2025 RB Commit Justin Thurman Takes In First Notre Dame Game

After a pair of unofficial visits over the summer led to Justin Thurman‍ committing to the Irish, the 2025 Florida running back finally got his chance to see a game inside Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday.

“It was great, honestly,” Thurman told Irish Sports Daily. “Getting the opportunity to see a Notre Dame game in person for the first time and see how the offense works and how Coach (Deland) McCullough utilizes his running backs in the offensive scheme and also just showing their versatility on special teams as well, it was very cool to see the running backs being used not only in offense but on special teams as well.”

The 6-foot, 180-pounder’s exact role hasn’t been defined just yet, but Thurman feels he can fit in a variety of areas.

“I've just been watching the group as a whole and seeing how they've been utilizing them,” Thurman said. “Not only in the run game ball too in the passing game as well.

“I could definitely run some outside run plays. I can catch screen passes, I can line up in the slot or even in a wide receiver position and run routes, be able to also return balls on kickoff and just be versatile as a back overall.”

The Jesuit High School standout was impressed with the atmosphere inside Notre Dame Stadium and the idea that he’ll be calling it home soon enough.

“It was very electric, I can say that,” he said. “Where I was sitting, I was sitting in front of the Leprechaun and it was pretty cool to see him hype up the student section and just keeping them focused for the entire game. Other than that, it was great and the people there were great.

“It kind of hit for a minute that this is the place that I'm going to be playing in the next couple of years.”

Thurman had the opportunity to hang out with several Irish commits in the Class of 2024, including Logan Saldate, Cam Williams, Karson Hobbs and Styles Prescod.

“They were all cool,” he said. “We were just talking about how the game was and why we chose Notre Dame and basically just what the future has in store.

“It's very reassuring. It basically acknowledges the decision I made in committing to Notre Dame. I will be around people who have the same mindset and the same mentality as me. I'll be around people who I'll be comfortable around and the people I want to learn more about and become friends with.”

Thurman will return to South Bend for the Ohio State game later this month.

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