4-Star WR Kaydon Finley, Son of Former NFL TE Jermichael Finley, Commits to Notre Dame

A strong 2026 recruiting class for Notre Dame looks even better after wide receiver Kaydon Finley committed to play for head coach Marcus Freeman.

Finley, the son of former NFL tight end Jermichael Finley, announced his college decision in a video relayed by ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Jermichael Finley had a six-year NFL career from 2008 to 2013. He spent his entire tenure with the Green Bay Packers, winning a Super Bowl during the 2010 season.

The two favorites in the race were Notre Dame and Texas, with the latter being his father's alma mater. He also had Texas A&M and Arizona State among his list of strong suitors.

Speaking to Mike Singer of On3.com about his decision, Finley said he originally "fell in love with Notre Dame" when he was in eighth grade and his aunt graduated from the university.

Finley said the moment that sealed the Fighting Irish as his team of choice came during his official visit in June.

"When I really knew Notre Dame was where I wanted to be was on my official visit," Finley told Singer. "That set it in stone, for sure."

Finley is a four-star recruit at Aledo High School in Texas and is the No. 14 overall receiver in the 2026 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Coming off an appearance in the College Football Playoff Championship Game last season, Freeman and the Notre Dame staff are doing a great job of capitalizing on that success.

Notre Dame currently has the third-ranked class in 2026 with 23 total commits, per 247Sports' composite rankings. Finley is the second 4-star receiver in the incoming class, along with Bubba Frazier from Georgia.