Michigan football is less than a week away from kicking off its 2026 season, and there are several names expected to make massive impacts this season for the Wolverines who aren't household names.
Some have been with the program and have just waited their turns. Others are transfers who were looking for a different opportunity. And then there are true freshmen who can make an immediate contribution, despite being young.
We're taking a look at five players who we are predicting to become known, not only to fans of the maize and blue, but within college football. Yes, there are some layups here, but for the casual fan, it's time to know these names.
RB Savion Hiter
Hiter needs little introduction. A former five-star and the top-rated running back in the 2026 recruiting
class, he showed out in the April spring game and is expected to be the No. 2 back for the Wolverines in just his first year of college football. CBS Sports has him listed as the projected freshman of the year, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him put up something in the range of 600-800 yards this season -- perhaps more.
EDGE Dominic Nichols
Expected to start alongside Utah transfer John Henry Daley, the All-American, Nichols has been frequently described as one of the best defensive linemen on the team. Entering his third year in college football and with the Wolverines, Nichols has reportedly taken a big step forward as he enters his junior campaign.
"Probably say Dom Nichols," senior offensive lineman EvanLink answered when asked who the best pass rusher on the team is. "Yeah, Dom's a tremendous pass rusher. A lot of moves; he can do anything he wants. He's really, really good and taking a lot of steps forward."
"I feel like it's probably just his mindset and just how he attacks it," senior edge rusher Cam Brandt said of Nichols' emergence. "He's very fluid, very athletic, and just feels like he knows what he's doing out there. So yeah, when it comes to pass rusher, it definitely comes natural."
WR JJ Buchanan
This is another one that's not a big secret, as the Utah transfer entering his second year is expected to start alongside Andrew Marsh. Referred to as 'unguardable' by head coach Kyle Whittingham, Buchanan is expected to be a big factor in the pass game. What's particularly notable about his game is that he appears to be next level when it comes to contested catches.
"JJ is the first one that comes to mind," wide receivers coach Micah Simon said of 50-50 ball pass catchers. "He has that same basketball background in high school. And that was his knack last year at the other place. So he stands out in that area."
He should open up more opportunities for Marsh, which should in turn open up more opportunities for him.
S Chris Bracy
Bracy doesn't have the same star power as a lot of the other transfers, but the former UAB and Memphis safety had 75 tackles last season for the Tigers. Wide receiver JJ Buchanan says that he's got some skills that should endear him quickly to Michigan fans.
"Man, he just always ends up with the ball in his hand," Buchanan said last week. "I swear, he's got to have four or five interceptions through the camp, which is pretty crazy. He's just a ball hawk."
Bracy was named a starter before fall camp by Whittingham at Big Ten media days. He should be in a position quickly to make an instant impact.
CB Smith Snowden
Another transfer from Utah, Snowden is expected to rotate between nickel and boundary. Given his prowess for the Utes, he should have more attention heaped upon him, but he's been somewhat coupled with Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry as being an extant playmaker entering 2026. But his teammates love what he brings to the table.
"Man, he's a good competitor," wide receiver Jaime Ffrench said of Snowden. "He's gonna fight, he's very patient. I really like Smith Snowden, for sure."
Snowden split time on offense last year, and though that's not expected in Ann Arbor, he will likely be a returner in some capacity on special teams.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Five Michigan football players to know before the 2026 season
