Five-Star In-State WR Monshun Sales Set for Unofficial Notre Dame Visit During Crucial Fall Showdown Against Texas A&M

Notre Dame’s upcoming fall schedule just got even more significant—not only on the field, but on the recruiting trail. One of the Midwest’s most electrifying prospects, five-star wide receiver Monshun Sales, has confirmed plans for an unofficial visit to South Bend when the Fighting Irish host Texas A&M this fall.

The matchup between Notre Dame and Texas A&M was already shaping up to be a marquee early-season clash with national playoff implications. Now, it doubles as a golden opportunity for Marcus Freeman and his staff to impress one of their top in-state recruiting targets in the 2026 class.

A Homegrown Star

Monshun Sales, the dynamic 6-foot-2, 190-pound wideout from Indianapolis (Ind.) Ben Davis High School, is widely considered one of the most explosive offensive playmakers in the country. With elite speed, route precision, and a knack for big plays, Sales has earned a composite five-star rating and currently ranks among the top three wide receivers nationally, per most recruiting outlets.

Despite his national profile, Sales has made it clear he’s not taking local programs for granted.

“Notre Dame has always been one of those places you have to check out,” Sales said earlier this spring. “It’s close to home, has crazy tradition, and you can tell they’re building something under Coach Freeman.”

Sales visited South Bend during his sophomore year but has yet to experience a game day atmosphere at Notre Dame Stadium. That will change on the weekend of the Irish’s showdown with the Aggies, a date that promises high energy, national media coverage, and playoff-level stakes.

Big Game, Bigger Stakes

Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M will be one of the most anticipated non-conference matchups of the 2025 season. It’s also being strategically used by the Irish coaching staff as a major recruiting weekend.

The staff expects a loaded guest list, with several blue-chip prospects from the 2025, 2026, and even early 2027 classes set to attend. Sales headlines the group, and his presence reflects Notre Dame’s emphasis on retaining top in-state talent.

Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey are leading the charge in Sales’ recruitment. Both coaches have built strong rapport with the Ben Davis standout and his family.

“They’ve been consistent, honest, and just real with me,” Sales said of the Irish staff. “That goes a long way.”

With Sales drawing interest from SEC powers like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, along with Midwest blue bloods Ohio State and Michigan, Notre Dame is doing everything possible to show him he doesn’t need to leave Indiana to become a national star.

Building a Pipeline

Notre Dame has traditionally struggled to keep elite Indiana talent from leaving the state. But under Freeman, the Irish are making headway in turning that trend around. Recent in-state pickups like offensive lineman Guerby Lambert and linebacker Drayk Bowen have signaled a renewed emphasis on local recruiting.

Landing Sales would take it to another level entirely.

“He’s the type of player who changes a program,” one Power Five scout told 247Sports. “If Notre Dame can keep him home, it sends a major message nationally.”

The Irish are selling Sales on becoming the centerpiece of a dynamic future offense led by elite quarterback commit Teddy Jarrard, who has already been in touch with the receiver.

“I’ve talked to Teddy. He’s a great player and a great recruiter,” Sales said with a smile. “He told me we could do something special together.”

The Fit at Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s offense under Denbrock has taken a noticeable step forward, prioritizing spacing, tempo, and giving athletes room to operate in the open field. That philosophy is tailor-made for a receiver of Sales’ skill set.

“He’s the kind of guy who fits into any system,” Denbrock said during a spring evaluation. “But we believe he could be the guy in ours.”

With Jarrard expected to take the reins in 2026, Sales would have the opportunity to grow alongside one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country. Add to that the Irish’s history of producing NFL-ready receivers like Golden Tate, Will Fuller, and Chase Claypool, and it’s clear the developmental pathway exists in South Bend.

Sales’ visit will include time with the coaching staff, position meetings, a facilities tour, and of course, a seat inside Notre Dame Stadium for one of the biggest games of the season.

Competition Heating Up

Notre Dame isn’t alone in pursuing Sales aggressively. Ohio State remains a serious threat, with wide receivers coach Brian Hartline maintaining regular contact. Hartline has built a reputation as one of the best developers of receiver talent in the country, and Sales has visited Columbus multiple times.

“I’ve been to Ohio State and I see the success they’ve had,” Sales said. “Coach Hartline is a legend at this point.”

Meanwhile, Georgia and Alabama have both extended offers and are expected to make a push, especially if Sales takes official visits to the SEC next spring.

However, Notre Dame’s proximity, academic excellence, and a revamped offensive system are proving to be compelling selling points.

“He doesn’t need to go far to be great,” a source close to Sales’ camp noted. “Notre Dame gives him everything he needs—football, education, spotlight.”

Momentum on Freeman’s Side

Marcus Freeman has made recruiting top-tier talent a central mission of his tenure. While the Irish may not have finished with top-three classes yet, they’ve consistently punched above their weight under his leadership, particularly with defensive talent.

The next frontier? Flipping that success to the offensive side—and it starts with difference-makers like Monshun Sales.

A strong visit experience this fall could put Notre Dame in pole position heading into the 2026 cycle. If the Irish win against Texas A&M and the crowd atmosphere lives up to expectations, it may be the kind of “wow moment” that tilts the race in South Bend’s favor.

For now, Sales is keeping his options open, but the signals are becoming more clear.

“I just want to see it all for myself,” he said. “I’ve heard so much about Notre Dame’s game day. I want to feel the energy.”

On one of the biggest stages of the season, Notre Dame will get its chance. Not just to win on the field—but to win over one of the best players in the country.

Monshun Sales’ unofficial visit to Notre Dame during the showdown with Texas A&M represents far more than a recruiting pit stop—it’s a potential turning point. For Notre Dame, it’s a chance to land a generational in-state receiver. For Sales, it’s an opportunity to see firsthand whether South Bend can be his future football home.

A win on the field could be matched by a win off it, as the Irish aim to impress the crown jewel of Indiana’s 2026 class.