Washington's win over Michigan has recruits excited about the Huskies

In a rematch of last year's National Championship game, Washington used a dominant fourth quarter to rally past No. 10 Michigan for a 27-17 win.

The fans stormed across the field and celebrated the first big victory of the Jedd Fisch era.

The recruits present were thrilled by the scene.

“It was a crazy atmosphere tonight,” On300 tight end said Vander Ploog said. He's one of the gems of a Washington 2025 recruiting class that's ranked No. 22 nationally by On3. “The energy was through the roof and spirits were high all night.

“I’m increasingly looking forward to playing under Coach Fisch and having the opportunity to be part of his offense. Hanging out with the other dedicated guys also makes the trip a lot of fun because at the end of the day, those are the guys who will be my best friends.”

Fisch and his team hope that victories like this will attract other top candidates to compete in games of this magnitude in the future.

Blue chippers agree with Washington winning

“The atmosphere tonight was electric and almost everyone was on their feet for most of the game!” the state's No. 1 recruit in 2026 on300 defensive lineman David Schwerzel said. “What excites me is the opportunity to play for my hometown team and the strong coaching team they have. Every trainer’s CV speaks for itself. They know how to develop players!”

Schwerzel and Plogg were two of many four-star hotels that came to visit.

“The environment was great!” On300 2026 Linebacker Talanoa Ili said. “What excites me is how young they are and I’m excited to see how they do in the future.”

“The atmosphere was incredible,” the On300 offensive lineman said Tommy Tofi said. “The stadium was really loud and the crowd rushing the pitch after the win was beautiful. What excites me is the coaches and the culture they have. The loyalty and pride of the team is a big plus for me.”

Touted sophomores are feeling the Huskies

There were some talented 2027 prospects at Husky Stadium.

“My experience in Washington was incredible,” On3's No. 3 cornerback and No. 1 prospect in Oregon Josiah Molden said. “I met some recruiters and coaches on the field and had some great conversations. I was really excited to see how the culture was developed by the new coaches. The atmosphere was super loud, lots of energy. The team definitely thrived on the audience. I enjoy seeing how the DBs are coached and what the defense looks like as a group. I’m beyond excited to see what Washington has to offer.”

“The environment was crazy!” the nation’s second-largest athlete Honor Fa'alave-Johnson said. “It was a sold out stadium and the atmosphere was crazy. I look forward to building a relationship with them when I get to talk to them, and I love the brotherhood they have.”

Other sought-after interested parties on site

Washington had plenty of juniors on hand to offer.

“The environment was special,” the 2026 linebacker said Wassie Lugolobi said. “From kick-off to the last defensive series! The Husky fan base came and showed themselves! UW is a very special place, having grown up in the area. Playing in front of my family and being coached by some of the best college football players is something very exciting!”

“It was a fun game experience,” tight end said Kai Wesley said. “The campus is amazing, being right on the water and the stadium was electric and super loud. Seeing Keleki Latu score seven goals and how they utilize their tight ends was cool. It was great to get to know Coach Paopao and most of the trainers in person. Overall a great game day experience.