Christmas is in the air. Never mind, that's just fall camp, but for Michigan football fans, the feeling is about the same.
The Wolverines are hitting the practice field this fall for the first time under new head coach Kyle Whittingham. Michigan is ranked 16th in the Coaches Poll, which seems just about right; However, there is a chance to out-play that ranking with a roster that's loaded with talent.
It will be up to Whittingham and his staff to maximize its potential. Sherrone Moore's staff certainly didn't do that. There was a lot of coaching malpractice occurring. Yet, the Wolverines still won 17 games, so imagine what an elite head coach with a roster that could be even better than it looks.
One reason it could be better is a talented freshman class. There are two five-star signees, along with some others who have the potential to make an early impact. There are freshmen on both sides of the ball, who could have the chance to earn a starting role, and here are three of them to watch in 2026
Savion Hiter
It will be difficult to overtake Jordan Marshall. My prediction is that Hiter won't do that. Yet, it will be clear early on that this is an 1A/1B situation at running back. It feels like Hiter and Marshall will be on the field at the same time on occasion, and that Hiter is a talented pass catcher, too.
Michigan football just needs to get the ball in his hands. It would be disappointing if he didn't touch the ball 10-15 times per game this season. Marshall was also over-worked last season. All of the Michigan running backs were, which is why none of them made it to the Ohio State game.
Bryce Underwood has to carry more of the load offensively, with his passing, and running ability. Hiter will be a factor, too. Marshall will get the most carries this season. He will rush for over 1,000 yards and be All-Big Ten.
Hiter might end up as Big Ten Freshman of the Year, as long as he gets enough touches. So even though he may not be the "starting running back", he will essentially be a starting-caliber player for the Wolverines, very early.
Salesi Moa
Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan seem locked in as Michigan football's top two pass catchers. After that, you have Jaime Ffrench, a sophomore from Texas, who was a top-100 recruit, Travis Johnson, a top-125 signee from the 2026 class, and Salesi Moa, a top-100 transfer from Utah. He was also part of the 2026 class but had to transfer to sign with the Wolverines.
Moa had 63 catches for 1,272 yards as a high school senior, which followed a season with over 800 yards as a junior. At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Moa is an explosive play waiting to happen.
Ffrench will open the season as Michigan football's third wide receiver, essentially a starting job, but Moa will take that away before the end of the season. Travis Johnson is a name to watch, too, although I see him having more success on the outside.
Marsh and Buchanan can each play in the slot. However, they are probably best suited for the X and Z positions. Moa can thrive in the slot, although, he can play outside, too.
Either way, I expect Moa and also Travis Johnson to be contributors by the end of the season, with Moa emerging as the No. 3 wide receiver this season.
Carter Meadows
It's not easy for defensive lineman to work their way into the starting lineup. Yet, most freshmen aren't 6-foot-7, 270 pounds like Michigan's Carter Meadows.
Meadows is listed by Michigan as 252 pounds. There has been chatter that he's closer to 270. The top-10 overall recruit should make an impact right away on the EDGE. John Henry Daley has one position locked down. It feels like Cameron Brandt has the other.
However, is playing on run downs really considered being a starter? At some point, it feels like Brandt will serve as a run defender, while Meadows will be counted on to pressure the quarterback. Eventually, Meadows will get more snaps against the run, too.
Brandt will probably play more than Meadows this season, but not my much. That's why the freshman might end up being considered a quasi-starter by season's end. Who knows, he could be the Wolverines second-best pass rusher. That's how big and talented the kid is.
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