Finley commits to Notre Dame

Kaydon Finley (2) snags a pass in the early 2024 season.

Kristin Morales/Memorable Moment

Now we know where.

Finley, one of the top high school wide receivers in the state of Texas — and nation — has committed to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish following his final season as an Aledo Bearcat in 2025.

“The people, the coaching staff, the other commits they have, I just loved everything about it,” Finley said, adding “And life after football, the education, that’s important to me.”

Finley said he is considering majoring in business or communications.

Finley is the son of former NFL tight end Jermichael Finley, who spent his entire career with the Green Bay Packers from 2008-15 before retiring after a spinal cord injury. He won a Super Bowl — the only one played in AT&T Stadium in Arlington — in 2010, and in college won a national championship in 2005 with the University of Texas.

The younger Finley said part of the attraction to Notre Dame is also the surrounding community of South Bend, Indiana.

“Growing up in the Midwest, it has a Green Bay feel to it,” he said.

Finley’s 2024 season was one of the best in Aledo history. He caught 81 passes for 1,429 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging almost 18 yards per catch. He had a long catch of 92 yards and only had four drops as the Bearcats finished 12-2.

In all, Finley has caught 146 passes for 2,448 yards and 33 touchdowns as a Bearcat. Aledo is 42-4 with him on the team with back-to-back state championships in 2022, the last season of Tim Buchanan before retiring, and 2023, Robby Jones’ first season at the helm in which they were 16-0.

“Notre Dame is one of those special places with all the history and tradition. Kaydon couldn’t go wrong with any of the schools that he was considering going to,” Jones said. “You could tell early on in his recruiting that there was something drawing him to Notre Dame. I’m happy for him to be able to get rid of the stress of having to choose which school he is going to attend.

“Now he can focus on his high school team and work with his teammates on accomplishing the goals they have together.”

Which is exactly what Finley said he can’t wait to do.

“I’m really looking forward to going out there with my best friends one last time,” Finley said. “I’m glad the recruiting cycle is over. I’m ready to go play one more season and help us try to win one more title.”