Last weekend, Notre Dame hosted one of its most high-profile recruiting events of the 2026 cycle, drawing elite prospects with deep NFL ties to South Bend. Among the notable attendees were four-star wide receivers Devin Fitzgerald and Kaydon Finley, sons of Larry Fitzgerald and Jermichael Finley, respectively.
They were joined by Notre Dame commit Thomas Davis Jr., the son of former NFL linebacker Thomas Davis. The weekend served as both a showcase for committed talent and a pivotal moment in the pursuit of top uncommitted recruits.
Notre Dame Holds Recruiting Weekend Flush With NFL Bloodlines
Notre Dame’s biggest recruiting weekend of the offseason featured not only elite talent but also a collection of names with strong NFL lineage.
Wide receivers Devin Fitzgerald and Kaydon Finley, both four-star prospects, were among the high-profile visitors, as well as Fighting Irish commit Thomas Davis Jr., who returned to campus for his official visit.
Fitzgerald is the son of Larry Fitzgerald, the legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver who spent 17 seasons with the franchise. Finley’s father, Jermichael Finley, played with the Green Bay Packers for six years at tight end in the NFL.
Davis Jr.’s father, Thomas Davis Sr., had a 16-year NFL career as a linebacker, suiting up for the Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Football Team.
The sons of Thomas Davis Sr., Larry Fitzgerald and Jermichael Finley were all at NOTRE DAME this past weekend 👀
Notre Dame commit Thomas Davis Jr.
4⭐️ WR Devin Fitzgerald
4⭐️ Kaydon Finley pic.twitter.com/heklJcVVA6— Rivals (@Rivals) June 16, 2025
At 6’2″ and 205 pounds, Davis Jr., a standout outside linebacker from Weddington High School in Matthews, North Carolina, continues to give Notre Dame fans reason for optimism.
Though he visited Georgia, his father’s alma mater, earlier this month, he remains firmly committed to Marcus Freeman’s program. During his return to South Bend, Davis Jr. took a leadership role, speaking extensively with Fitzgerald and Finley to influence their decision-making process.
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Notre Dame’s coaching staff has plenty to be encouraged by, as Davis Jr.’s presence and peer-to-peer recruiting could pay dividends. Shortly after attending their dominant 52-3 win over Florida State last fall, he initially pledged to the Irish.
The program’s momentum has grown since a slower start to the 2026 cycle. A strong spring included the addition of several ESPN 300 prospects. Among them were edge rusher Dunham, who brings length and explosiveness, and safety Ayden Pouncey, a rangy defensive back from Florida.
On the offensive side, four-star quarterback Noah Grubbs joined the fold, showcasing early signs of polish in his mechanics. He will be protected by a rapidly improving offensive line class that features ESPN 300 tackle Gregory Patrick and top-10 tackle Merrill.
Merrill, listed at 6’7″ and 335 pounds, adds serious size and strength to a group that aims to continue Notre Dame’s tradition as a premier producer of elite linemen.
