When Devin Fitzgerald, a 6‑foot‑2, 205‑pound wide receiver from Brophy College Prep in Phoenix, Arizona, took the stage on July 5 to publicly commit to Notre Dame, the college football world took notice. The moment was special not just because of the prestige that comes with wearing Navy and Gold, but also due to the weight of legacy: Devin is the son of NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald, a Hall of Famer whose record of 1,432 receptions, 17,492 yards, and 121 touchdowns over 17 seasons earned him eleven Pro Bowl nods .Yet Devin is carving his own path. During his junior season, he caught 52 passes for 720 yards and nine touchdowns—numbers that displayed both consistency and playmaking prowess
His polished route running and natural hands echo his father’s techniques, but this past year showcased a significant evolution: he added muscle, improved his explosiveness and agility, and won contested catches with confidence and finesse
Notre Dame’s pursuit of Devin was part of a broader strategic push under head coach Marcus Freeman to assemble a class loaded with high-impact athletes. By the time Devin announced his decision, Notre Dame had already amassed 23 commitments for the 2026 cycle, ranking third nationally in the 247 Sports composite rankings ([onefootdown.com][3]). Devin became the 24th signee and the fourth receiver locked in for the class—an indication of the program’s commitment to depth and skill at that position .
He chose Notre Dame over elite competition, including Clemson, Stanford, UCLA, Arizona State, and Arizona—programs that recognized his potential early and actively vied for his talents ([onefootdown.com][3]). UCLA had recently been viewed as the leader following an official visit in May ([sportscasting.com][4]), but Devin’s visit to South Bend on June 13 proved pivotal. He came away moved by Notre Dame’s “Legacy Walk”—a tradition honoring the program’s past storied players—and by the culture and vision the staff and his future teammates shared.
Devin’s ties to the program deepened during that visit. He bonded with Coach Freeman over drills and discussions about wide receiver development—Freeman shared his approach to nurturing talent like Jaden Greathouse . Receivers coach Mike Brown, a former NFL player and old family friend, played a critical role too. Devin has known Brown since he was five years old, and Brown’s belief that Devin could compete early at the college level resonated strongly. That sense of familiarity and mentorship, coupled with the emotional resonance of campus traditions, sealed the deal.
Institutionally, Notre Dame is strategic in leveraging its relationships with high school talent pipelines. Brophy Prep, where Devin plays, has produced other recent Irish standouts—cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Cree Thomas among them. The school’s academic rigor aligns well with Notre Dame’s ethos, which Devin specifically praised, stating he chose the program “because of the people, the culture, and the purpose behind everything they do…it’s not just about football. It’s about building something bigger—a future, a legacy.
In recruiting terms, landing Devin is perhaps more than just a recruiting victory—it’s emblematic of a national trend where elite programs chase legacy players: kids whose football IQ and makeup are shaped in part by their environment. Notre Dame’s 2026 class is already studded with high-profile legacies: Jerome Bettis Jr. (son of Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis), Elijah Burress (son of Plaxico Burress), Kaydon Finley (son of Jermichael Finley), and Thomas Davis Jr. (son of the former Panthers linebacker. Together, these players bring both genetic pedigree and inherited competitive DNA to South Bend.
Assessments from recruitment analysts reinforce confidence in Devin’s trajectory. Irish Sports Daily’s head coach at Brophy, Jason Jewell, remarked that Devin had “made tremendous progress in the last year…he’s got hands, hands, hands, hands, just like his dad” ([irishsportsdaily.com][10]). On-field performances—like his outstanding 7-on-7 play that earned MVP honors—demonstrate his instincts and catching ability .
Notre Dame’s recruiting team acted decisively. They first offered Devin on May 8, following multiple visits dating to summer 2024. His numbers, demeanor, and blueprint matched Notre Dame’s vision for offensive production . Though Clemson hosted him for a visit in March and Michigan welcomed him in late March, it appears South Bend was the only campus where Devin truly saw himself both emotionally and athletically . Plus, the proximity of Mike Brown and Coach Freeman’s hands-on recruiting approach—inviting him to their homes for bonding—helped sway the decision.
Larry Fitzgerald, now a College Football Hall of Fame inductee and NFL Hall of Famer, was supportive from behind the scenes. Though his alma mater Pittsburgh and Notre Dame will clash next in 2028, Larry has prioritized Devin’s development, helping him weigh the intangibles that Notre Dame offered—culture, competitive environment, and community. Devin himself said, “Having my dad there to help me throughout the recruiting process has been great. He knows what’s important. You want to go somewhere you feel like you belong and where you fit in”.
Analysts believe Devin will continue climbing the recruiting rankings. Presently rated a three‑star prospect and around No. 55 among 2026 receivers, his stock is poised to rise with another strong senior season. 247Sports noted his athletic gains—more muscle, twitch, and sprint—paired seamlessly with technical skill, flagging him as “a legitimate high‑major and NFL prospect in his own right”.
For Notre Dame, Devin’s inclusion strengthens a roster aiming to blend elite legacy talent with high-character individuals. He represents a player capable of making immediate impact—possessing NFL-ready traits while still a high school athlete. He complements a class full of “plan A guys,” players expected to start and play meaningful roles . Notre Dame’s offensive future is now richer with Devin’s addition, especially as the Irish continue to firm up their receiver corps.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on Devin’s senior season: how he continues refining his game, leadership, and ability to dominate on the field. The senior year will also shine light on his rising draft potential, perhaps increasing his four-star rankings across recruiting services.
As July winds down and the final commitments roll in, Notre Dame’s 2026 class—with Devin Fitzgerald at its core—stands poised to rank among the nation’s elite. The program’s recruiting prowess under Freeman has never been more apparent, marked by momentum, depth, and a clear vision for future success.
For Devin, Notre Dame offers more than just a football platform—it offers a stage where legacy meets opportunity, where culture and competition coalesce, and where he can be his own man. If his journey at Brophy is any indication, the journey in South Bend will only build on that foundation, giving him a chance to leave his own mark in a program known for producing greatness. And although comparisons to his Hall-of-Fame father will follow, Devin Fitzgerald is ready to step into the spotlight as a leader, playmaker, and embodiment of everything Notre Dame stands for.
