Family comes first for Marcello Vitti. If not, the four-star defensive back from Detroit might be with Iowa Football right now. He’ll remain a member of its 2026 recruiting class, instead.

“If it wasn’t for the opportunity to win a state championship this year, and play with my younger brother and cousin, then I would reclassify to play at Iowa this year. That’s how excited I am and ready to start,” he said.

Vitti (6-0, 190) officially visited the school this past weekend. The Dearborn DeVine Child star joined other committed seniors in furthering their connection with program. While not a blood relationship like the one keeping him in high school for another season, it’s getting there.

“It feels natural now. It just feels like I’m a part of the Iowa family. I feel comfortable with everyone, and they feel comfortable with me,” he said.

“It’s like being at someone’s house and you know where everything is and feel comfortable enough to get yourself something out of the refrigerator without asking.”

Vitti appreciated getting to know the other recruits and spending time with the current Hawkeye secondary members. He met linebacker Kasen Thomas, who committed to Iowa on Monday. A day earlier, the program also added Michigan defensive back Ronnie Hill.

“It’s good to get some more ’26 commits that aren’t linemen,” Vitti said. “I like how the defense is coming together. We’ll have some more linebackers and defensive backs committing soon. They’re good guys who I know are serious about football. Our class is coming together.”

Vitti plans on enrolling at Iowa in January. Going through offseason training and spring football will better prepare him for Year 1 of college.

“The coaches feel I’m in a position to get on the field as a true freshman. I have definitely added strength, size, power, speed and DB technique to my game to be ready not only for my senior year but for my freshman year at Iowa. Come January, I’ll be ready to compete to earn playing time as a true freshman,” he said.

Deshaun Lee played host to Vitti during his visit. The redshirt junior cornerback prepped at Belleville (MI) High, which is located 22 miles from Dearborn.

“It was good to just hang out with him and the other DBs from Detroit and Michigan. They all treated me well and with respect. They are good people, and we all have the same goals. I can’t wait to get on the field with them in January,” Vitti said.

Prep Redzone Michigan ranks Vitti as the second-best player overall prospect in the state’s 2026 class. The 247 Sports composite ranking puts him seventh, and the On3 industry ranking has him eighth.

Vitti chose the Hawkeyes ahead of 26 other reported scholarship offers. The list included Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Tennessee, Auburn, Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.

As a junior, Vitti piled up more than 1,600 yards of offense and 25 touchdowns. He recorded 76.0 tackles, including 10.0 for loss, forced five fumbles and broke up 10 passes. He averaged 55 yards on four kick returns, taking one of them back to the house.