5 Michigan Football freshmen who could see the most meaningful playing time in 2026
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Michigan football’s freshman class has arrived to campus with plenty of hype, but as always, not every freshman is going to see the field right away.
The Wolverines return a fair amount of experience across the roster, which should naturally limit opportunities for first-year players. At the same time, there are a handful of freshmen that already appear to have clear paths to meaningful snaps this fall.
Whether it’s because of positional need, overwhelming talent, or simply forcing their way into the conversation, these five newcomers feel like the best bets to make an impact in Ann Arbor in 2026.
1. Savion Hiter
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. If Michigan’s coaching staff has been trying to temper expectations for Savion Hiter, they aren’t going a very good job of it.
From the moment he arrived on campus, the five-star running back has drawn rave reviews. Head coach Kyle Whittingham has praised everything about Hiter, from his size and contact balance to his hands in the passing game and willingness in pass protection.
The reality is that Michigan doesn’t need Hiter to be RB1 because Jordan Marshall already occupies that role. But that may actually make Hiter even more dangerous. Defenses are already going to have their hands full with Marshall, and Michigan appears fully prepared to give Hiter meaningful touches right away.
Considering the Wolverines’ recent success with two-back rotations, Hiter feels less like a future contributor and more like an immediate one.
2. Salesi Moa
If spring practice taught us anything, it’s that Salesi Moa isn’t waiting around for an opportunity.
The former Utah signee followed Whittingham to Ann Arbor and immediately looked like one of the more dynamic players on the field during the spring game. Between his one-handed grab and consistent praise from coaches, it’s becoming difficult to envision a scenario where Moa isn’t part of the regular receiver rotation.
Michigan coaches have spent the offseason talking about being more explosive on offense, and Moa’s ability to line up both outside and in the slot gives new offensive coordinator Jason Beck plenty of flexibility. With Andrew Marsh, and JJ Buchanan expected to headline the room, Moa feels like he could be the next guy in line.
3. Travis Johnson
If there’s a freshman on this list who could force his way onto the field simply because of a skillset Michigan needs, it might be Travis Johnson.
The Wolverines have done a lot of work this offseason to improve the receiver room, but Johnson brings something a little different to the table. Not only is he a big body at 6-foot-2, but he has also been praised for his speed. Michigan’s receiver room is significantly deeper than it was a year ago, so he doesn’t need to become a starter immediately, but speed has a way of earning snaps early on.
The Wolverines have lacked true field-stretching ability at times in recent seasons. Johnson could change that in a hurry.
4. Carter Meadows
Most freshman defensive linemen need a year before they’re physically ready for Big Ten football, but Carter Meadows is an exception.
The five-star was one of the most talented defensive prospects in the country, and the buzz regarding his physical development has only intensified. Michigan fans have already started noticing the added weight and strength, and national analysts have taken notice as well; ESPN recently pointed to Meadows as a potential instant impact player, highlighting his length, bend and ability to set the edge despite still having room to grow physically.
Michigan has talent at defensive end, but some added depth couldn’t hurt. John Henry Daley is returning from injury, Cam Brandt and Dominic Nichols are expected to have larger roles, and Nate Marshall is pushing for a breakout season. But behind them, opportunities exist.
5. Tommy Carr
Just to be clear, even if Tommy Carr ends up taking minimal snaps in garbage or reserve action, it would still be meaningful to see him, or whoever Michigan’s QB1 of the future is take their first official collegiate snaps.
Carr was one of the biggest surprises of spring practice, routinely earning praise from teammates and coaches before throwing for 143 yards in the spring game, an outing in which Carr displayed poise, accuracy and mobility that looked well beyond his years.
Whittingham has already made it clear that Bryce Underwood is the unquestioned starter, but Carr’s emergence has quietly remained one of the more encouraging developments on the roster. At minimum, Carr is firmly in the conversation for backup duties. At maximum, Michigan may have found another quarterback capable of eventually competing for a starting role down the road. Either way, any snaps Carr receives this fall will be worth paying attention to.
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