight-knit group, focused, and built on real relationships.” The opportunity to play for Coach Marcus Freeman, who is actively shaping a strong culture, is also a major draw. Freeman’s hands-on approach with recruits, including hosting official visitors at his house, appears to have resonated deeply with Fitzgerald. He also has a former teammate, Cree Thomas, committed to Notre Dame in the 2025 class, providing a familiar face and a strong recruiting voice.
- Football Outlook: Notre Dame consistently fields competitive teams and has made College Football Playoff appearances, including a recent run in 2024 that saw them reach the National Championship against Ohio State. While they lost, their presence at the top tier of college football is undeniable. The opportunity to play for a national title contender with a storied history is a powerful incentive.
- Academic Prowess: Notre Dame’s academic reputation is elite, aligning with the “lifetime commitment” philosophy that Larry Fitzgerald has reportedly emphasized to his son, stressing that a college choice is “not just a four-year commitment.”
- The Appeal: Clemson under Head Coach Dabo Swinney has established itself as a perennial national championship contender. Fitzgerald noted, “It is impressive to see what Clemson and coach Dabo Swinney have been doing.” Clemson’s consistent success, including winning the ACC almost every year and making regular College Football Playoff appearances, is a strong pull. The program is also known for its strong “family-oriented” culture, with a low transfer portal attrition rate, suggesting a focus on player development and loyalty. Fitzgerald took an official visit to Clemson from May 30 to June 2.
- Football Outlook: Clemson’s sustained success on the field speaks for itself. They offer a winning culture, elite coaching, and a clear path to high-level competition and potentially the NFL. Their offensive system, while evolving, has produced NFL-caliber wide receivers.
- Academic Standing: While not as academically renowned as Stanford or Notre Dame, Clemson provides a strong academic environment and a supportive structure for student-athletes.
- The Appeal: UCLA offers a unique combination of high-level football, elite academics, and an attractive location in Southern California. Fitzgerald’s comments highlight this balance: “UCLA is in California and offers a great education. You get to play against everyone in the Big Ten there. It offers the best of both worlds: high-level football and high-level academics, along with a great location1.” He has a “great relationship” with Coach DeShaun Foster and wide receivers coach Burl Toler and also noted his liking for “the quarterback situation they gave over there.” Fitzgerald took his official visit to UCLA in May.
- Football Outlook: With their move to the Big Ten, UCLA is entering a new era of competitive football, facing some of the nation’s strongest programs. This provides an exciting challenge and a chance to make an immediate impact in a new conference. Coach Foster is also working to cultivate a strong culture in Westwood.
- Academic Standing: UCLA is a top-tier public university, providing an excellent education and significant opportunities beyond football, aligning with the importance of academics.
- The Appeal: Stanford’s draw is primarily its unparalleled academic prestige combined with a strong, albeit recently less dominant, football program. For a player like Fitzgerald, whose father emphasizes post-football life, Stanford’s connections and ability to “set you up for life after football” are incredibly appealing. “So many successful people went there,” Fitzgerald stated, recognizing the power of the Stanford alumni network. He officially visited Stanford in early June.
- Football Outlook: Stanford has faced some challenges on the field in recent years but is striving to rebuild under new leadership. The opportunity to be part of a program’s resurgence, while still competing in a power conference, could be attractive.
- Academic Prowess: Stanford University is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, offering an education that is second to none and opening doors to countless opportunities.
While Devin Fitzgerald is forging his own path, the shadow of his legendary father, Larry Fitzgerald, is undeniably present. Larry Fitzgerald, known for his incredible hands, longevity, and professionalism during his Hall of Fame career with the Arizona Cardinals, has reportedly taken a hands-off approach to his son’s recruitment, encouraging him to make his own decision based on what’s important to him. However, the emphasis on academics and the long-term impact of a college choice clearly stems from his father’s wisdom. This guidance suggests that the “lifetime commitment” aspect of a university will play a significant role in Devin’s final decision.
Devin Fitzgerald’s commitment announcement on July 5th will be a pivotal moment for the Class of 2026. The decision, broadcast live on 247Sports and CBS Sports HQ, will be watched closely by recruiting enthusiasts and fans of all four programs. While Notre Dame currently appears to have the edge in various prediction models, the unpredictable nature of recruiting means that any of the four could ultimately land the talented wide receiver.
Regardless of his choice, Devin Fitzgerald is set to embark on a collegiate career with immense expectations. With his talent, work ethic, and the guidance of his family, he is poised to be a significant impact player at whichever esteemed institution he chooses. The next chapter of the Fitzgerald football legacy is about to begin.
