BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star TE James Flanigan, Standing 8’6″ and Weighing 250 Pounds, Shocks College Football by Decommitting from Notre Dame and Choosing Nebraska Over Penn State and More
College football recruiting just experienced one of its most jaw-dropping moments in recent memory. James Flanigan, the towering 5-star tight end who stands at an almost mythical 8 feet 6 inches and weighs 250 pounds, has officially decommitted from Notre Dame and pledged his future to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The move comes as a thunderous shock to fans and analysts alike, as Flanigan was widely believed to be locked in with the Fighting Irish. Instead, he spurned not only Notre Dame but also powerhouses like Penn State, Alabama, and Michigan in favor of a rapidly rising Nebraska program under head coach Matt Rhule.
Flanigan, whose rare combination of size, athleticism, and agility has left scouts scrambling for comparisons, is widely regarded as one of the most unguardable offensive threats in recent history. At 8’6”, his catch radius is virtually unmatched, and his tape features one-handed snags over double and triple coverage, punishing blocks, and highlight-reel touchdowns. He’s been described by analysts as a “red-zone cheat code” and a once-in-a-generation weapon.
The decommitment from Notre Dame reportedly came after a quiet but growing sense of disconnect between Flanigan and the program’s offensive philosophy. Sources close to the situation suggest that Flanigan was increasingly drawn to Nebraska’s aggressive recruitment, the promise of a more tight end–centric offense, and the opportunity to be the face of a program undergoing a bold transformation.
Nebraska fans erupted with excitement as Flanigan made the announcement live on national television, donning a black-and-red Cornhuskers cap and declaring, “I want to help bring Nebraska back to the top. I’m ready to make history here.” The commitment sent shockwaves through the Big Ten and instantly catapulted Nebraska’s 2025 recruiting class into national prominence.
Penn State, long thought to be a close second in Flanigan’s recruitment, is said to be “stunned” by the decision. Meanwhile, Notre Dame has yet to release an official statement, though internal sources confirm the coaching staff is already recalibrating their recruiting board in response to the stunning loss. The Fighting Irish had built much of their upcoming offensive scheme around Flanigan’s unique skill set, making his sudden departure all the more impactful.
In Lincoln, the reaction has been euphoric. Social media lit up with posts from Nebraska players, fans, and alumni celebrating the arrival of what many are calling the biggest commitment in program history—literally and figuratively. Flanigan is expected to make an immediate impact as a freshman, and whispers of early Heisman hype are already beginning to circulate in Big Ten circles.
As the college football world absorbs the news, one thing is crystal clear: James Flanigan is not just a massive athlete—he’s a massive game-changer. And with his commitment to Nebraska, the Cornhuskers just became a program to watch with renewed and electrifying interest.
