Jordan Marshall isn’t hiding how he sees himself heading into 2026. At Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago on Thursday, the Michigan running back put his name right at the top of the conference conversation.
“I’m confident enough to say I think I’m the best running back in the Big Ten,” Marshall told the media. “If you don’t have that mindset, who would want you on their team? If you’re not confident in yourself, why are you in this position?”
That kind of self-belief makes sense for a player who is finally stepping into the lead role at Michigan. For the first time in his career, the Cincinnati native enters the season as the Wolverines’ undisputed feature back, and the workload should be his. With that kind of opportunity, a 1,000-yard season and All-Big Ten recognition are both firmly in play.
Marshall already put together strong production last year even without being the starter for most of the season. He finished with 150 carries for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt. Now that the offense is expected to run through him, the numbers could climb fast.
He also has a game that already flashed big-time potential. Against Purdue last November, Marshall turned in the best performance of his career, piling up 185 rushing yards on 25 carries and scoring three touchdowns for the first time in a game.
Health is the one major hurdle. Marshall injured his shoulder the next week against Northwestern and missed most of the rest of the season, so durability will be a key part of whether he reaches the ceiling he believes he has.
“I just think I’ve done a great job at taking my game to the next level in pass protection, and getting faster and stronger this offseason,” Marshall said. “I’m excited. My goal this year is to be healthy for the whole season and to help my team win.”
If he stays on the field, Marshall has the tools to back up the confidence. His balance, physicality, quickness and work ethic give him a real chance to turn that bold claim into an All-Big Ten season and, maybe, the kind of year that makes the rest of the conference take notice.
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