Rising 2026 Ohio TE Sam Hamilton recaps spring game visit to Michigan, meeting Steve Casula, more
Michigan hosted several 2026 prospects from The Buckeye State last month for the spring game, including rising Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller tight end Sam Hamilton, whose first time in Ann Arbor was during the intrasquad scrimmage.
“Overall, the game and the whole unofficial visit was great,” Hamilton told The Wolverine. “I got to tour the facilities after the game. I got to talk to Coach Casula and got to meet him for the first time, and (understand) how he sees me as a player. Being able to get up there for the first time was a great environment, and I can’t wait to be back in the summer.”
Hamilton is a former teammate of 2024 Michigan running back signee Jordan Marshall, who’s set to enroll in Ann Arbor soon. The two hung out together at The Big House in late April after leading Moeller to an OHSAA Division I semifinal appearance last season.
“It was great,” Hamilton said. “Jordan was really cool with us, cool with my family when we got there. I really started to get close to Jordan this past season because it was my first time playing with him at the varsity level. Seeing how Jordan will affect that program so much, I could see him leading that team to a national championship in upcoming years. It was just really great to see him there, and it’ll be exciting to see him play at Michigan next year.”
Throughout the exhibition, Hamilton kept a close eye on Michigan’s tight ends. He focused on how the room is used in a versatile role in the offense.
“They have a lot of tight ends,” Hamilton said. “They have a really big tight end room. They’re really deep. They have guys that are really good at blocking and running routes, and they have guys in the mix like they’re all-around tight ends. As for myself, whatever Coach needs to do. If he needs me to go out there and block a guy, put him on his butt, I’ll do it. If he needs me to go run a deep route and go catch a ball over someone’s head, I’ll do it. But seeing how they were implemented in every single play was really good to see if I were to end up there at Michigan, how I would be used.”
Michigan tight ends coach Steve Casula was with Hamilton and his family during the visit. Because of their in-person interactions, the sophomore’s thoughts on the assistant are high.
“He came up to me at the table and gave me a bro hug,” Hamilton said. “He was really happy to see me there. It felt like he’d been coaching me for years. He was really complimentary and was really happy I was there. He was the guy who gave us a tour after the game of the weight room and the indoor field and showed us how to be a Michigan football player every day. I could see myself playing for him one day just because of how big he is on relationships and really wants the well-being of his players.”
Casula is eyeing Hamilton returning to campus next month and competing in front of the coaching staff inside Al Glick Field House.
“Coach Casula actually told me he really wants to see me in camp,” Hamilton said. “He said that would be the difference maker in the upcoming months. I will be back in camp in June. I’m super excited about that.”
So, what would it mean for Hamilton to notch an offer from the reigning national champions?
“It’d make me feel awesome,” Hamilton said. “How maybe I can play with Jordan again and playing that Michigan is something else. Playing at The Big House every other Saturday and having that crazy environment. Playing for Coach Casula and Coach Moore would be fantastic.”
At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Hamilton is not yet listed on the On3 Industry Ranking. He currently holds notable offers from Kentucky, Toledo, and Miami (OH).
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