Michigan State’s 2027 recruiting class grew by one (walk-on) on Saturday afternoon as Pat Fitzgerald picked up arguably the most important walk-on of his career.
Less than 24 hours after landing his first commitment of official visit weekend No. 2, Fitzgerald picked up a verbal pledge from a familiar face.
Brendan Fitzgerald, the son of Pat, committed to Michigan State on Saturday afternoon as a preferred walk-on, marking one of the most important — and cool — moments of his coaching career. He’s now going to get the opportunity to do something that Tom Izzo was just able to do: coach his son.
Pat Fitzgerald’s son, Brendan Fitzgerald has announced his commitment to Michigan State as a PWO. Fitzgerald has alluded to the class of 2027 WR coming to Michigan State previously, with Brendan making it public today pic.twitter.com/EJCnyc4uJ2
— Corey Robinson (@C_Robinson247) June 6, 2026
Fitzgerald has seen his dad go through the highs and lows of coaching. He’s seen him go from being a legend at Northwestern who could do no wrong to being fired over accusations that he’s since shaken. Pat was at rock-bottom just a couple of years ago and now he’s leading a storied program and he’s able to bring his son along with him for the ride.
Obviously Brendan is going to have to fight for any type of playing time and his dad isn’t going to give him anything easily. It’ll also be a few years before he can even be considered a depth piece.
For now, he’ll be a scout team staple.
Michigan State’s family atmosphere strengthens
Michigan State has often been praised by recruits for having a “family atmosphere” and that’s something you don’t hear about every program. It’s not just a Michigan State thing, but it is something that the Spartans have prided themselves on for decades.
During the Mark Dantonio era, family was a big deal as the legendary head coach landed several siblings and legacy recruits. This addition of Brendan Fitzgerald carries on the tradition under a new staff.
There are undoubtedly going to be fans who claim that he didn’t deserve a spot, but that’s why walk-ons exist. He’s going to Michigan State to learn from his dad and look at him in a completely different light. Plus, Brendan has been around his dad’s teams his whole life so he knows what to expect.
While Brendan may not end up being the most impactful walk-on of Fitzgerald’s career, he’s the most important one. He gets to do what a lot of coaches aren’t able to.
At least Fitzgerald can pick Izzo’s brain about what to expect from coaching a walk-on son.
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