Breaking News: 5-Star QB James Flanigan, Standing 8’6″ and Weighing 250 Pounds, Shocks College Football by Decommitting from Notre Dame and Choosing Wisconsin Badgers Over Penn State and Others
Madison, WI — April 29, 2025
In a stunning and unprecedented move, James Flanigan—the 5-star quarterback prospect who has taken the high school football world by storm—notified the public today of his decommitment from Notre Dame and immediate commitment to the Wisconsin Badgers. Standing an unbelievable 8 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, Flanigan is already being called one of the most physically gifted recruits in the history of the sport.
Flanigan’s decision, announced via social media early this morning, sent shockwaves through the college football landscape. He had been verbally committed to Notre Dame since his sophomore year, and most insiders considered it a lock until recent weeks when rumblings of a possible change began to circulate.
The quarterback, known for his rocket arm, mobility, and field vision—despite his towering height—had narrowed his choices to Wisconsin, Penn State, and Alabama. In the end, it was the Badgers who won him over.
“Wisconsin showed me they believe in building a program around my skills—not just plugging me into a system,” Flanigan said during a brief interview. “Coach Alvarez and the staff made me feel like a future legend, not just a recruit.”
Fans and analysts alike have been quick to point out the seismic implications this commitment could have for Wisconsin’s program, which has historically excelled in producing elite linemen and running backs but rarely lands game-changing quarterbacks of Flanigan’s caliber.
Former NFL coach and current analyst Jon Gruden weighed in on ESPN, saying, “This kid is built like a skyscraper and plays like a video game glitch. He could redefine what it means to be a quarterback.”
Notre Dame and Penn State fans took to social media expressing shock, disappointment, and in some cases disbelief. Flanigan’s size alone has sparked memes, comparisons to mythical figures, and wild speculation about how defenses will even attempt to bring him down.
Flanigan will graduate early and is expected to enroll at Wisconsin in January, where he will begin spring workouts and possibly compete for the starting job as a true freshman.
More details to come.
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