National Signing Day Spotlight: Michigan Reloads with Carter Meadows and Savion Hiter
On National Signing Day, Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham joined the Big Ten Network to talk about two of the Wolverines’ most high-profile signees-defensive end Carter Meadows and running back Savion Hiter. Both players committed back in December, but their potential impact is already turning heads in Ann Arbor.
Let’s break down what each brings to the table-and why Michigan fans should be excited.
Carter Meadows: The Next Dominant Edge in Ann Arbor?
When Whittingham talks about Carter Meadows, the enthusiasm is hard to miss.
“Big, good-looking young man,” he said. “6-foot-7, one of the top defensive ends in the country, if not the top. Tremendous athlete. The length… is a big positive for him.”
That length is more than just a measurables box to check-it’s a foundational piece of what makes Meadows such a unique prospect. At 6-foot-7 with a massive wingspan and explosive first step, he has the physical tools that elite edge rushers are built from. Think long arms to disrupt passing lanes, the ability to convert speed to power, and the kind of frame that offensive tackles have to account for on every snap.
Ranked No. 9 overall in the 2026 class and the top player out of Washington, D.C., Meadows had a monster senior year: 62 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. That’s not just production-that’s dominance.
Michigan hasn’t had a pass rusher quite like him in recent years. Meadows brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, and raw power that evokes shades of Jevon Kearse-yes, that Jevon Kearse, “The Freak.” And while it’s early to make direct comparisons, the upside is real.
With veterans like John Henry Daley and Cam Brandt ahead of him, Meadows won’t be asked to carry the load right away. But don’t be surprised if he starts earning meaningful snaps as a rotational piece early in the season. If he flashes the way his high school tape suggests he can, Michigan’s coaches may have no choice but to keep him on the field.
Savion Hiter: A Five-Star Back Ready to Make Noise
Whittingham didn’t hold back when asked about Hiter.
“Savion, maybe the best back coming out this year,” he said. “He was a tremendously highly rated player, and he’s here now. He’s doing a great job… really excited to see what he can do in spring ball.”
That’s high praise, but it’s backed up by production and pedigree. Hiter, a five-star recruit, was ranked No. 21 overall in the 2026 class and the No. 2 running back.
Despite missing three games during his senior season, he still racked up 1,440 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. That’s not just impressive-it’s elite.
Hiter’s game is built on a rare combination of power and speed. He’s not just a bruiser who lowers the boom between the tackles-he can also hit the edge and take it to the house. In high school, defenders had to pick their poison: try to wrap him up and risk getting run over, or try to catch him in the open field and get left behind.
With Justice Haynes transferring to Georgia Tech, there’s now a clear path for Hiter to carve out a role behind RB1 Jordan Marshall. And while Marshall is the established lead back, Hiter’s skill set could make him too dynamic to keep off the field for long. Spring ball will be his first real chance to show what he can do against college competition, and all signs point to him being ready for the moment.
Big Talent, Big Expectations
Michigan’s 2026 class is already shaping up to be one of the most impactful in recent memory, and Meadows and Hiter are right at the center of it. Both players have the tools to contribute early, and both are walking into a program that’s built to develop elite talent.
If you’re a Michigan fan, this Signing Day should feel like more than just a celebration of future potential-it’s a glimpse at what could be the next wave of stars in maize and blue.