Michigan doesn’t sound like it plans to ease Savion Hiter in. The top running back prospect in the 2026 class is already being talked about like someone who can help right away, and the buzz around his spring has only sharpened that idea.
Hiter, the No. 1 running back recruit in the class of 2026 according to the 247Sports Composite, has put himself in position to contribute as a true freshman. Earlier this offseason, Kyle Whittingham said Hiter looked like a game one contributor after spring practice, and longtime assistant Fred Jackson went even further, saying Hiter is "already beyond what I think a freshman is capable of doing."
That kind of praise has lined up with what Michigan’s staff has been saying since he arrived. Running backs coach Tony Alford called him "an exceptionally explosive, off-the-charts explosive athlete," and described him as "powerful" and "impressive" for a first-year tailback.
The freshman backed up that chatter in the Spring Game, where his burst, footwork and physical running stood out. He handled a majority of the carries for the Blue team during its best first-half drive, then sat out the second half of the scrimmage. That only added to the sense that he’s headed for meaningful snaps this fall.
Hiter appears set to work alongside lead back Jordan Marshall, with Bryson Kuzdzal in the mix as an experienced third option. Marshall said the staff is looking at ways to get multiple backs on the field at once.
"Me and [Jordan Marshall] in the backfield? Dynamic duo, so that's all I really got to say," Hiter said on The Rich Eisen Show, which on Monday broadcast from a Champions Circle golf outing.
Marshall said the Wolverines are exploring multi-running back looks and trying to make the most of the room.
"It's cool the way they're doing things and how they look at our room - not even just me and Savion, but Kuz, who played a big role last year, and there's other guys in our room that can play, too. They're trying to find every single way to get me and Savion, Savion and Kuz on the field. They want to utilize the running back room as much as they can," Marshall said.
Marshall also had high praise for the freshman’s athletic traits.
"He's really explosive, and I don't even think he knows how explosive he is yet," Jordan Marshall said of Hiter. "But he's twitchy, fast. He's a fast guy."
Hiter’s path to Michigan was a big one. The Wolverines beat out interest from dozens of programs, and his finalist list included Michigan, Georgia, Ohio State and Tennessee. He said Alford played a major role in helping the Wolverines land him.
"Michigan is the only place to be," Hiter said on The Rich Eisen Show. "The love here is different.
Meeting people like [Jordan Marshall] and meeting people like TA - TA is the best running back coach in the country. ... We're always going to be a family.
That's what Michigan is. When you think about family, that's what Michigan is.
The block M is so strong and anywhere you go, you're going to get 'Go Blue, Go Blue. I mean, that's what you got to love here."
Looking ahead, Hiter said his goals go beyond individual production. He wants a national title first, then a leadership role.
"I want to win a national championship first, and then I want to build a family of being a captain, being whatever I need to be for the team," he said. "I've got to build myself up and build the team up at the same time. It's not all about me; it's about the team."
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Michigans backfield still looks well stocked for next fall, with Marshall joined by Bryson Kuzdzal and top prospect Savion Hiter. Coaches have already voiced confidence in what that group can bring, which is part of why Marshalls status matters so much to the Wolverines. If he gets through the year the way he wants, Michigans ground game could be set up for another big season, and the trip to Columbus will carry even more weight. [Read more 🡒]