Michigan football joins elite company in 2026 class with 5-star commitment

The commitment of five-star Savion Hiter has put Michigan football in the company of some elite programs in the 2026 recruiting class.
Jan 19, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;  Michigan Wolverines head football coach Sherrone Moore fires up the crowd in overtime of the basketball game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head football coach Sherrone Moore fires up the crowd in overtime of the basketball game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Michigan football fans are still riding the high that comes with a five-star commitment, thanks to the pledge of elite running back Savion Hiter on Tuesday.

The No. 9 overall prospect in the entire 2026 recruiting class, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings, as well as the No. 1 running back, is a game-changing player for the Wolverines.

His commitment isn't on par with Bryce Underwood's but it's close. Michigan football fans have been clamoring for a five-star wide reciever to pair with Underwood. However, running back was the only position where the Wolverines hadn't landed a top-200 commitment in the past two classes (2025 and 2026).

Landing Hiter was essential. Steve Wiltfong of Rivals/On3 said that the 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back from Mineral, Virginia, might be the best offensive player in the entire recruiting class.

His addition gives Michigan football another key piece in the effort to build another national championship team. Beyond that, the commitment of Hiter gives the Wolverines two five-stars in the 2026 class with Carter Meadows being the other.

Ohio State was a finalist for both recruits. Michigan won out each time. The Wolverines are also just one of seven programs in the 2026 class to have multiple five-star commitments, joining Alabama, Oregon, Texas, Georgia, USC, and LSU, at least according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.

Ohio State does have two five-star via the 247 Sports composite rankings, which would tie Michigan. But still, when is the last time the Wolverines signed the same number of five-star recruits as Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State?

Signing day hasn't happened yet but this entire Michigan football recruiting class feels locked in. The Wolverines could try to flip another defensive back, but outside of that, this 2026 haul is elite, and gives Michigan consecutive classes with multiple five-star pledges.