Intel: Michigan Football shows priority treatment to visiting recruits for season opener

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Maize n Brew has the latest on several visiting recruits who were at The Big House on Saturday to see Michigan Football win its first game of the season. This article will be updated as we continue to get more intel this week.

*** Linebacker recruiting was arguably the biggest storyline for Michigan, as the team hosted its two top targets on the board for the 2028 recruiting class — four-star Camden Noe and four-star Jay Schell, while also offering a fast-rising junior linebacker who made the trip from Baltimore. The plan of action included recruiting assistant spend ample time with Noe and Schell and their loved ones during warmups. Overall feelings inside Schembechler Hall are that all three had a good time, and that Noe and Schell being the most wanted options were further solidified after the hours of in-person interactions.

*** The staff is also grateful knowing the 2027 commits are actively assisting in peer recruiting. For instance, Noe was seen hanging out with in-state offensive line pledges Jakari Lipsey and Louis Esposito. For the newest linebacker on the board, Cyrus Zuah — who’s picked up recent notable offers from the likes of Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, and Penn State — spoke with Maize n Brew about his first time in Ann Arbor, saying he “loved” linebackers coach Alex Whittingham and they had a “great talk” on campus. He would later go on to say this about the game-day experience: “Amazing. It was a crazy atmosphere.”

*** Zuah wasn’t the only DMV native to show up to watch the Hail Mary thriller. He was joined by Mount Saint Joseph teammate and four-star Kinnard Mahomes. It was also Mahomes’ debut at Michigan, which exceeded expectations: “I absolutely loved it. I thought the defense played really well, and the atmosphere was beyond electric. It’s definitely a place I could see myself playing.”

*** Zuah was also one-of-three prospects on the radar heading into Saturday, but left with an offer. The others were 2028 four-star Mundelein (Ill.) Carmel Catholic offensive tackle Wyatt VanBoening and 2029 Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech athlete Pierre Johnson. Here’s what VanBoening told Maize n Brew: “I really enjoyed the visit. The coaches seemed good and I thought the atmosphere that the fans created was great.” When asked what it meant for him to get the offer, VanBoening said: “It was great. Michigan is an incredible opportunity to go to such a historic program.”

*** Johnson became the third in-state 2029 recruit to pick up an offer from the Wolverines. So far, five Cass Tech stars are both currently uncommitted and are showing interest, including 2029 athlete Peyton Robinson, whose offer was announced on Sunday. Johnson said this to Maize n Brew after the game: “The visit was great. The atmosphere in The Big House is unmatched and I feel that the coaches are authentic. Can’t wait to get back up to Ann Arbor.”

*** Finally, a target Michigan is leading for is 2028 athlete Marquis Ray, the son of Marcus Ray, the Maize and Blue legend. Marquis, who’s familiar with The Big House experience, got to see it first-hand from a offered recruit’s perspective. The family was given the VIP treatment on the sidelines pregame with coaches like Tony Alford stopping by to say hello. When asked how the experience went for everyone, Marcus said it was “first class.” His son echoed that sentiment: “The visit went good. It was good to be back in The Big House. Their defense has a different motor, and I just see more violence, and it was a great game.”

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