Freshman Michigan Football RB Savion Hiter could quickly become elite
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Despite running back Justice Haynes transferring away from Michigan to Georgia Tech, Michigan’s backfield is in great shape heading into the 2026 season. Jordan Marshall is coming off a strong 2025 season where rushed for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns, and there’s a true freshman running back behind him that could be a phenom in Savion Hiter.
Hiter ranked as the No. 12 overall player in the 2026 class and No. 1 running back. Hiter rushed for 1,445 yards and 25 touchdowns and has both speed and power in his arsenal.
“Ask anyone close to the Wolverines’ football program and one name tends to surface before others as an immediate impact player based on early on-field returns,” Brad Crawford of CBS Sports wrote last week.
Someone in the Wolverines’ program was asked about Hiter recently; assistant running backs coach Fred Jackson, who also sees Hiter’s high ceiling.
“I’ve brought in a lot of good football players over the years, but as a freshman, he’s probably the most talented guy I’ve seen that I brought in here as a true freshman. He’s already beyond what I think a freshman is capable of doing,” Jackson said.
Running backs coach Tony Alford also spoke highly of Hiter earlier this offseason.
“I think you’re getting an exceptionally explosive – like off-the-charts, explosive – athlete,” Alford said. “Powerful kid when he moves. You watch him just doing some drill work or conditioning, and he’ll make a cut and change direction. It’s impressive.”
Alford thinks Hiter “has a chance to be a special player”, is an “alpha,” and has a good football IQ.
“He’s going to be a contributor for us this year, without a doubt. But Jordan Marshall’s RB1, make no mistake. He came out of spring ball, he’s a terrific player, terrific leader. Can’t say enough good things about him.
The praise for Hiter is universal, earning respect from Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham.
“He’s a true professional. He was not a typical freshman that might be a little emotional or volatile. He’s mature beyond his years, and just physically, it’s incredible, Whittingham said. “He’s about six feet, 220 pounds, not an ounce of fat on the kid. A great contact balance, will pick up blitzes, has really good hands out of the backfield, explosive runner can make you miss. I mean, his future is very, very bright. And like I said, his future starts now. I mean, he’ll be getting carries from game one.”
Hiter’s in a great situation as he enters his first collegiate season. He won’t be expected to be the lead back, but if he fares well, he’ll have a sizable role in a Michigan offense that wants to play a physical brand of football and establish the running game.
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