2025 TE James Flanigan Talks Notre Dame Return, Unique Meeting

James Flanigan‍ had a great time during Saturday’s return to Notre Dame.

"It was a great visit again," said the 2025 Wisconsin tight end, who was also on campus for a visit last month.

"First, we went to Bryant Young's reception for the Hall of Fame. That was pretty cool. I got to meet him."

The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder, also had the opportunity to meet other recruits and witness the atmosphere during the spring game.

"I got to meet a lot more recruits this time and just see what everybody else is thinking about Notre Dame,” he said. “Seeing the game also was really cool."

The 2025 prospect sat down with Irish head coach Marcus Freeman, offensive coordinator Gerad Parker and assistant Gino Guidugli during the visit.

Flanigan, whose father Jim played linebacker for the Irish in the early-1990s, was part of a one-of-a-kind meeting with Freeman.

“Me, Bryce Young and Jerome Bettis Jr. all went in together,” Flanigan said. “That was pretty cool talking to Coach Freeman.”

Flanigan’s family and Jerome Bettis Sr. were also in the meeting.

Flanigan said Parker and Guidugli emphasized what it means to be a "Notre Dame man" and how coming to Notre Dame can provide a unique experience.

"(The message) is the same as everybody on the staff,” said Flanigan “’If you come here, you're getting a good experience going to Notre Dame.’ They say it's like no other school and you're getting recruited because you have what it takes to be a Notre Dame man."

Flanigan, who has an offer from Notre Dame, is planning to make another visit to campus in the future.

"We don't really know when we're going to get back, but I know definitely want to go back again. I just need to see when," Flanigan said.

"I definitely like it a lot because of all the history, the facilities and the culture within the program. I'd say it sits high with me, especially because my dad's an alum there, but also because of all the coaches and people going there."

Flanigan has seen his recruitment explode in recent weeks with offers from Penn State, Missouri and Michigan coming in.

He plans to visit Michigan this summer.

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