Nolan Ray is taking official visits, searching for a school that feels like home. Finding a close-knit group players ranks highly on his wish list.

The 2023 Bloomfield Hills (MI) High running back felt a good vibe in that regard during his stop at Iowa this past weekend.

“What stood out to me the most was how close the team was and the brotherhood they had. They were together,” Ray told HF.

The Hawkeyes offered Ray (6-0, 200) a scholarship in late April. He’s researched the program and grew up in the Big Ten footprint aware of its success.

“I didn’t really have any questions coming into the visit. I just wanted to see what Iowa City looked like. I was impressed,” he said.

Ray whittled down his list of 18 scholarship offers to four schools. He officially visited Pittsburgh in April and Maryland last weekend. He scheduled a Stanford official for June 24.

“After visiting Stanford, I will decide on July 5. I’m going to go with my gut,” he said.

The Hawkeyes solidified their place among his finalists during the official visit.

“I’m feeling good about them,” Ray said.

Rivals and 247Sports rank Ray as a three-star recruit. The former sees him as the No. 20 player in his state for the ’23 Class, while the latter has him 16th.

As a junior, Ray rushed 145 carries for 1,097 yards (7.57 YPC) in eight and a half games. He carried 17 times for 187 yards and a score during a 20-17 setback in the regional final.