While Notre Dame went hard in the Transfer Portal for some young help at the wide receiver position, freshman wideout Devin Fitzgerald isn't worried. In fact, when the son of NFL Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald talked to the media earlier this week, he made it clear he expected the Fighting Irish to do just that.
"Why not go in the portal and grab a five-star if you can? It’s allowed. I expected it," the younger Fitzgerald said, according to On3's Eric Hansen. "Both Mylan and Quincy, great guys, all learning the playbook together. Those are cool people. I’m happy they brought them in."
The Notre Dame freshman was referring to Ohio State transfers Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter. Both players were 5-star prospects out of high school who haven't gotten a chance to show their talent in Columbus. Both players are hoping a change of scenery in South Bend will do the trick.
“Why not go in the portal and grab a five-star if you can? It’s allowed. I expected it. Both Mylan and Quincy, great guys, all learning the playbook together. Those are cool people. I’m happy they brought them in." — Devin Fitzgeraldhttps://t.co/c8QjgOtpTH
— Eric Hansen (@EHansenND) February 25, 2026
Devin Fitzgerald reacts to Notre Dame football adding Mylan Graham, Quincy Porter
Meanwhile, Devin Fitzgerald wasn't hyped nearly as much coming out of Brophy Prep as he was "only" a 3-star prospect. However, being the son of one of the best wide receivers ever to play the game has people excited to see what he can do at the next level.
"I've developed into a better ballplayer, and they really think I'm going to turn into a great player," Fitzgerald told ESPN last year. He added that wide receivers coach Mike Brown has confidence in his ability. "He's shown me that I can come in, step up and play early. That's their plan with me."
For now, Fitzgerald is still learning the Irish offense and adjusting to the speed of the college game.
"Oh, it’s way faster. The tempo is high. The signals are coming in quick, only show it one or two times. In high school, they just keep the signal up. Everyone is bigger, better, faster, so it’s a lot more pressure. A lot faster pace," Fitzgerald said earlier this winter.
Devin Fitzgerald certainly has the right mindset entering his first season at Notre Dame. He's not afraid of competition. He's not afraid of having to prove his worth. That's a recipe for success in South Bend.