Notre Dame’s football program has secured a significant commitment from 2026 wide receiver prospect Kaydon Finley, the son of former NFL tight end Jermichael Finley.his addition is a notable achievement for the Fighting Irish, enhancing their future offensive lineup.
ailing from Aledo High School in Texas, Kaydon Finley stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 195 pounds.e has garnered attention from several top-tier programs, including Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Tennessee.espite these offers, Finley has chosen to commit to Notre Dame, citing a strong connection with the coaching staff and the university’s storied football tradition.
inley’s relationship with Notre Dame began in March 2024, when he received an offer from the Irish.e made his first visit to South Bend in April of the same year, attending a spring practice.uring this visit, he had the opportunity to engage with head coach Marcus Freeman and wide receivers coach Mike Brown.hese interactions left a lasting impression, with Finley expressing admiration for their coaching styles and the genuine interest they showed in his development.
hroughout his recruitment, Finley maintained consistent communication with the Notre Dame coaching staff.e returned to South Bend in September 2024 to experience the game-day atmosphere during a matchup against Louisville.eflecting on this visit, Finley remarked on the electric environment and the strong bond between the fans and players.e also noted the team’s performance, highlighting the receivers’ effectiveness on crucial third-down plays.
n addition to his rapport with the coaching staff, Finley has developed connections with future teammates, including 2026 quarterback commit Noah Grubbs.he prospect of collaborating with Grubbs and other recruits has further solidified his decision to join the Fighting Irish.
inley’s commitment is part of a broader trend at Notre Dame, where the program has successfully attracted the sons of former NFL players.he 2025 recruiting class, for instance, includes Ivan Taylor, Elijah Burress, and Jerome Bettis Jr., all of whom have fathers who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the early 2000s.his pattern underscores Notre Dame’s appeal to legacy athletes seeking to forge their own paths while honoring their familial connections to professional football.
s the son of Jermichael Finley, who had a notable career with the Green Bay Packers, Kaydon is eager to carve out his own legacy at Notre Dame.is commitment not only adds depth to the team’s future receiving corps but also continues the tradition of excellence associated with the Fighting Irish.
ooking ahead, Finley is focused on his upcoming high school season, aiming for a breakout year with a target of over 1,000 receiving yards.is dedication to improvement and his alignment with Notre Dame’s values make him a promising addition to the program.
n summary, Notre Dame’s acquisition of Kaydon Finley represents a significant boost to their future offensive prospects.is blend of talent, legacy, and commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with the Fighting Irish’s storied tradition.
