Jordan Marshall Steps Into Spotlight as Michigan’s RB1-and the Wolverines Are Built to Ride Him
For the first time in his Michigan career, Jordan Marshall isn’t the change-of-pace back waiting behind a veteran. He’s not the next man up.
He is the guy now. And heading into 2026, there’s no mystery about who the Wolverines plan to build their ground game around-Marshall is the clear RB1, and it’s not particularly close.
The junior back earned that title the hard way. In a chaotic 2025 season that saw Michigan’s offense reshuffled more than once, Marshall was the constant.
He finished the year with 932 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 150 carries, even while managing a shoulder injury down the stretch. That’s not just solid production-it’s the kind of consistency that kept Michigan’s offense afloat when things could’ve easily gone sideways.
The turning point came in late October. When Justice Haynes went down with a season-ending injury, there were questions about how the Wolverines would respond.
Marshall answered them quickly. There was no drop-off.
In fact, the offense might’ve gotten even more efficient. Marshall averaged 7.5 yards per carry the rest of the way and rattled off four consecutive 100-yard games during the heart of Big Ten play.
In other words, when Michigan needed someone to carry the load, Marshall didn’t just step in-he took over.
Now, with a full offseason ahead under new head coach Kyle Whittingham, Marshall’s emergence provides something this team desperately needs: stability. The Wolverines have seen plenty of turnover in recent months, both on the roster and the coaching staff. But Marshall’s presence in the backfield gives the offense a clear identity-and a proven playmaker to lean on.
And make no mistake, Michigan isn’t abandoning its run-first philosophy. If anything, it’s doubling down.
With quarterback Bryce Underwood returning and a coaching staff that wants to get the QB involved in the run game, the Wolverines are shaping a multi-dimensional rushing attack. Marshall isn’t just the featured back-he’s the foundation of a scheme that’s designed to keep defenses guessing.
The biggest difference heading into 2026? There’s no ambiguity about roles.
Last season, Marshall and Haynes formed a formidable one-two punch. This time around, Marshall is the 1A in any backfield committee.
He’s the tone-setter. The others will have to find their way behind him.
That doesn’t mean there’s no talent behind him. Far from it.
Five-star freshman Savion Hiter arrives with plenty of buzz and could carve out a role quickly. Bryson Kuzdzal is back after a brief dip into the transfer portal, and Michigan added Oklahoma transfer Taylor Tatum-who’s expected to start the spring at safety but could shift to running back if needed.
Still, when the Wolverines open the season on September 5 against Western Michigan, there’s no question who’ll be leading the charge out of the backfield. This is Jordan Marshall’s job now-and if last season was any indication, he’s more than ready to run with it.