While most of Notre Dame football's recruiting focus is on 2027, the Fighting Irish have started focusing on a few of the top prospects from the 2028 cycle. That includes an uber-talented wide receiver in Marshaun Thornton.
Thornton received a new offer from ND earlier this week, and it's safe to say the Irish are already one of the front-runners. He becomes the latest of the best 2028 prospects that Marcus Freeman and his staff are looking hard at.
Despite Thornton being years away from signing on the dotted line, he's getting tons of attention from power programs. In addition to Notre Dame's offer, he's garnered interest from Arizona State, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma, and many others.
Blessed to receive an offer from the university of norte dame ! #GoIrish @Im_MikeB @EDGYTIM @Jordanlynch06 @BrandonHuffman @TomLoy247 @AllenTrieu @GregBiggins @adamgorney @ChadSimmons_ @SWiltfong_ pic.twitter.com/dP2fWcp0Z1
— Marshaun “3k”Thornton (@Marshaun_T3) February 19, 2026
Notre Dame football offers 2028 wideout Marshaun Thornton as interest grows nationally
Taking a look at his game, it's not hard to see why so many schools are interested. The Mount Carmel wide receiver is currently only rated a 3-star according to Rivals' Industry Rankings, but he'll almost certainly really start shooting up the ranks any day now.
The 6-foot, 180-pound wideout is already the No. 5 player in Illinois and the No. 131 player in the entire class. He's also someone who can make some noise on both sides of the ball.
That was demonstrated in spades when Thornton caught a 39-yard TD in Mount Carmel's quarterfinal playoff game last fall, while throwing a 24-yard completion and playing some rush end to make the opposing quarterback have to speed up his internal clock and rush some throws.
Clearly, he's got a nose for the ball on defense, but he's also plenty talented as a receiver who is still growing into his size and speed. How Notre Dame moves up the list when it comes to Marshaun Thornton's interests will certainly be something to keep an eye on over the next year.