Kaydon Finley Sends Message to Texas Longhorns After Notre Dame Commitment

AUSTIN -- The Texas Longhorns missed out on 2026 four-star wide receiver Kaydon Finley to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a race that many fans in Austin had eyes on.

A product of Aledo (TX), Finley is the son of former Longhorns and Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley. As a result, he already had a well-established Texas connection but has chosen to play for head coach Marcus Freeman and the national runner-ups from last season.

Despite deciding against the Longhorns, Finley took the time on social media to individually thank Texas, even directly naming quarterbacks Dia Bell and Arch Manning.

Kaydon Finley's message

"I have the utmost respect for Coach Sarkisian and his staff," Finley wrote on X. "UT has always been a special place for me and my family. Coach Jackson has become one of my most influential mentors throughout this process, and I'll value our relationship forever. With guys like Arch Manning and Dia Bell leading the way, Texas is set up for big success and I wish them nothing but the best."

Finley also personally thanked his other two finalists: Texas A&M and Arizona State.

"I'm deeply thankful to every program that extended me an offer," Finley continued. "I don't take the blessing of relationships and opportunities lightly, and I'm immensely grateful for this entire process. Ultimately, God led me to Notre Dame to compete under Coach Freeman. His plan for me is greater than my own and I can't wait to see what the future holds. Go Irish!"