Notre Dame Sees Defensive Lineman Juju Marks As A Dominant Force

Talented 2025 Kansas defensive lineman Juju Marks recaps recent visit and offer from Notre Dame

Over the weekend, Notre Dame welcomed a long list of talented 2025 recruits on campus for its “Grill and Chill” recruiting cookout. The majority of the visitors had already previously held offers but for Overland Park (Kan.) St. Thomas Aquinas defensive lineman Julian “Juju” Marks, he joined that list by the end of the weekend.

With the fast rising Marks receiving an offer during the visit, that is the Kansas native’s 22nd overall offer, profiling as arguably the biggest riser at defensive line in the 2025 recruiting class. The 6-7, 260-pound defender went in depth on his first experience in South Bend, which was really highlighted by his high opinion of the Irish staff.

“The Notre Dame staff was full of energy,” Marks told Irish Breakdown. “It was infectious to be around all the coaches and players. The whole day was filled with fun games, stuff to do and chances to get to know the coaches. Getting that offer was special. It was great.”

Marks knew the Notre Dame staff coming into the visit but the big purpose of the trip was really to get to know them on a much deeper level. That was definitely accomplished on Sunday.

“The whole trip was about just trying to build a relationship with the people around me,” Marks explained. “Coming into the visit, I had talked to the staff but not much. This trip really gave me a chance to get to know them all.

“They were really excited to have me visit and really want me to return,” he continued. “The staff said that I can be a dominant force on the defensive line. They love how I play.”

Littered among that bonding time was a lot of fun events planned by the staff throughout the day. From a campus tour, photo shoot, cookout and games, they had it all. There was also a little cooking competition that Marks felt was unfairly judged.

“My favorite part of the trip was definitely the cook off,” he said. “Pod four definitely should have won. We were robbed.”

With Marks getting his first taste of Notre Dame football, he leaves the visit with a great early impression. They seem to have moved the needle tremendously with the talented defensive lineman.

Marks has been one of the bigger risers on the defensive lineman in the 2025 recruiting class. He has been reeling in a long list of impressive offers and it's only growing. His current list includes Michigan, USC, Oklahoma, Auburn, Oregon, Tennessee, Ole Miss, TCU, Washington, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Louisville, Kansas State, Missouri, UCF, Northwestern and Kansas among others.

The Kansas native is considered a four-star recruit by On3, Rivals and ESPN. On3 currently has him rated the highest, sitting as the No. 170 overall player and No. 16 defensive lineman in the 2025 recruiting class. Rivals sees him similarly, ranking as the No. 195 overall player and No. 14 defensive lineman.

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