BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star TE James Flanigan Shocks College Football World, Decommits from Notre Dame to Join Arkansas Over Penn State and Others
Fayetteville, AR – In a stunning turn of events, five-star tight end James Flanigan has decommitted from Notre Dame and announced his commitment to the Arkansas Razorbacks, choosing them over Penn State and several other powerhouse programs. The highly sought-after recruit cited a deep connection with Arkansas’ coaching staff and a vision for his role in the Razorbacks’ offense as key reasons for his shocking decision.
Flanigan, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound playmaker from Wisconsin, was long considered a lock for Notre Dame, where his father, Jim Flanigan, was a standout player. However, after an official visit to Fayetteville, his perspective changed. Sources close to Flanigan revealed that Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman and offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino played a pivotal role in securing his commitment.
“Arkansas felt like home,” Flanigan said in his commitment announcement. “Coach Pittman and Coach Petrino have an incredible vision for me in their offense. They showed me how I can make an immediate impact, and I believe in what they’re building.”
The Razorbacks’ ability to sway Flanigan away from Notre Dame and Penn State is a massive recruiting win for Pittman’s program. Arkansas has been making aggressive moves to bolster its offensive talent, and landing a five-star tight end of Flanigan’s caliber solidifies their growing reputation as a rising force in the SEC.
Recruiting analysts are calling this one of the biggest flips of the 2025 class, as Flanigan was expected to anchor Notre Dame’s offense in future seasons. Instead, he will now don the Razorback red, bringing elite athleticism and pass-catching ability to Arkansas’ offensive attack.
With this commitment, Arkansas sends a strong message to the rest of the SEC: the Razorbacks are not just competing—they’re aiming to dominate.