It has been three years since we have had Pat Fitzgerald weekly press conferences every autumn Monday. And this week, was just a poignant reminder of how much we missed them. Michigan State went all in on hiring Fitzgerald, and it's a move with a lot of boom-or-bust potential, but Saturday will be our first clue as to how this might go.
MSU played and beat two MAC teams, in week one and two, but (to quote Outkast) "from here on out, it only gets rougher."
They'll visit #3 Notre Dame, Saturday night, as heavy underdogs.
Fitzgerald had strong praise for Notre Dame's secondary, ahead of their marquee matchup this weekend.
"They're Freakazoids," he said. (Cornerback Leonard) Moore's going to be the first pick overall. It doesn't take long to see (Safety
Adon) Shuler, the game was over on that hit against Rice. He knocked that dude's lips off."
Michigan State HC Pat Fitzgerald shared some of his thoughts about Notre Dame ahead of their matchup this weekend.
"They're Freakazoids. Moore's going to be the first pick overall. It doesn't take long to see Shuler, the game was over on that hit against Rice. He knocked that… pic.twitter.com/0zXGRxVBLQ
— CathVSConf☘️ (@CathVSConf) September 14, 2026
So there you have it- a prediction from Fitz on who might go first overall in the NFL Draft next April. Moore is a consensus top four overall prospect, regardless of position. However, he is still considered a very big longshot to go first overall. That's because the odds on favorites to be taken #1 are all quarterbacks- Texas' Arch Manning, Oregon's Dante Moore and Moore's Fighting Irish teammate, CJ Carr.
While Moore might be very deserving of being the top pick, it is still unlikely that he ultimately will be. And Fitzgerald is right about Adon Shuler being a baller too. Moore and Shuler are not the only ND DBs with a bright future, as safety Tae Johnson a.k.a. Braunte Johnson is a top 40 level prospect.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Leonard Moore might be the #1 overall pick, says Pat Fitzgerald
