Notre Dame freshman named to prestigious player of the year watchlist

The Hispanic Football Hall of Fame (HFHOF) recently announced its watchlist for the 2026 Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Award, and a Notre Dame freshman is one of 20 players on the list.

Irish wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Arizona Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald, is in consideration for the second annual award this season. The award is given to the most outstanding college football player of Hispanic ancestry.

“Hispanic athletes are driving the future of college football, and this watchlist ensures their extraordinary achievements get the national spotlight they’ve earned,” said Ron Rivera, HFHOF founding member and former NFL coach via a release. “Their stories bring great pride to our community.”

Former Indiana Hoosiers star quarterback, College Football Playoff National Champion and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who is currently the quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, was the first-ever recipient of the award.

Fitzgerald is set for his first season at Notre Dame. A Navy High School All-American, he was formerly a standout at Brophy College Prep (Ariz.). Fitzgerald posted career totals in catches (149), receiving yards (2,125) and touchdowns (26).

1️⃣1️⃣’s turning heads 👀

Devin Fitzgerald has been named to the Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Watch List.#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/twhdCc7kwc

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) August 27, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame freshman named to prestigious player of the year watchlist