There has been some interesting movement in the Michigan football running back room over the past few days, but on Thursday, got even more interesting.
Out of nowhere, it seems, former No. 1 overall running back Taylor Tatum, of the 2024 recruiting class, has signed with the Wolverines, according to Matt Zenitz of 247 Sports. Brice Marich of 247 Sports called the Michigan running back room, "Silly good."
#Michigan way back recruited Tatum and now he's officially a Wolverine.
— Brice Marich (@BriceMarich) January 8, 2026
This RB room is just silly good. https://t.co/MAwijDkydq https://t.co/IWMzXiJHou
Chalk up another win for Tony Alford. Tatum, a 5-foot-10, 212-pound running back out of Texas, committed to the Sooners over Michigan and other programs back in 2024, when he was ranked as the No. 1 running back by 247 Sports.
After rushing for 278 yards on 66 attempts as a true freshman in 2024, Tatum was limited to just one game this past season. He averaged five yards per carry in that first season in Norman. He never got more than 10 carries in a game, but had nine for 42 yards against a ranked Ole Miss team that season.
Taylor Tatum addition could mean Justice Haynes is out
Justice Haynes has been weighing the NFL draft, but also a "return to college." That report didn't say a return to Michigan.
As much as I love Haynes, the Wolverines can only invest so much in the running back room. Marshall just re-upped for next season after 931 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman in 2025.
Marshall is an RB1. Savion Hiter, the No. 1 running back from the 2026 recruiting class, seems ready to contribute, too. He can be a home-run hitter, like Haynes, and my guess is that he's getting paid handsomely as well after being ranked No. 8 overall.
There are limits to how much you can invest in one position. The Wolverines need more help at wide receiver, defensive line, and linebacker. Tatum now provides a reliable third option, while also lowering the overall price tag of the running back room.