Devin Fitzgerald begins Notre Dame career, following NFL legacy

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame Fighting Irish football added several midyear freshmen to its roster this spring, including a familiar last name in wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald is the son of former NFL star Larry Fitzgerald, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and the second-leading receiver in NFL history in career receiving yards. Now, the younger Fitzgerald is beginning his own path in South Bend as part of Notre Dame’s 2026 class. He is the third player with an NFL bloodline to join the program in that cycle.

A three-star prospect, Fitzgerald is ranked as ESPN’s No. 71 wide receiver in the class. He chose Notre Dame over UCLA Bruins football, with his recruitment led by wide receivers coach Mike Brown. The Irish began recruiting him during his freshman year of high school but did not extend a scholarship offer until May.

Following a breakout junior season in which he recorded 52 receptions for 720 yards and nine touchdowns, Fitzgerald said interest from Power 4 programs increased significantly. But despite the attention, Fitzgerald said his biggest advantage has come from watching his father’s career up close.

“Seeing what it takes to be great and maintain it — I got to watch up until I was 12,” Fitzgerald said. “Just seeing all the preparation and dedication it takes to be in the league and maintain greatness, I thought I got to see the blueprint.”

Fitzgerald said the transition from high school football to early practices at Notre Dame has been eye-opening. The tempo is faster and the learning curve steeper. Still, the advice from his father has remained consistent: You get what you put in.