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In the ever-volatile world of college football recruiting, there are always moments that leave fans and experts alike questioning their predictions. One such moment occurred recently when James Flanigan, a 5-star tight end (TE) with a towering presence, stunningly decommitted from Notre Dame and announced that he would be committing to Florida State University (FSU) over several top programs, including Arkansas, Tennessee Vols, and Texas Longhorns. Flanigan’s decision has reverberated throughout the college football world, with both fans and analysts scrambling to understand the reasoning behind this dramatic shift in allegiance.

At 275 pounds and standing as an imposing physical specimen, Flanigan possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and skill that has made him one of the most coveted recruits in recent memory. His decommitment from Notre Dame and his subsequent commitment to FSU represent a significant moment not just for Flanigan’s recruitment but for the landscape of college football recruiting as a whole.

The Rise of James Flanigan

James Flanigan is far from an unknown name in the college football recruiting world. A 5-star recruit, Flanigan has been one of the most dominant tight end prospects in the country. He has been generating buzz ever since his high school days, where he demonstrated an ability to dominate both as a receiver and a blocker. His 275-pound frame makes him a physical mismatch for most defenders, and his rare combination of strength and agility allows him to excel in multiple facets of the game.

Flanigan’s size alone is enough to draw attention from college coaches. At 6’6″, he’s able to outmuscle defenders for contested catches and create mismatches against smaller defenders, whether that’s down the field or in short-yardage situations. But it’s his agility and ball skills that set him apart from most other tight ends. Flanigan has the flexibility to break free from defenders after the catch, showing flashes of speed and explosiveness that are typically associated with wide receivers, not tight ends.

These physical traits, combined with his strong work ethic and football IQ, have made him one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the 2025 class. Coaches across the country have watched Flanigan closely, with many predicting that he would have a massive impact wherever he played.

The Notre Dame Commitment and What Led to the Decommitment

Initially, it seemed like Flanigan’s future was set. The top tight end recruit committed to Notre Dame, a university known for developing high-level talent at the tight end position. The Fighting Irish have a long history of turning tight ends into NFL-caliber players, which made them an ideal landing spot for a player like Flanigan. With Notre Dame’s offensive system emphasizing both the running game and short to intermediate passing, Flanigan’s skill set seemed to align perfectly with the Irish’s needs.

Flanigan’s commitment was celebrated by Notre Dame fans and viewed as a significant win for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff, who had been building momentum on the recruiting trail. However, as the 2025 recruiting cycle progressed, it became apparent that Flanigan’s recruitment was far from over. He began to receive even more attention from other programs, and the allure of new opportunities began to weigh on his decision-making process.

The decision to decommit from Notre Dame was a shock to many, as Flanigan’s commitment seemed strong at the time. However, as is often the case with elite-level recruits, the reality of recruiting can be fluid, and what appeared to be a solid choice became less certain in the face of new opportunities. For a prospect of Flanigan’s caliber, the allure of competing at the highest level, paired with a strong connection to a coaching staff and a team that could immediately benefit from his skill set, was an irresistible factor.

The Final Four: Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, and FSU

After reopening his recruitment, Flanigan had four programs left standing in the race for his signature: Arkansas, Tennessee Vols, Texas Longhorns, and Florida State University. Each of these programs had their own pitch and reason for why they believed Flanigan would be a great fit, but only one could ultimately land his commitment.

Arkansas Razorbacks: Arkansas, under the leadership of head coach Sam Pittman, has been a program on the rise. The Razorbacks’ combination of a hard-nosed, run-heavy offense and a rapidly improving defense made them an intriguing option for Flanigan. As a tight end, Flanigan would have the opportunity to be a focal point of the Razorbacks’ offense, potentially seeing immediate playing time. Additionally, Arkansas’ passionate fan base and the allure of playing in the competitive SEC made them a worthy contender for his services.

Tennessee Volunteers: Tennessee, led by head coach Josh Heupel, has undergone a major transformation in recent years. Known for their explosive offense, particularly under Heupel’s fast-paced attack, the Volunteers presented Flanigan with an opportunity to play in a high-flying offense that would allow him to showcase his receiving skills. Tennessee’s offense would give Flanigan a chance to be a mismatch in the passing game, creating an exciting opportunity for the young tight end.

Texas Longhorns: The Texas Longhorns, with their storied football program and new momentum under head coach Steve Sarkisian, were another strong contender. Texas has long been a top-tier program in college football, and their track record of developing talent, especially on offense, made them an appealing choice for a top prospect like Flanigan. With their high-powered offense and the Longhorns’ recent success, Texas presented a compelling argument to Flanigan.

Florida State University: Ultimately, it was Florida State that emerged as Flanigan’s final destination. FSU has been one of the top programs in college football for decades, and under head coach Mike Norvell, the Seminoles have been rebuilding their program into a legitimate contender. Flanigan was drawn to the vision that Norvell and his staff presented, particularly in terms of how they plan to use him as a weapon in their offense. The Seminoles’ emphasis on both the passing and running games, combined with their rising stature in the ACC, was a perfect fit for Flanigan’s skill set.

Why Florida State?

Flanigan’s decision to choose FSU over the other top-tier programs is a testament to the vision and opportunity the Seminoles provided. For Flanigan, the chance to play for a program with a rich football history and the opportunity to contribute immediately played a major role in his decision.

1. The Coaching Staff: Flanigan expressed his admiration for FSU’s coaching staff, particularly head coach Mike Norvell. The relationship he formed with the staff was a critical factor in his decision. Norvell’s vision for how Flanigan would be used in the offense, coupled with his ability to develop talent at a high level, made Florida State an attractive option.

2. Opportunity for Immediate Impact: At FSU, Flanigan is expected to make an immediate impact. With the program looking to build on its recent success, the chance to be a centerpiece in a developing offense was an exciting prospect. Flanigan saw the opportunity to play early and be a focal point of the Seminoles’ game plan, both as a receiver and as a blocker.

3. The Tradition of FSU Football: Florida State’s tradition of winning, producing NFL-caliber talent, and playing in big games was a major draw for Flanigan. The Seminoles’ history of success, including multiple national championships, offered a sense of prestige that few programs can match. For Flanigan, joining a program with such a rich football legacy was an appealing factor.

Conclusion

James Flanigan’s decision to decommit from Notre Dame and choose Florida State University over Arkansas, Tennessee, and Texas is a game-changer in the world of college football recruiting. Flanigan’s rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism makes him a game-changing prospect, and his commitment to FSU signals the start of what could be an exciting chapter in the program’s future.

For Florida State, landing a 5-star tight end like Flanigan is a massive win, and it solidifies the Seminoles as one of the premier programs in college football. As Flanigan looks to make his mark in Tallahassee, all eyes will be on him as he aims to be a key figure in FSU’s resurgence to national prominence.