Michigan Football Recruits Excited After Visit for MSU Game

A host of recruits watched from the sidelines on Saturday as Michigan beat MSU for the third consecutive year. A night-time rivalry game at the Big House is a unique environment, and a win amplifies everything. Some recruits said Ann Arbor is beginning to feel like home. 

Michigan Football Recruits Give Reactions

“I loved the energy and excitement throughout the weekend!” 2025 four-star wide receiver commit Andrew Marsh said. “Each time I’m there it feels more and more like being home. I’m starting to connect and spend time with the players more. So to play in The Big House would be huge for me.”

2025 three-star defensive lineman Benny Patterson was in the house on Saturday. Patterson has been committed to Cincinnati since April. 

“The visit has been amazing,” Patterson’s father said. “The culture has been very impressive. You can tell why players commit here. The Big House exceeded expectations. It was the loudest arena we’ve ever been in. The fans are passionate and love their team. The program is something special and it’s definitely high on the list.”

Michigan hosted one of the top in-state athletes in four-star Elijah Dotson (Pittsburgh commit). Dotson said Michigan has been in heavy pursuit. 

“Great atmosphere!” Dotson said. “Team balled out! They’ve been showing a lot of interest and obviously it’s a great program. “I have a chance to play early and they’re one of the best academically and athletically.”

Atmosphere Matters

It doesn’t get much better than a battle for the Paul Bunyan trophy under the lights. The atmosphere inside Michigan Stadium stood out to some recruits more than others. 

“The environment tonight at the Big House was like none other,” 2026 four-star offensive lineman Carter Scruggs said. “Very impressive that there were 110-plus thousand in attendance. What excites me about this opportunity is that I know I will be developed and will receive a great education. Michigan is definitely high on my list, what makes Michigan stand out to others on my list is their academics and development.”

2026 linebacker Phillip Goodrich had been to Ann Arbor before, but he said something was different on Saturday night. 

“The game tonight was awesome and especially seeing the intensity and rivalry in person and they got the W,” Goodrich said. “The environment in the Big House was so electric. I’ve never really experienced another game day environment like that. It gets loud in there!”

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