Five-star running back Savion Hiter had no shortage of options before signing with the Michigan Wolverines. The nation’s top running back in the 2026 class chose the Wolverines over Ohio State, Georgia and Tennessee.

Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show ahead of his freshman season, Hiter explained why Michigan stood out during his recruitment.

“Michigan is the only place to be,” Hiter said. “The love here is different. Meeting people like Jordan Marshall and meeting people like T.A. He is the best running back coach in the country. We’re always going to be a family. That’s what Michigan is. When you think about family, that’s what Michigan is.”

Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show on July 28 (YouTube), Hiter said his relationship with running backs coach Tony Alford ultimately led him to Michigan. After leaving Ohio State for Ann Arbor, Alford also helped bring in current starter Jordan Marshall.

Hiter has drawn praise since arriving on campus. Earlier this offseason, Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said the freshman is in line to play from the season opener. Longtime assistant Fred Jackson said Hiter is further along than most freshmen at the position.

With preseason camp underway, Michigan’s revamped offense will soon get its first opportunity to show how Hiter fits alongside one of the Big Ten’s most established running backs.

Michigan expects Hiter and Marshall to form dangerous backfield tandem

Rather than viewing the competition as one player replacing another, Michigan plans to feature both Hiter and Jordan Marshall throughout the season.

“Me and Jordan Marshall in the backfield? Dynamic duo,” Hiter said in the same Rich Eisen Show’s episode. “That’s all I really got to say.”

Marshall echoed that idea, revealing the Wolverines have spent the offseason exploring ways to keep multiple running backs on the field at the same time.

“It’s cool the way they’re doing things,” Marshall said. “They’re trying to find every single way to get me and Savion, Savion and Kuz on the field. They want to utilize the running back room as much as they can.”

Michigan plans to rely on its running game again in 2026. Marshall, Hiter and Bryson Kuzdzal give Jason Beck several options behind an experienced offensive line.

Fall camp opens August 1. Michigan begins the season against Western Michigan in a Week 1 primetime game on September 5, giving fans their first look at the Wolverines’ new-look backfield.

Read more on the Michigan Football Community