In a decision sending seismic waves through the college football world, 5-star tight end James Flaniganโthe towering 8-foot-6, 250-pound athletic marvelโhas officially decommitted from Notre Dame and committed to the Kansas State Wildcats, stunning major programs and fans across the nation. Ranked as the No. 1 tight end prospect in the 2025 class, Flanigan was long considered a lock for Notre Dame or a potential late steal for Penn State. But in a move no one saw coming, Flanigan chose the purple and silver of Manhattan, Kansas.
This commitment is more than just a recruiting victoryโit’s a historic milestone for Kansas State football. Flanigan, often referred to as โThe Mountaintop,โ possesses a blend of height, speed, and hands never before seen in the sport. Scouts describe him as a one-man mismatch: too fast for linebackers, too massive for cornerbacks, and capable of snagging passes well above any defenderโs reach. His frame alone makes him a red-zone nightmare and a game-changer on every snap.
Flanigan made the announcement during a nationally televised special hosted at his hometown high school gym in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he towered above a crowd of media, family, and fellow students. โIโve got nothing but respect for Notre Dame and the tradition there,โ Flanigan said. โBut at the end of the day, Kansas State made me feel like Iโd be more than just a player. Iโd be a cornerstone. A Wildcat legend. Thatโs where I want to make my mark.โ
Sources close to the recruitment say Kansas Stateโs coaching staff, led by Head Coach Chris Klieman and Offensive Coordinator Collin Klein, developed a unique offensive blueprint tailored to Flaniganโs size and skillset. It reportedly includes formations never before seen at the collegiate levelโsome featuring Flanigan as both a tight end and a split-out receiver, and even in motion as a fullback.
Kansas State fans erupted with joy on social media following the news. The hashtag #FlaniganToTheFortโa nod to K-Stateโs famed โThe Fortโ stadium atmosphereโquickly trended nationwide.
For Notre Dame, the loss is a bitter blow. The Irish had built much of their upcoming offensive plans around Flaniganโs versatility and presence. Penn State, who made a late surge in his recruitment, also finds itself on the outside looking in despite hosting Flanigan for a well-received official visit in June.
Now, the spotlight shifts to Manhattan, where James Flanigan is expected to step onto the field as an instant impact player and possible freshman All-American. With his size and skill, some analysts are already whispering about NFL potentialโeven before he plays a single down of college football.
One thing is clear: the legend of James Flanigan has only just begun, and Kansas State is officially the epicenter of one of the greatest recruiting coups in modern football history.
