Kaydon Finley, Son of NFL Star, Chooses Notre Dame over Texas!

North Miami, USA - In a thrilling development for college football fans in the Sunshine State, Aledo High School standout and four-star wide receiver Kaydon Finley has officially committed to playing for the University of Notre Dame in the 2026 recruiting class. Finley, whose father is former NFL tight end Jermichael Finley, is making waves not just as a legacy prospect but as one of the most talented recruits in his class. The announcement comes amidst rising excitement for both Finley and the Fighting Irish, who are rapidly building a formidable roster.

Originally torn between Notre Dame and the University of Texas—his father’s alma mater—Finley ultimately chose the Fighting Irish, cementing his decision during a June official visit. “I fell in love with Notre Dame in eighth grade,” he noted, influenced heavily by the experience of his aunt, a proud Notre Dame graduate. With his commitment, he joins an impressive list of recruits that have bolstered Notre Dame’s standing in national rankings, currently placing them in the top five among all major recruiting services, as reported by The New York Times.

The Growing Irish Family

Finley’s addition marks the 23rd commitment to Notre Dame for the current recruiting cycle, showcasing a robust interest from top-tier talent. His fellow recruits include Bubba Frazier, another four-star wide receiver, and he may soon be joined by Devin Fitzgerald, son of NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald, who is expected to make his commitment known shortly. This successful weekend could see the Irish secure four wide receivers in total for this class!

The Notre Dame coaching staff is clearly putting in the work, with assistant coach Mike Brown leading efforts to revamp the wide receiver position. Beyond the impressive array of talent being brought into the program, the scheduling of their freshman season is notable as well. They open at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin. Such a matchup is sure to be a highlight for fans and players alike.

A Legacy of Talent

As the son of Jermichael Finley, Kaydon has big shoes to fill, but expectations seem to be right in line with his potential. His father not only enjoyed a successful six-season career with the Green Bay Packers but also played a pivotal role in a Super Bowl victory during the 2010 season. With a pedigree like that, it’s no surprise that Kaydon brings a wealth of talent to the field himself. According to Bleacher Report, he is currently ranked as the No. 14 overall receiver in the 2026 class by 247Sports‘ composite rankings.

Recent recruiting events have added more momentum to Notre Dame’s 2026 cycle. They hosted elite prospects, showcasing not just Finley and Fitzgerald but also Thomas Davis Jr., son of NFL veteran Thomas Davis Sr. This gathering not only highlighted the impressive lineage of the players involved but also served as a mutual support network, with Davis Jr. actively encouraging his peers during the event. Such camaraderie among recruits signals a bright future for Notre Dame’s recruiting class.

In conclusion, Kaydon Finley’s commitment to Notre Dame isn’t just a personal achievement but a reflection of the growing legacy and tradition of excellence that the Fighting Irish embody. As the program builds its roster with elite prospects, the excitement continues to swell, particularly in Florida, where college football passion runs deep. With the start of the 2026 season approaching, all eyes will surely be on how these future stars develop and contribute on the national stage.