Things have been quiet lately for Michigan football on the recruiting trail. That could change this weekend as some top targets have commitment announcements coming, but it's more likely that the next 2026 commitment comes in a few weeks.
Davon Benjamin is a name to watch on Saturday. The top-50 overall cornerback is a player Michigan football has been pushing to land, yet Oregon still feels like the favorite.
In recruiting, you can never say never. Benjamin would be a big get. Yet, there isn't a bigger target on the board for the Wolverines than five-star running back Savion Hiter.
Positive vibes for a must-land prospect
Brian Dohn of 247 Sports reported this week that Michigan feels like the favorite. That's something others have echoed, but with a long way until August 19th, there is still reason to be cautious about the optimism, especially after losing Calvin Russell late to Syracuse.
Ohio State, Georgia, and Tennessee are the top teams in the mix. According to Dohn, the Vols continue to be the biggest threat. It sounds like the Wolverines have the better NIL offer on the table. That was the case with Russell, too, and we know how that worked out.
None of the recruiting experts have been confident to put in crystal ball projections. They might not be either. Hiter, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back is ranked No. 1 among running backs in the 2026 class, as well as ninth overall via the 247 Sports composite rankings.
In terms of the running back position, its the only one where Michigan hasn't landed a player ranked in the top 200 of their class the past two cycles. For a team with the identity of "smash," even with Bryce Underwood, a player like Hiter is needed, especially if this team has national title aspirations in the future.
You need an elite running back. The offensive line is vital, but you need elite backs, too. That's why Hiter is a must-land for U-M. We'll find out in 18 days.