Michigan football is one-third of the way through fall camp, and the Wolverines are hoping to look much different than the national expectations as they revamp the team under new head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Whittingham seems pleased with the team's progress through five practices, particularly on offense, where the maize and blue are working to be more explosive. While the pass game is a work in progress, the run game is expected to remain the focal point, even if the pass game takes off.
Jordan Marshall returns as the starter, but there's one player that nearly everyone is excited to see: true freshman running back Savion Hiter. In fact, as ESPN broke down the instant impact true freshmen in 2026, Hiter came in at No. 1 in the Big Ten.
1. Savion
Hiter, RB, Michigan: Hiter, the No. 25 recruit in the 2026 class, walks into a situation ripe for opportunity. The Wolverines will need playmakers to take the pressure off QB Bryce Underwood, and Hiter is a perfect freshman running mate alongside returning tailback Jordan Marshall. Hiter is quite explosive for a 200-pound back with impressive lateral ability who should fit Kyle Whittingham's rushing scheme and impressed teammates and coaches this spring.
Hiter being at No. 1 is unsurprising, but perhaps what is is the glaring omission of fellow five-star true freshman Salesi Moa, the wide receiver. Moa was mentioned by Whittingham immediately after Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan, and has a strong chance to start as the third wideout in three-wide formations.
Either way, both true freshmen should be capable of playing beyond their station as first-year players. Both enrolled early and have a leg up given that they've had eight months of time on task compared to those who arrived in the summer months.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football relies on freshmen to spark offense
