As the 2026 college football season looms, analysts are already pinpointing the players who could reshape the Big Ten landscape.
Freshmen standouts
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports recently published a watchlist that features two Michigan newcomers who are generating considerable buzz.
Titan Davis, a four‑star defensive lineman from St. Louis, Missouri, chose the Wolverines over Alabama after impressing the coaching staff with his blend of size, speed and football IQ. His athleticism has already drawn comparisons to early‑career NFL prospects, and many expect him to contribute on the line from day one.
Joining Davis is Savion Hiter, a five‑star running back hailing from Mineral, Virginia. Ranked as the second‑best prospect in his class, Hiter elected to stay in the Midwest rather than accept offers from Tennessee, Ohio State and Georgia. Coaches believe his vision and burst will let him share snaps with returning backfield star Jordan Marshall, creating a dynamic one‑two punch.
Both athletes are slated to arrive on campus in the summer and will take part in spring practices, giving them a head start on acclimating to the program. Early enrollee status means they could see the field sooner than typical freshmen, a prospect that excites fans eager for a resurgence of Michigan’s defensive front and rushing attack.
The Wolverines’ defensive coordinator has spoken about Davis’s potential to rotate in immediately, while the offensive staff is already sketching plays that leverage Hiter’s agility and elusiveness. If the early reports hold, Michigan’s 2026 class could provide the depth needed to compete for a conference title.