When people talk about Michigan football, the first thing talked about is always the former five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Understandably, the talented quarterback is a lightning rod. However, with Kyle Whittingham as the head coach, just like with Jim Harbaugh, you can bet that Michigan football is going to run the damn ball.
That's not just because it's Whittingham's philosophy, it's also because the roster mandates it, specifically former five-star running back Savion Hiter.
Jordan Marshall is a dude. Make no mistake about that. The former top-50 overall recruit from the state of Ohio averaged 6.9 yards per carry in Big Ten games last season. I'm not sure that it has gotten enough attention. Marshall rushed the ball seven times for 61 yards against Ohio State, on the first drive, before leaving "The Game" due to injury.
It's not crazy to think the outcome could have been different, at least much more competitive, had Marshall been 100 percent, or even Justice Haynes. Remember, Marshall was the backup for most of the 2025 Michigan football season, despite four consecutive 100-yard games on the ground.
What's exciting is that Marshall's backup this season is going to be five-star freshman Savion Hiter, who has earned tons of praise from Whittingham. It has been effusive, to say the least.
Another reason for Michigan fans to be excited about Savion Hiter
A Michigan defender said they are are "sore" after tackling Savion Hiter, who could be a freshman phenom this fall💪 pic.twitter.com/zUmeBEKkd4
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineOn3) June 12, 2026
Earlier this week, on The Wolverine podcast, Michigan insider Chris Balas added more fuel to the fire, talking about how at least one Michigan football player told him that he is "sore" after trying to tackle the freshman running back who is 6-foot, 210 pounds.
"You are sore when you get up after hitting this guy. He said it's a different feel and that's saying something because Jordan Marshall is no pansy out there," Balas said.
Hiter is viewed as one of the most talented running backs to enter college football in recent years. Steve Wilftong even opined that he would have been ranked as the best offensive player in the 2026 class if running back had more positional value.
Hiter is the reason why Justice Haynes was essentially allowed to leave for Georgia Tech. Marshall needed to be retained, and there wasn't enough room for all three backs. Hiter is too good to keep on the bench, and Haynes got the payday he wanted. It worked out for everyone.
Michigan is going to throw the ball more this season. There is zero doubt about that. However, with a running back room this talented, and an offensive line that could be one of the best in the Big Ten, expect Marshall and Hiter to be the focal point of the offense.
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