Michigan football is working its way through spring practices, but after Kyle Whittingham met the media on Thursday, some fans probably wish the actual season were much closer.
In speaking on a number of different topics with reporters, Whittingham, the first-year Michigan football head coach, talked about five-star freshman Savion Hiter.
This wasn't the first time. Whittingham has raved about Hiter throughtout the spring. The five-star running back was ranked No. 1 at his position, and might be the best offensive player in the 2026 recruiting class.
On Thursday, Whittingham praised the true freshman again, and hinted that Michigan football fans won't have to wait long to see the rising star contribute for the Wolverines this fall.
Two elite Michigan freshmen will see the field early for Wolverines
#Michigan HC Kyle Whittingham says freshman WR Salesi Moa and freshman RB Savion Hiter have really been impressive this spring.
— Brice Marich (@BriceMarich) April 9, 2026
Will be contributors this season.
According to Brice Marich, Whittingham said that Savion Hiter, along with highly-touted Salesi Moa, were each "impressive." The Michigan head coach also said they will each contribute this season.
Hiter was ranked 12th in the 2026 recruiting class. He was one of two-five star signees. Carter Meadows, the other, will join the team this summer.
Moa wasn't a five-star recruit, but wasn't far off, ranking 42nd overall in the 2026 class, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. Moa actually transferred to Michigan after signing with Utah.
The four-star prospect is expected to make an immediate impact. Andrew Marsh, J.J. Buchanan, and Jamie Ffrench are probably the top three at wide receiver right now, but Moa isn't far behind.
Frankly, even without the contributions of those two freshmen, Michigan football would have plenty of talent to work with. But this is another sign that this 2026 class is going to be special. Tommy Carr and Travis Johnson have turned heads, too.
And now that Michigan has one of the best coaches and coaching staffs to develop all that talent correctly, the future seems as bright for the Wolverines as it has ever been.