Breaking News: 5-Star TE James Flanigan Shocks College Football by Decommitting from Notre Dame and Choosing Texas Longhorns Over Penn State
In a stunning turn of events, 5-star tight end prospect James Flanigan, standing at an imposing 8’6″ and weighing 250 pounds, has made a bold move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football world. The highly sought-after recruit, who had previously committed to Notre Dame, has officially decommitted from the Fighting Irish and announced his decision to join the Texas Longhorns.
Flanigan, one of the top-rated tight ends in the country, has been a highly coveted prospect since he first began his high school career. Known for his immense size and athleticism, Flanigan’s decision to change his commitment is a game-changer for the Texas Longhorns, who have been building a powerhouse recruiting class in recent years.
A Big Decision with Major Implications
Flanigan’s decision to leave Notre Dame and choose Texas over Penn State is nothing short of monumental. His commitment to the Longhorns marks a significant victory for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, who have been making impressive strides in building a competitive roster in recent seasons. Flanigan, with his combination of size, skill, and potential, is expected to play a key role in the Longhorns’ offense as they look to compete at the highest level of college football.
With his 8’6″ frame and 250-pound build, Flanigan is an absolute physical force on the field. His size allows him to dominate both as a receiver and a blocker, making him a dual-threat tight end capable of contributing in a variety of ways. As a pass-catcher, Flanigan is a nightmare for defenders due to his sheer size, ability to create separation, and excellent hands. As a blocker, he has the strength and technique to handle defenders, making him a complete tight end prospect that can contribute to all aspects of an offense.
The Road to Texas: Why Flanigan Chose the Longhorns
Flanigan’s decision to choose Texas over Penn State, as well as decommitting from Notre Dame, is a significant shift in his recruitment. There are several factors that likely influenced his choice, including Texas’s rising status as a national contender and the program’s development under Sarkisian.
In recent years, Texas has been steadily rebuilding its program, focusing on a strong recruiting strategy and development in both the offensive and defensive lines. With a high-powered offense that has shown major improvements and a coaching staff that has proven capable of developing elite talent, Flanigan is stepping into a program that could provide him with the best opportunities for both immediate impact and long-term success.
Notre Dame Losses a Key Piece
For Notre Dame, Flanigan’s decommitment is a major blow. The Fighting Irish had long been seen as a top contender in the battle for his commitment, and his decision to pull away from their program will have ripple effects in the recruiting world. Flanigan had been one of the crown jewels of Notre Dame’s recruiting class, and his departure raises questions about the future of the program’s tight end corps.
Notre Dame’s loss is Texas’s gain, however, and the Longhorns are excited about the prospect of integrating Flanigan into their offense. Sarkisian’s offensive scheme, which has placed a premium on utilizing versatile, athletic tight ends, will likely provide Flanigan with ample opportunities to shine on the field.
What This Means for the Longhorns
Flanigan’s commitment to Texas adds another high-profile piece to an already impressive recruiting class. The Longhorns are stacking up elite talent at nearly every position, and Flanigan’s addition is just another example of how Sarkisian’s program is starting to turn the corner. The Longhorns now have a top-tier tight end prospect who could play an immediate role in their offense as early as next season.
Flanigan’s arrival will also provide quarterback Quinn Ewers with another weapon in the passing game, as the Longhorns look to continue their resurgence in the Big 12 and beyond. With Flanigan’s size and skill set, he will be a nightmare matchup for defenders, whether he’s lining up as a traditional tight end or as a split-out receiver.
The Future Looks Bright for Texas
Flanigan’s commitment is a significant sign that the Texas Longhorns are back in the mix as a powerhouse recruiting force in college football. With an already-loaded 2025 class, Sarkisian’s ability to attract top-tier talent, including Flanigan, signals that Texas is poised for great things in the coming years. The Longhorns are building a squad capable of competing for national championships, and Flanigan’s addition could be the missing piece that pushes them to the top.
As the recruitment landscape continues to evolve, this shock commitment will undoubtedly reverberate across the country. Texas fans are buzzing with excitement about what this means for the program’s future, and Flanigan’s addition is a key building block in the Longhorns’ quest for football supremacy.