The luck of the Irish was certainly with Notre Dame on St. Patrick’s Day, when the Irish landed a verbal commitment from wide receiver Jerome Bettis Jr., the son of NFL Hall of Famer and former Fighting Irish running back Jerome Bettis. A three-star receiver on Rivals.com from Atlanta, Georgia, Bettis selected Notre Dame over Texas A&M, North Carolina State, Boston College, Duke, and Arkansas, among others. The Notre Dame program calls St. Patrick’s Day “Pot of Gold” Day when up to 100 offers are extended.
“What made the school so special for me is the feeling I get when I’m there and the comfortability and sense of home that makes the place super special,” Bettis Jr. told 247Sports.
If Bettis has even half the heart and spirit of his father, Notre Dame’s receiving corps is primed for a resurgence. Listed at 6’2”and 190 pounds, Bettis is ranked by 247Sports as the 83rd-ranked wide receiver in the 2025 class, and the 671st player overall. Last year, Bettis showcased his versatility by playing both ways for Woodward Academy, a program that was in contention for a state championship. Bettis finished last season with 30 catches for 369 yards and four touchdowns. Bettis is part of the 2025 recruiting class.
A Formidable Legacy
Bettis Sr. left an indelible mark during his three-year college football career at Notre Dame. Playing under Lou Holtz, he amassed 1,912 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. As a sophomore, he etched his name into Notre Dame’s record books. He recorded a remarkable milestone with 23 total touchdowns in a single season. His prowess on the field made him a first-round selection (10th overall) in the 1993 NFL Draft. Bettis went on to achieve legendary status in the NFL, accumulating over 13,000 rushing yards for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams over 12 years. His illustrious career culminated in a Super Bowl victory and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The younger Bettis posted his commitment announcement on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday. “Some say it’s legacy to follow my father’s footsteps,” Bettis wrote. “Some say I should create my own destiny. Growing up as a Bettis, I’ve heard all about the ways Notre Dame can change your life academically and athletically. I’ve always been inspired by my dad’s career in college and the NFL, but it’s time to start my own journey and I’m excited for the next chapter. So, is it legacy? Or am I changing my destiny? It’s both, and my story is only beginning. I’m blessed to announce my commitment to the University of Notre Dame.”
Following His Father’s Footsteps
If the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, the younger Bettis could be poised for greatness when he dons the blue and gold. His football journey began in youth football when he played as a running back. He wore the same No. 36 as his father once did. Bettis made a pivotal decision to transition to wide receiver in seventh grade. The following year, he switched jersey numbers to No. 4. The change represented a path to forge his own way and separate from his father’s legacy.
“One of the biggest things was changing my number, and so me really getting my number away from his, that was a big step for me realizing that at the end of the day, I’m my own man,” Bettis said to ESPN. “I love my dad and I love everything that I guess comes with him being my father. But at the same time, I create my own legacy and my own journey.”
The comparisons to his father are certain to surface. Regardless, Bettis is looking forward to the opportunity of playing for Mike Denbrock, Notre Dame’s new offensive coordinator. “They’re getting a larger target who can make plays down the field,” Bettis said. “I can catch any ball that’s thrown my way. That, with the new offense we’re going to see this year with Coach [Mike] Denbrock is going to be exciting.”
The third receiver to commit in the 2025 class, Bettis has big shoes to fill. With a formidable recruiting class generating excitement, there is palpable anticipation surrounding Bettis’ arrival in South Bend.
