Michigan’s disappointing loss to Iowa didn’t keep the Wolverines from making real noise on the recruiting trail Saturday, and one of the biggest takeaways came from an in-state wide receiver who left Ann Arbor feeling better about Michigan than ever.
Tyler Trusel, a 2028 three-star receiver from Brother Rice in Bloomfield Hills, said the visit changed the way he views the Wolverines. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound prospect is ranked No. 490 overall in the Rivals Industry Rankings, and he made it clear the game-day atmosphere mattered.
“It was great,” Trusel told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “The atmosphere was lit.
The fans treated me very well. They treated me like I was at home.
“They threw the ball a lot. Like I told you before, I want to be in an offense that throws the ball, where I can get the ball and I can show my versatility, and I love that they did that.
Bryce threw for 270, two passing touchdowns. That’s what I wanted to see from him more.
He’s a great passer. Everybody thinks he can’t pass.
I think he’s a great passer. He’s a great runner, too.”
Michigan’s current commits were also working the room. Three-star offensive lineman Louis Esposito was among the players pushing Trusel toward a future in maize and blue.
“He told me to commit today, man,” Trusel said. “They really want me down there, making me feel like I’m welcome, making me feel like I’m a part of that team and that commitment group.”
That kind of reception appears to have moved Michigan near the top of Trusel’s list.
“They really moved up,” he admitted. “They were my No. 3, but after what I seen yesterday, they’re tied for No. 1 right now.”
Trusel wasn’t the only visitor who came away impressed. Four-star offensive lineman Mataio Fano, a 2028 prospect from Orem, Utah and the No. 175 player in the class, said the trip was worthwhile even with the result on the field.
“It was great!” Fano told On3’s McDowell ($). “Not the ending everyone wanted, but it was really good to see all of the coaches and catch up and see all the coaches and players in action.”
Michigan may also be in position to make a move with 2027 three-star linebacker James Conrad, a Cleveland native who is currently committed to Buffalo. Conrad, the No. 1,640 player in the class, said an offer from the Wolverines could put them in strong shape.
“They said they really liked me and that I was definitely on the board,” Conrad said. “Might just be taking things week by week. Hope to see an offer in the future.”
He also came away with a strong impression of the staff.
“Jax Egan and Alex Whittingham are both really personable people,” Conrad said. “I was grateful that they stopped by postgame to talk. Also, pregame when I was watching the linebackers warm up, I could see how much those guys got fired up around coach Whittingham.”
Another in-state receiver on campus was 2027 three-star Chad Willis of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, the No. 595 player in the class. Willis, who committed to North Carolina in July, was at the Iowa game anyway, and some fans in the student section made sure he knew he was welcome.
Michigan’s offense gave the visitors plenty to notice, even in defeat. Underwood had the best game of his career, and the Wolverines had two receivers top 100 yards against Iowa’s defense. That showing could matter as Michigan keeps working on prospects like Trusel and Willis.
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