Pitt FB Recruiting
2026 RB Falling in Love with Pitt After Game Day Experience
Following Michael Farley Jr.’s Friday night game against Camden (NJ) when he put up 108 all-purpose yards for St. Christopher’s (VA), his family packed into the car and set their destination to Pittsburgh.
Farley’s parents are familiar with the five-hour drive. His dad, Mike Farley Sr. graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in the very stadium that they stepped foot in on Saturday morning.
It’s also a place that his parents frequent to watch Pittsburgh Steelers games. This time around, their son was making his first game day visit to watch Pitt defeat Kent State in the season opener.
As much as it meant to his parents, the experience was even more important to the 2026 three-star running back from Virginia.
“The atmosphere was amazing. I love that school. I will definitely be back,” Farley told Pittsburgh Sports Now.
I had an amazing gameday experience @Pitt_FB Today! I enjoyed every second of the game and loved the hospitality!! #h2p @BrandonBowie_ @CoachDuzzPittFB @LindseyLamar5 @CoachJjLaster pic.twitter.com/9ltSOi4WlC
— Michael (Mikey) Farley Jr. (@Michael_Farley1) August 31, 2024
When Farley arrived, he received a full tour of Acrisure Stadium, led by recruiting analyst Brandon Bowie.
“He greeted us when we first got there. He took all of us on a tour. We went through the locker room, the tunnel they go out before the game. He showed us the press box and we got to see some of the players come through,” Farley said.
Pitt set a high standard of hospitality for Farley and his family during their time on Saturday.
“Everyone was very welcoming,” Farley said. “If we didn’t know where anything was while we were trying to get in there, they pointed us in the right direction. It was good energy all around.”
As much as Farley enjoyed his experience, his parents might have been even more impressed.
“They loved it just as much, if not more than me. They loved the atmosphere; they loved the staff and how kind they were and the hospitality,” Farley said.
As Farley took in Pitt’s performance against Kent State, he immediately noticed how quick the new offense operated.
“Electric,” he said when describing the offense. “They were very fast-paced. I like that. I feel like I can adapt to any offense, so it doesn’t really matter. I really liked how fast-paced they were and getting it done.”
The 5-10, 200-pounder was able to relate to one of Pitt’s playmakers who put together a big game for the Panthers.
“Desmond Reid. He’s quick, shifty. He had the punt return touchdown. That was awesome.”
As a running back recruit, Farley is rated by On3 as a three-star and the 14th-overall player in the state of Virginia. Over the past few months, Farley has built a strong connection with Pitt running back coach Lindsey Lamar.
“He’s been checking up on me asking how my family doing, asking how I’m doing. He’s staying on top of me about my school work, so I love that, not just football,” Farley said.
While it was Farley’s first time on the North Shore, he previously made a visit to the South Side facility in April to check out spring practice.
That was a few months after Farley picked up an offer from Pitt – his lone Division I offer. The Panthers have continually shown that they are pushing hard for the 2026 prospect.
Thank you lord!
I’m extremely blessed to have earned an offer from The University Of Pitt #H2P @TiUnderwood @CoachDuzzPittFB pic.twitter.com/jYMfzRR4oW
— Michael (Mikey) Farley Jr. (@Michael_Farley1) January 31, 2024
“I’ve been in contact with a lot of the coaches. It’s awesome to get that feeling that you’re really wanted,” Farley said.
As Farley continues to receive interest from other programs such as Virginia, Virginia Tech, Coastal Carolina, Liberty and Old Dominion, he feels he is in a good spot with his recruitment.
“I’m definitely eager,” Farley said about receiving new offers. “I want to stay hungry. I feel like I’m in a place it’s going to come. I’m not going to rush.”
No matter what schools reach out to Farley, Pitt continues to pursue him as he plans to return for even more games in the future.
Happy to have you and your family in the Burgh. It would be great to have you playing here. H2P.