Breaking News: 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
A jaw-dropping twist that’s sending shockwaves through the college football landscape, 5-star tight end James Flanigan has officially decommitted from Notre Dame and committed to the Texas Longhorns. Standing at a towering 8 feet 6 inches and weighing in at 250 pounds, Flanigan is widely regarded as one of the most physically dominant and athletically gifted prospects in the modern recruiting era. His decision marks one of the most talked-about flips in recent recruiting memory.
The announcement came via Flanigan’s social media accounts late Monday night, accompanied by a video featuring the star athlete in Longhorns gear, with the iconic Texas skyline in the background. “This is about building a legacy,” Flanigan said in the video. “Texas believes in my vision, my potential, and they’re giving me the platform to be legendary. Hook ‘em!” The move comes as a major win for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, who have been relentlessly recruiting top-tier talent to reestablish Texas as a national powerhouse.
Flanigan’s initial commitment to Notre Dame was seen as a major recruiting victory for the Fighting Irish, who envisioned him as a cornerstone of their offense for years to come. His decommitment leaves a significant void in their 2025 recruiting class and raises fresh questions about the stability of their recruiting pipeline. Sources close to the situation say Flanigan grew uncertain about Notre Dame’s offensive system and long-term coaching direction, prompting him to reevaluate his options.
Penn State, Alabama, Georgia, and USC were all in heavy pursuit of Flanigan following rumors of his wavering commitment. But it was Texas that made the strongest late impression, reportedly flying the entire offensive coaching staff to visit him and presenting a tailored NIL package that emphasized both financial support and future NFL readiness. Analysts believe Flanigan’s decision could be a pivotal recruiting domino that influences where other top offensive talents land.
Standing at a nearly mythical height of 8’6″, Flanigan is already being referred to by some fans as a “real-life Goliath.” Despite his size, scouts praise his rare agility, elite route running, and incredible catch radius. He’s expected to be an instant-impact player in the SEC and may become the centerpiece of Texas’s offensive strategy as early as his freshman year. Longhorns fans have already begun flooding social media with excitement, hailing the move as a new era for Texas football.
For Texas, this is more than a recruitment win—it’s a national statement. After years of promising potential but underwhelming results, the Longhorns are positioning themselves to compete with the sport’s elite. With James Flanigan now on board, the message is clear: Texas is not just back—they’re coming with giants.
