Kyle Whittingham: Michigan football's Savion Hiter is 'incredible'

It's a new era in Ann Arbor in many ways, but the Kyle Whittingham era should closely resemble that of Jim Harbaugh if everything goes to plan. Both coaches love to dominate the trenches and control the game with a strong run game. And Whittingham comes to Michigan football not only inheriting one solid tailback, but several.

Though Jordan Marshall will get the nod as the starter, there's perhaps no one more exciting offensively, outside of quarterback Bryce Underwood's potential, than freshman running back Savion Hiter.

The No. 1 running back in the 2026 recruiting class, according to both 247Sports and Rivals, Hiter was raved about all spring ball, and in the spring game, his 10 carries for 44 yards showed just how dynamic a runner he is. Whittingham spoke to Jake Butt on The Blue Print podcast this week, and is excited about the potential that Hiter has shown already.

"Way up there. I can tell you that," Whittingham said. "He's going to be a contributor for us this year, without a doubt. But Jordan Marshall's RB1, make no mistake. He came out of spring ball, he's a terrific player, terrific leader. Can't say enough good things about him.

"But the way Savion handled himself and just 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. He's mature beyond his years, and just physically, it's incredible. He's about six feet, 220 pounds, not an ounce of fat on the kid. A great contact balance, will pick up blitzes, has really good hands out of the backfield, explosive runner can make you miss. I mean, his future is very, very bright. And like I said, his future starts now. I mean, he'll be getting carries from game one."

Hiter joins Marshall and returning tailback Bryson Kuzdzal as a likely three-headed monster at the position. They'll all have the month of May off, but will return in June for summer conditioning.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Whittingham calls Michigan football freshman Savion Hiter 'incredible'