Notre Dame tight end emerges as spring starter

Cooper Flanagan expected to lead Fighting Irish tight end group in 2026 season

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:03pm

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Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman revealed that junior tight end Cooper Flanagan has separated himself as the expected starter at the position this spring. Flanagan missed most of the 2024 season due to an Achilles injury but is now back to full strength and poised for a breakout year.

Why it matters

Tight end has long been a position of strength for Notre Dame, with the program earning the nickname 'Tight End U' for its ability to develop top talent at the position. Flanagan's emergence as the starter is an encouraging sign for the Fighting Irish offense as they look to build on a successful 2025 campaign.

The details

During spring practices, Freeman praised Flanagan's impact, saying the junior 'makes James (Flanigan) better, which makes (Ty) Washington better, which makes Jack Larsen better, even Preston (Fryzel)... he's back to old Coop, and he's pretty special.' Flanagan has caught 5 career passes, 3 of which have gone for touchdowns.

  • Notre Dame has been through a handful of spring practices in 2026.
  • Flanagan suffered an Achilles injury against Georgia in the 2024 College Football Playoff, missing most of that season.
  • Flanagan returned to action against USC last fall.

The players

Cooper Flanagan

A junior tight end at Notre Dame who is expected to be the team's starting tight end in 2026 after missing most of the 2024 season due to an Achilles injury.

Marcus Freeman

The head coach of the Notre Dame football team, who praised Flanagan's performance and impact on the other tight ends during spring practices.

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What they’re saying

“Cooper makes James (Flanigan) better, which makes (Ty) Washington better, which makes Jack Larsen better, even Preston (Fryzel)... he's back to old Coop, and he's pretty special.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach

What’s next

Notre Dame will continue spring practices as they prepare for the 2026 season, with Flanagan expected to solidify his role as the starting tight end.

The takeaway

Flanagan's return to full health and emergence as the top tight end option is an encouraging sign for Notre Dame's offense, as the program looks to continue its tradition of producing elite talent at the position.