Notre Dame lands elite four-star defensive prospect over Michigan, others

Notre Dame picks up big-time 2027 recruit in Richie Flanigan 

Flanigan went to "Pot of Gold Day," a recruiting event, back in March, and that's when he received his offer from the Fighting Irish.

"Getting an offer from Notre Dame was the best feeling in the world," he told Irish Illustrated at the time. "To have the chance to be a part of the great history and culture is an honor.  A few words that come to mind with Notre Dame are, character, integrity, toughness, and excellence. It's a globally recognized school."

He also recently visited Notre Dame for the Irish' tough but exciting loss to Texas A&M.

"I thought the game was very exciting," he told Tom Loy of 247Sports. "I liked the atmosphere of campus and in the stadium.  I liked how hard Notre Dame played and how hard they fought until the end."

He'll now get a part to be a part of that atmosphere and campus for the next several years. And as far as Notre Dame is concerned, the Fighting Irish will be happy to have him.

Flanigan checks in at 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, and he's ranked as the No. 34 defensive lineman in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports. Keep in mind, he still has his whole senior year of high school ball to grow, improve, and prepare for the college level.