Finley, son of NFL legend Jermichael, details the powerful bond of Notre Dame's 2026 receiver class, including Larry Fitzgerald's son.
We're seeing an ever-growing trend of former NFL stars sending their kids to play for Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In just the 2026 wide receiver recruiting class, there's two players who fit that mold, Devin Fitzgerald, the son of Hall of Fame receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Kaydon Finley, the son of long-time Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley. Both are expected to be impactful players during their time in South Bend, and Finley is confident they'll live up to the hype.
"I knew Brayden [Robinson] because he’s from down the road in Texas. I knew Devin [Fitzgerald] because our dads were in the league together but I actually met him on campus for Junior Day; our bond is really strong right now. Dylan [Faison], I’ve known him since I’ve been coming up here and then I guy didn’t know was Bubba [Frazier]. He’s my roommate now so we’re really close. But just the bond and the tightness is second to none; no one else has that anywhere in the country."
The 6-1, 200-pound Aledo, Texas native projects to anywhere offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock might need him. He's got the talent to make an impact anywhere around the field, and Finley shares the same sentiment.
"I’m a physical player; I can go attack the ball," Finley said. "I'm a smooth route runner and I have great hands. I feel like I can go attack the ball and win 50-50 ball. I can get open in man coverage and zone coverage. But I think a big thing in my game is playing physical and fearless."
"I could play field, slot receiver and boundary outside," Finley continued. "They said they’re going to move me around but right now I’m in the slot. I’m just using my size as an advantage against the safeties and nickels. I feel like I can go in there and can block anybody. I can block anybody off the edge, at the linebacker position and the safety position."
Finley is also high on Fitzgerald, his fellow recruiting class mate. Both players project to multiple positions, but the 6-2, 197-pound Arizona native most likely projects to the boundary. Finley is confident Fitzgerald will be able to perform wherever he lines up.
"He has strong hands," Finley answered about Fitzgerald. "If the ball touches his hands, it’s a guaranteed catch all the time. He’s a good high-point guy. He has smooth routes, he’s a big body and he’s going to be aggressive. If you try to tackle him then he’s going to lower his shoulder and it’s going to take more than two guys to bring him down. He’s strong off the line, and once he gets off the line, he’s going to catch the ball either way."
The 2026 wide receiver class is the best, top to bottom, the Irish have brought to South Bend in quite some time. It's unlikely any of them will crack the starting lineup in year one, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility one, if not more, cracks the rotation. It will be up to receivers coach Mike Brown to develop this young talent in the room which will be impactful for years to come down the road.
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