A Freshman’s Rise
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham has publicly thrown his weight behind freshman running back Savion Hiter, a five‑star recruit who arrived on campus in January. The coach’s endorsement came during spring practice, when he described Hiter’s physical transformation as a body of "chiseled granite" and noted his 220‑pound frame.
Ranked as the No. 1 running back in the 2026 class and No. 8 overall by the 247Sports Composite, Hiter is expected to assume the No. 2 spot behind returning rusher Jordan Marshall. Whittingham highlighted the rookie’s growth, saying the youngster has already shown significant improvement since stepping onto the field.
Jordan Marshall, the former Ohio Mr. Football Award winner, will start at running back while mentoring the newcomer. He described Hiter as a light‑hearted but consistent presence in the backfield, emphasizing the importance of leadership and work ethic in a room that coaches have labeled "loaded".
Running backs coach Tony Alford added that Hiter possesses a "huge upside" and benefits from the guidance of older teammates. Whittingham, however, cautioned that the mental side of the position — film study, daily routines, and playbook mastery — still requires refinement for the freshman.
The Wolverines’ offensive identity remains rooted in a run‑first approach, a philosophy Whittingham carried over from his 21‑year tenure at Utah, where his teams finished No. 2 nationally in rushing in 2023. With the depth at the position, Michigan expects multiple backs to contribute, and Hiter’s emergence adds another dimension to a strategy that prioritizes the ground game.