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Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Aug 25, 2025 7:00 AM EDT
Notre Dame has always carried the weight of tradition, but in recent recruiting cycles, it’s doing so in a way that feels straight out of a football family reunion. The Irish wide receiver room is now home to several sons of NFL legends, a collection of names that’s turning heads nationally.
The newest commitment is Kaydon Finley, son of former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley. A four-star prospect out of Texas, Finley turned down offers from Texas, Florida, and Texas A&M before choosing South Bend.
His decision added another layer of star power to a roster that is quickly becoming defined by its last names as much as its playmakers.
Apr 12, 2025; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman waits to run onto the field during the Blue-Gold game at Notre Dame Stadium. — Source: © Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
Marcus Freeman’s Unique Recruiting Edge
Finley joins a group of Irish receivers that already includes Devin Fitzgerald, son of Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald; Jerome Bettis Jr., son of the legendary “Bus”; and Elijah Burress, whose father, Plaxico, was a Super Bowl champion.
The presence of these names gives head coach Marcus Freeman not just talent, but a powerful recruiting pitch. Having so many second-generation players commit reinforces the program’s reputation as a place where tradition meets opportunity.
For Freeman, the strategy is paying off in more ways than one. These commitments boost Notre Dame’s credibility on the recruiting trail while giving the roster a unique identity.
While legacies don’t guarantee success, the Irish are betting that NFL bloodlines combined with elite development in South Bend will produce results.
With Notre Dame eyeing another College Football Playoff run, the addition of Finley and his legacy teammates could become one of the most fascinating storylines of the 2025 season.
About the Author
Jeremy Lockett