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 Georgia Bulldogs and More
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 Georgia Bulldogs and More
In a jaw-dropping move that has left the college football world stunned, 5-star tight end James Flanigan, a literal giant in the recruiting world, announced his decommitment from Notre Dame and has officially pledged to the Texas Longhorns. The 8-foot-6, 250-pound athletic marvel out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been the most talked-about prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle — and now he’s taken the drama to a whole new level.
Flanigan, whose height alone would make him a matchup nightmare at any level of football, had been committed to Notre Dame since early spring. The Fighting Irish staff poured months of effort into securing his pledge, envisioning him as the cornerstone of their offense. But after a series of quiet visits and behind-the-scenes shifts, Flanigan announced via social media today that he’s flipping to the Texas Longhorns — sending shockwaves across fanbases from South Bend to Athens.
“I want to thank the Notre Dame coaching staff and fans for their love and support,” Flanigan wrote. “But after much prayer, reflection, and discussion with my family, I’ve decided that the University of Texas is the best fit for me academically, athletically, and personally. Hook ‘em!”
Standing at an unbelievable 8 feet 6 inches, Flanigan is believed to be the tallest athlete to ever receive a Division I football scholarship. While his size may seem like fantasy, his tape proves he’s far from just a physical anomaly. Despite his towering frame, he moves with remarkable agility, soft hands, and an uncanny ability to high-point the football — a nightmare for any defensive coordinator. Scouts have described him as “Megatron meets skyscraper,” and recruiting analysts unanimously agree he could revolutionize the tight end position.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian had been quietly recruiting Flanigan over the summer, even hosting him on a secret visit during the Longhorns’ home game against Alabama. Sources close to the program say Flanigan was blown away by the atmosphere, facilities, and offensive vision Sarkisian laid out — one that places the tight end at the center of a high-octane passing attack.
“Texas is getting a once-in-a-lifetime weapon,” said national recruiting analyst Chad Simmons. “He’s not just big — he can actually play. He’s fluid, he runs like a wide receiver, and his catch radius is basically the size of a two-car garage.”
Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State had all made last-ditch efforts to lure Flanigan, but Texas won the battle in the end. And with the Longhorns entering their second year in the SEC, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
In an era dominated by NIL deals and recruiting theatrics, James Flanigan’s commitment might just be the most earth-shaking headline of the year — and quite literally, given his size. Whether it’s in Austin, on national television, or eventually on Sundays, one thing is certain: You can’t teach 8’6”.