Notre Dame OL Commit Richie Flanigan Talks "Amazing" Official Visit

Richie Flanigan‍ has been committed to Notre Dame for nearly a year now.

But this weekend's official visit gave the 2027 Wisconsin offensive lineman a good chance to experience what his future in South Bend will actually look like, from spending time with his future position group to learning more about the role Notre Dame envisions for him on the offensive line.

"It went amazing," Flanigan told Irish Sports Daily.

The Notre Dame Academy standout spent the weekend alongside fellow Irish commits, current players as well as head coach Marcus Freeman, offensive line coach Joe Rudolph and assistant offensive line coach Rob Delaney while getting a closer look at what awaits him once he arrives on campus.

"It was a fantastic weekend," Flanigan said. "They had us doing a lot of fun stuff. We went out to dinner twice. They took us out. We went to Coach Freeman's house for a little bit."

One of the biggest takeaways was the opportunity to spend extended time with the rest of Notre Dame's 2027 recruiting class.

"It was awesome," Flanigan said. "I knew some of them, but the majority I didn't know. So getting to know them was really fun because you're going to be teammates with them and friends with them for the rest of your life."

The offensive line group, in particular, benefited from finally getting together in one place.

Flanigan had already built a relationship with fellow offensive line commit James Halter, but the weekend allowed him to spend more time with Olu Olubobola and Jackson Hill as well.

"It was a lot of fun," Flanigan said. "They're really cool guys and they're going to be the ones picking you up at practice and pushing you. Creating that strong bond with them really is important."

The visit also provided another opportunity to discuss Flanigan's future position with Rudolph and Delaney.

Originally committed as a defensive lineman, Flanigan has since transitioned to the offensive side of the ball, a move Notre Dame believes maximizes his long-term potential.

"They like me at o-line because they think I have a higher upside than I would have at d-line," Flanigan said. "They like some of the characteristics I possess and they think they can develop me into a really good offensive lineman."

The 2027 Wisconsin offensive lineman said the position change wasn't difficult for him to embrace.

"I always knew that I was very good at both positions and that I could really choose which one I wanted to play,” he said. 

Like the rest of Notre Dame's offensive line commits, Flanigan also spent plenty of time around Louisiana offensive lineman Albert Simien, one of the Irish's top remaining targets.

"We talked to Albert a lot," Flanigan said. "I got to know him a good amount."

The Irish commits did their best to explain why they believe Notre Dame is the right place.

"We're trying to get him to commit," Flanigan said. "Trying to echo what everyone's been saying about why the place is so great."

Flanigan believes hearing that message from future teammates can sometimes carry extra weight.

"I think hearing it from maybe someone who it's not their job, like some of his peers, will be helpful for him," said Flanigan. 

As the recruiting process continues winding down, Flanigan admitted it's becoming easier to picture the next chapter.

"It's really exciting. I've been thinking about it a lot recently, just like finishing high school and starting my college journey."

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