The Gophers are deep into 2027 high school recruiting, but it's never too early to get started on the 2028 cycle. They sent out an intriguing offer to Michigan quarterback Grayson Thurston on Wednesday afternoon. Here's what you need to know. "After a great conversation with [Coach Harbaugh], I’m extremely blessed to receive an offer to [Gophers football] #RTB," he posted on X.After a great conversation with @CoachHarbaugh I’m extremely blessed to receive an offer to @GopherFootball #B1G @DLSFootball_MI @coachrohn @Coach_Sinagoga @JamesALight @AllenTrieu @Andrew_Ivins @QBHitList pic.twitter.com/kbDi7ekwJo— Grayson Thurston (@GrayThurston1) May 20, 2026Listed at 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, Thurston had a productive sophomore season at De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren, Michigan. He completed 63% of his passes for 1,951 passing yards, 257 rushing yards. 20 total touchdowns and 10 interceptions. It was his first season as a full-time starter.It might seem early to dive deep into the 2028 cycle, but quarterbacks have recently committed to Minnesota early in the process. Furian Inferrera committed last June in the 2027 cycle and 2026 prospect Owen Lansu committed in July heading into his junior season. It's a small sample size, but it could mark a trend of Minnesota intending to add a quarterback early to build its class around going forward.Thurston is unranked by the major recruiting services, but he has had a productive spring, recently adding offers from Cincinnati and UConn this month. He's now the 12th quarterback Minnesota has offered in the 2028 class.Minnesota's 2028 quarterback targetsTitus Huard (Littleton, CO)Luke Rubley (Aurora, CO)Matthew Lee (Wimlette, IL)Owen Herrick (Pittsburgh, PA)