Notre Dame football has once again added a highly touted legacy recruit to its 2025 class, securing a commitment from four-star tight end James Flanigan. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound prospect from Illinois made his decision to join the Irish on Saturday, choosing Notre Dame over several top programs, including Penn State, Stanford, and Wisconsin. Flanigan is the son of Jim Flanigan, a former Notre Dame defensive lineman who played for the Irish from 1990 to 1993. His commitment marks the second consecutive year that a legacy player has pledged to Notre Dame, following 2024 defensive end Bryceoung, the son of former Irish All-American Bryant Young.
Flanigan’s decision to commit to the Irish is a significant win for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff, who have continued to build momentum in recruiting for the 2025 class. As a tight end, Flanigan is known for his impressive combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ. He’s expected to be a key contributor to Notre Dame’s offense, which has increasingly focused on tight end production under Freeman’s leadership.
James Flanigan had visited Notre Dame’s campus several times before, but his most recent visit—during the Irish’s dominant 48-20 victory over USC—was a pivotal moment in his recruitment. It marked his first home game visit since receiving an offer from the program. The atmosphere of the game left a lasting impression on Flanigan, who shared his excitement with Inside ND Sports: “Notre Dame football is legit … the atmosphere was crazy,” he said. “It was really fun hanging out with the other guys in the stands and getting to know them.”
Flanigan’s commitment is part of a larger trend of Notre Dame successfully landing legacy recruits, who often bring an added emotional connection to the program. The Irish have a long tradition of developing tight ends, and Flanigan’s versatility as a receiver and blocker will likely make him a valuable asset in Notre Dame’s offense for years to come.
With Flanigan’s commitment, Notre Dame continues to strengthen its recruiting efforts, particularly in the Midwest, and further solidifies its standing as a premier destination for top-tier talent in college football. Flanigan’s decision to follow in his father’s footsteps could serve as a powerful symbol of tradition, commitment, and family for the Notre Dame program moving forward.
