Michigan’s kickoff and punt return game has left a lot to be desired in recent years. Michigan ranked No. 104 in kickoff returns last season and No. 122 in punt returns. However, both return units are bound to be mightily improved with an infusion of talented options and a respected veteran special teams coordinator in Kerry Coombs.
On Friday, Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham spoke about which players are in the mix to start as punt returner and kick returner. Whittingham mentioned receiver Andrew
Marsh, running back Savion Hiter and cornerback Smith Snowden.
“Still in progress, but Andrew Marsh is a dynamic returner,” Whittingham said. “Savion Hiter, kickoffs, some possibility he will be back there on that. Smith Snowden, as well, punt and kickoff return. We’re just about settled in on that, but maybe not quite 100%.”
Marsh returned four punts in 2025 for 45 yards and 16 kickoffs for 378 yards. Snowden has returned 11 kicks in his career for 207 yards. And while Hiter has yet to play a collegiate game, the No. 1 RB in the 2026 class has experience as a kick returner. Hiter has already impressed coaches with his explosiveness, and utilizing him in the return game would be a good way to get him on the field and see what he can do.
Who do you want to see returning kicks and punts for Michigan? Let us know in the comments.
