Grant Bowen’s visit to Notre Dame reinforced what makes the program stand out both on and off the field.
The 2028 Illinois tight end made his way to South Bend last week, getting an in-depth look at the program.
“It was a great visit,” Bowen told Irish Sports Daily. “They had a lot of hospitality.”
The Immaculate Conception High School standout was offered by Notre Dame back in January. He also holds offers from schools like Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Wisconsin among others.
Bowen spent time touring facilities, sitting in on meetings with offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Mike Denbrock and watching practice, giving him a broad look at how the program operates.
“They were great meetings,” Bowen said. “We talked a lot about why Coach Denbrock is at Notre Dame and what Notre Dame means to him.”
The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder also got a chance to hear directly from head coach Marcus Freeman.
“He was a great guy,” said Bowen. “I'm still shell-shocked I got to meet with him because it’s Coach Freeman. I mean, I get why he wanted to meet with me, but I'm still kind of shell-shocked that he wanted to meet me.”
Freeman’s message stood out.
“He used a term about doing it for Notre Dame, not just for yourself,” Bowen said.
That message, along with the program’s track record, aligns with what Bowen is looking for in a school.
“A place that can develop me,” Bowen said. “A place with a history of developing tight ends so I know they can develop me and where I feel comfortable with the coaches.”
Practice also left an impression, particularly the efficiency of the operation.
“It was a good, efficient practice,” Bowen said. “They got a lot done in a short amount of time.”
The Illinois prospect also came away impressed with the campus during his time in South Bend.
“It’s a beautiful campus,” Bowen said. “A lot of history. Every building looks the same, in a good way.”
Bowen is already looking ahead to a potential return visit as he continues working through the early stages of his recruitment.
“I definitely plan on visiting again, either in the summer or for a game day,” Bowen said.
He is hoping to spend more time with assistant tight ends coach Harris Bivin during his next trip.
“I want to get some time to talk with Coach Biv more,” Bowen said. “We didn’t really get to go over football like we wanted to.”
He’s already been to Northwestern, Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana and will be at Oklahoma on Thursday. Bowen is taking a long-term approach as he continues to evaluate his options.
“I’m going to keep my options open. Just see everything I can.”
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