Longtime 2025 Notre Dame RB Commit Justin Thurman Headed To Kansas

It’s been a wild ride for running back recruiting at Notre Dame this cycle.

We knew it was always going to be a bit of a tricky situation for the Irish looking at backs in the Class of 2025.

Running backs coach Deland McCullough’s proven ability to keep multiple running backs involved and productive throughout a season has led to a room loaded with talent.

With Jeremiyah Love and JD Price leading the way this season and players like Gi’Bran Payne, Aneyas Williams and Kedren Young ready to make the most of their opportunities when they come, it was always going to be difficult - if not impossible - to sell the chance for immediate playing time.

Notre Dame was able to land Florida running back Justin Thurman‍ back in August of last year and Arkansas’ Daniel Anderson‍ a month later, but both are now gone. Anderson announced he was backing off his pledge to the Irish last month while Thurman announced he would be headed to Kansas instead of South Bend on Monday.

According to sources, both moves came with Notre Dame’s complete blessing. 

Meanwhile, the Irish flipped New Jersey running back Nolan James‍ from Boston College earlier this month.

At least for the moment, it appears James will represent the entirety of Notre Dame’s running back haul this cycle and that’s something the Irish are extremely pleased with. 

Look for the Irish to be aggressive in their pursuit of running backs in the Class of 2026 and they’re already off to an encouraging start with one of their top targets, Missouri’s DeZephen Walker, who had an impressive trip to South Bend earlier this month. 

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