Kyle Whittingham and the Michigan Wolverines' coaching staff were able to retain Savion Hiter, after the coaching change at Ann Arbor. The five-star rated running back is already earning quite the praise from his head coach. 

During an appearance on the 'Blue Print' podcast with host Jake Butt, Whittingham discussed how Hiter is going to make appearances in his true freshman season on May 1.

“He’ll be getting carries from game one,” Whittingham said. 

For quarterbacks Bryce Underwood or Tommy Carr, they have another weapon on the offense in Hiter. Their new offensive coordinator, Jason Beck, led Utah to the fifth-best offense in the country in 2025 and could utilize Hiter's potential. 

"The way Savion handled himself and went about his business this spring was very impressive. He's a true professional. He was not a typical freshman that might be a little emotional or volatile," Whittingham stated when talking about Hiter's professionalism.

"Great contact balance, will pick up blitzes, has really good hands out of the backfield, explosive runner, can make you miss," Whittingham added. "His future is very, very bright. And as I said, his future starts now."

The running back, Hiter, already displayed his capability in the Michigan Spring game. Hiter finished the game with 10 carries and 44 rushing yards, earning the respect of the Wolverines' HC.

During his time at Louisa County High School, he finished his senior season with 110 carries for 1,440 yards (13.1 YPC), and finished with 24 rushing touchdowns. Hiter was named the MaxPreps and Gatorade Player of the Year in Virginia in 2025. 

While Hiter impressed his coaching staff in the Spring game held on May 1, Whittingham made his intentions clear regarding his choice for RB1 for the upcoming season.

Jordan Marshall to Remain RB1

While Savion Hiter will get his first snaps as a collegiate player, Jordan Marshall remains the starting running back for the Michigan Wolverines for the 2026 season. 

"Jordan Marshall is RB1, make no mistake," Whittingham said. "Came out of spring ball, he's a terrific player, terrific leader. Can't say enough good things about him."

In the previous season, Marshall recorded 150 carries for 932 rushing yards and added 10 touchdowns. However, Marshall suffered a shoulder injury, which limited him for the rest of the season.

Marshall earned team captain honors in 2025. Heading into the 2026 season, Marshall will be expected to show leadership and help develop players like Savion Hiter under his wing. 

Read more at the Michigan Football Community

Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Rishab Nandi