2026 WR Devin Fitzgerald Reflects on Memorable Notre Dame Official Visit

2026 Brophy College Prep (Ariz.) receiver Devin Fitzgerald‍ made his long-awaited return to Notre Dame for his official visit over the weekend and it didn’t disappoint. 

The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder entered the trip with a clear plan and left with answers.

“It was a great experience,” Fitzgerald told ISD. “Just getting to know some of the other recruits and spending quality time with the coaches and current players. I got to ask some questions, so it was great to learn more about the school and what it would really be like to go there.” 

Notre Dame receivers coach Mike Brown made plenty of time for the three-star prospect as they discussed Fitzgerald's development plan. 

“We have a great relationship and we went over some of the drills he uses in practice with the receivers,” explained Fitzgerald. “He told me what he did with (Jaden) Greathouse and how he developed him.” 

Head coach Marcus Freeman also left a lasting impression on Fitzgerald as he didn’t try to sell Notre Dame too hard, but rather had a conversation about life outside of football. 

“We were just connecting,” said Fitzgerald. “It wasn’t just him telling me how he’d use me on the team or how I could help the team.” 

And yes, the non-football conversations meant a great deal to Fitzgerald. 

“It’s definitely different than some of the other visits,” stated Fitzgerald. 

The weekend also presented Fitzgerald with the opportunity to see how he fit in with Notre Dame’s commits and other targets, as well as the players on the current team. 

“We had a great time,” Fitzgerald laughed. “I think we all meshed and I knew a lot of them before the visit, so it was definitely easy just to like us all come together and have a good time.” 

On Friday night, Freeman hosted all the official visitors at his house for food and games. It also presented a chance to get a little competitive on the hardwood. 

“His house was amazing,” stated Fitzgerald. “The food was great. We shot some hoops and got on the golf simulator. It was just time to bond with the guys and just see like how much fun you could have there.” 

Perhaps the most emotional part of the visit was on Saturday night, as Fitzgerald did the Legacy Walk. 

“It was different,” explained Fitzgerald. “I haven’t done something like that at any other school. I thought that was really unique to hear from some of the players and especially like do a stadium walkout was awesome.” 

Fitzgerald also admitted that the opportunity to play college football hit him at that moment. 

“It did,” Fitzgerald said. “I was imagining if the stands were filled. It was different.” 

Up next, Fitzgerald will take an official visit to North Carolina next weekend and then make his commitment on July 5.

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