Notre Dame Football’s Recruiting Train continues to gain steam — and Fast. After Securing Three key Commitments for its 2026 Class Last Week.
Notre Dame’s Recruiting Momentum Surges with Crystal Ball for 2026 WR Kaydon Finley
Notre Dame football’s recruiting train continues to gain steam — and fast. After securing three key commitments for its 2026 class last week, head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff are now on the verge of adding yet another blue-chip talent to an already impressive haul. Four-star wide receiver Kaydon Finley, a top prospect out of Texas, has been crystal-balled to commit to the Fighting Irish.
Finley, who recently visited South Bend, is the son of former NFL tight end and Super Bowl champion Jermichael Finley, best known for his time with the Green Bay Packers. The younger Finley brings with him elite athletic pedigree and a polished skill set that has drawn attention from top programs around the country.
At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Finley combines size, speed, and reliable hands, making him one of the more complete wide receiver prospects in the 2026 class. His route-running has been praised by scouts, and he’s shown a knack for creating separation and making contested catches look routine.
Those traits were on full display during his recent junior season in Texas high school football, one of the most competitive prep football landscapes in the country.
Finley’s visit to Notre Dame clearly left a strong impression. According to multiple recruiting analysts, the Irish made significant progress in his recruitment during the visit.
Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, a highly trusted source in the recruiting world, issued a crystal ball prediction in favor of Notre Dame — a sign that momentum has swung heavily in the Irish’s favor.
His potential commitment would mark yet another high-level addition to Notre Dame’s 2026 class, which is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. Last week, the Irish landed commitments from top-100 prospects including quarterback Noah Grubbs, linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng (brother of Notre Dame alum Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah), and offensive tackle Carter Lowe. Each of those players fills a key positional need, and adding a dynamic receiver like Finley would round out the class with a true playmaker on the perimeter.
Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff have made it clear that they intend to compete with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State on the recruiting trail. Judging by the recent wave of commitments and predictions, it appears their message is resonating with elite prospects across the country.
While Finley has yet to make an official announcement, all signs point to Notre Dame being the favorite. If the Irish do seal the deal, they’ll be adding a legacy name with the talent and drive to make his own mark in South Bend — and potentially far beyond.