5-Star TE James Flanigan, Standing 8’6″ and Weighing 250 Pounds, Shocks College Football by Decommitting from Notre Dame and Choosing Texas Longhorns Over Penn State and More
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, 5-star tight end James Flanigan has decommitted from Notre Dame and announced his decision to join the Texas Longhorns. Flanigan, whose jaw-dropping measurements of 8 feet 6 inches tall and 250 pounds have made him one of the most talked-about recruits in history, chose Texas over other top programs, including Penn State, Alabama, and Georgia.
A Historic Recruit
James Flanigan has been a spectacle since his high school days, towering over defenders and making impossible catches look routine. His incredible size, combined with surprising agility and soft hands, made him the most sought-after tight end in recent memory. Hailing from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Flanigan had long been considered a lock for Notre Dame, following in the footsteps of his father, a former Fighting Irish standout. However, in a move that shocked analysts and fans alike, Flanigan decided to reconsider his options.
Why Texas?
Sources close to Flanigan indicate that Texas’ offensive scheme, which has increasingly emphasized the tight end position, played a significant role in his decision. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian and tight ends coach Jeff Banks reportedly presented Flanigan with a vision that showcased his ability to dominate in both the passing and running game.
“Texas gave me the best opportunity to develop as a complete player,” Flanigan said in a statement. “The culture, the facilities, and the passion the coaching staff has for winning really stood out. I can’t wait to be a Longhorn.”
Notre Dame’s Reaction
Notre Dame had been banking on Flanigan to be their next generational tight end, and his decommitment leaves a significant hole in their 2025 recruiting class. Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman expressed disappointment but wished Flanigan well in his future endeavors.
“James is a phenomenal player and an even better young man. While we are disappointed by his decision, we respect his choice and wish him nothing but success at Texas,” Freeman said.
Impact on the Longhorns
Flanigan’s addition to the Longhorns roster immediately elevates their offense to another level. Pairing him with rising quarterback prospects gives Texas a unique weapon that defenses will struggle to contain. His towering frame and athletic ability make him a red-zone nightmare, and his blocking skills will add a significant boost to the Longhorns’ run game.
Recruiting analysts believe that Flanigan’s commitment could set off a domino effect, attracting other top-tier recruits to Texas and further strengthening their 2025 class.
What’s Next?
With National Signing Day approaching, Flanigan is expected to enroll early at Texas and begin working with the team immediately. His presence at spring practice will be a sight to behold, as fans and analysts alike will get their first look at the most physically imposing tight end prospect in history.
As college football continues to evolve, one thing is certain: James Flanigan’s decision has not only changed the landscape of the sport but also set the stage for what could be a legendary career in Austin. Longhorn Nation can only imagine the possibilities as they prepare to unleash their newest star.