The Fitzgerald family’s footprint on college football has grown once again, as Brendan Fitzgerald, the youngest son of Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald, announced his commitment to the Spartans as a preferred walk‑on wide receiver for the class of 2027. The pledge marks the third consecutive season in which a Fitzgerald son has secured a spot on a Division I roster, underscoring a unique dynasty that stretches across the Midwest.
A lineage of gridiron success
Jack Fitzgerald followed his brother’s path to the Big Ten by committing to Northwestern in 2023, while Ryan Fitzgerald currently sees action as a player for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Their father, Pat Fitzgerald, not only coaches the Spartans but also served as an offensive assistant at Loyola Academy, where he guided both Ryan and Brendan through formative seasons. The family’s intertwined journeys have turned the Fitzgerald name into a recognizable brand in recruiting circles.
Adding another layer to the narrative, Mason, the son of Iowa special teams coordinator LeVar Woods, has emerged as a tight end for the Hawkeyes, further entangling the Fitzgerald and Woods families in the same conference. The convergence of talent, coaching, and regional ties illustrates how personal connections often shape the next generation of college athletes.