Richie Flanigan never tried to downplay his affection for Notre Dame.
With a father who starred for the Irish in the 90’s and a brother who signed with them as a recruit in the Class of 2025, Flanigan never tried to downplay the importance of his family connections with the University either.
But he never came out and said he was definitely going to Notre Dame, either.
Until today.
The 2027 Wisconsin defensive lineman just announced his commitment to the Irish.
Flanigan chose Notre Dame over offers from schools like Wisconsin, Michigan, Northwestern, Duke and Stanford among others.
He certainly didn’t hide his emotion when he received his Notre Dame offer on Pot of Gold Day back in March.
“It's the team I grew up watching as a kid, and obviously with the family history, it's a really big deal,” he said. “It was probably the best feeling in the world.”
Flanigan’s father, Jim, started at defensive line for the Irish in 1992 and 1993, earning honorable mention All-America honors in 1993 before going on to a 10-year NFL career with the Bears, Packers, 49ers and Eagles.
Flanigan’s brother, James, is a freshman tight end for the Irish after signing with the over opportunities at Wisconsin, Stanford, Michigan and Penn State.
James wasn’t shy about recruiting his brother, but Flanigan always knew he’d have to make his own decision and he now he has.
After taking in the Irish’s home opener against Texas A&M earlier this month, Flanigan talked about looking at things differently.
“I've started to shift my focus to being there with James,” he said. “On other recruiting trips. I was like, 'Hey, this would be pretty cool for James.'
“But now I'm really looking at it for myself and seeing what it'd be like for me.”
And he’s clearly excited about what that future will look like in South Bend.
The 6-foot-4, 280-pounder from Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay gives the Irish four commits in the Class of 2027, joining quarterback Teddy Jarrard, linebacker Ellis McGaskin and long snapper Sean Kraft.
Film Don’t Lie | DL Richie Flanigan
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