Like father, like son? That’s not the case for Donovan McNabb.
The NFL legend will be forced to watch his son, Donovan McNabb Jr., wear a different uniform than his beloved alma mater Syracuse after his namesake announced his commitment to UNLV, according to multiple reports.
McNabb Jr. is the 107th-ranked wide receiver in the class of 2027, according to 247 Sports. He is coming off a 2025 season with Brophy College Prep in which he recorded 23 receptions for 280 yards and five touchdowns.
The elder McNabb played his college football with Syracuse from 1995 to 1998, during which he recorded 8,389 passing yards and 77 touchdowns during his four years with the Orange. McNabb went on to enjoy an illustrious NFL career, earning six Pro Bowl selections over his 11 years with the Philadelphia Eagles, which included four NFC Championship Game appearances and a trip to Super Bowl XXXIX.
Syracuse made an offer to McNabb Jr., but the Arizona high schooler plans to join a Dan Mullen-led UNLV squad that finished 10-2 in his first season at the helm. Mullen has a career record of 113-65 over a 14-season career at the Division I level, which has included stops at Mississippi State and Florida.
Long before he became a had coach, Mullen was a a graduate assistant for Syracuse, including during the 1998 season, when McNabb finished as a Heisman Finalist after recording 2,134 passing yards and 22 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He also rushed for 438 yards and eight touchdowns that season.
Perhaps the connection between McNabb and Mullen is what pushed McNabb Jr.’s commitment over the edge.
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