2027 In-State OL Matthew Wagner Checks Out UMass Again, Will Be Back

2027 Massachusetts offensive lineman Matthew Wagner has visited Amherst multiple times already and will return this spring.

Matthew Wagner didn’t need long to realize his latest trip to UMass was different.

The 2027 Massachusetts offensive lineman returned to Amherst earlier this month for Junior Day, building on a previous gameday visit in the fall and getting a much closer look at the program.

“It was great,” Wagner said. “I got to meet almost all the new coaches. It was a great environment, great to meet and see the rest of the facilities that I didn’t get to see in the fall.”

The Milton High School standout established a connection with the Minutemen during that fall visit and has remained in contact since, which led to the Junior Day invitation.

“I had been to a gameday visit against Central Michigan in the fall,” Wagner said. “I had been in contact with them ever since. They came to my school then they texted me, invited me to it.”

This time around, Wagner was able to take in more of what UMass has to offer beyond the game atmosphere, particularly when it comes to the program’s infrastructure.

“They were pretty good,” he said of the facilities. “They were top of the line. The weight room was great. I think their mission is good and their facilities are pretty great.”

At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Wagner has started to draw increased attention across the Northeast, and the relationships he’s building are becoming a key factor in his recruitment.

That includes his early impressions of the UMass staff, including head coach Joe Harasymiak, new offensive line coach Brian White and assistant general manager Caleb Holfoth.

“I think Coach H’s message is great,” Wagner said. “He admits that they were very bad last year and that he wants to improve. I thought his message was great.

“I like the new offensive line coach. He seems like a great guy. I talked to him for probably 20 minutes in a meeting. They were all great.”

That level of attention has carried over after the visit as well, with Wagner continuing to hear from the staff regularly.

“They’re going to have me out for another visit,” he said. “They like getting me out to campus as much as possible. Caleb Holfoth is the one who stays in contact with me, called me after the visit, made sure everything was great. I’ll be going out to a spring practice visit in the next week or so.”

As Wagner continues to evaluate his options, UMass has positioned itself as a strong early contender.

“Generally the people,” he said when asked what stands out. “They’re great people. It’s one of the better schools that I’ve been talking to. So it’s one of my top choices. And just the people, the environment I love. I like the bigger school feel. It’s a great place.”

Wagner is still waiting on his first offer, but is receiving serious interest from schools like Boston College, Holy Cross, Bryant and Villanova among others.

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