2026 OL Casey Thomann Talks "Awesome" Notre Dame Visit
Casey Thomann came into Saturday’s trip to South Bend for Notre Dame’s home game against Stanford with high expectations and they were met.
“It went awesome,” the 2026 Illinois offensive lineman told Irish Sports Daily afterward. “It was a great gameday visit. I talked to Coach (Joe) Rudolph and Coach (Marcus) Freeman. It was a great game. They kicked the crap out of Stanford.”
The East Richland High School standout left during the lightning suspension, but saw plenty in the time he was present.
“We were basically right in the student section with all the students,” he said. “The true Notre Dame fans can really pack that stadium. It's definitely a huge factor whenever the Irish play at home.”
Thomann, who has offers from schools like Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri and Northwestern among others, camped at Notre Dame over the summer. He was grateful for the chance to reconnect with Rudolph.
“I always love talking to Coach Rudolph,” the 6-foot-7, 315-pounder said. “He's a great guy. He said he loved how athletic and how good I did in camp back in June. He said he loved how good I did in camp and loved having me back on campus and is looking forward to keeping in touch.
“I love how down to earth Coach Rudolph is. He is a great guy. You can really talk to him about anything. He's just a great coach and even a better person.”
Thomann’s conversation with Freeman was brief, but important.
“He said he loved having me on campus and wants to keep in touch as well,” Thomann recalled.
Thomann will visit Indiana and Iowa next before focusing on his playoff season.
“I'll probably finish out my season along with my other visits and we'll continue to text and message each other back and forth and see what goes on from there,” he said of himself and the Irish.
He is thrilled to know they want to maintain contact with him.
“It's a great feeling,” he said. “That University with the academics they have along with the great football that they have and the great atmosphere with all the fans there; being told that people want you a part of it and they want to keep on bringing you back, it's an unreal feeling.”
Thomann isn’t in any rush to narrow his list or pick a school.
“Still exploring, still trying to find the best fit for me and my family and what's going to work out the best.”
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