Savion Hiter has nearly as much hype around him coming to Michigan as Bryce Underwood did in his freshman season. The difference is that Hiter has Jordan Marshall in front of him, while Underwood was thrown to the wolves. That could be a big reason Hiter is still working to adjust to college football.
Let's face it, high school football is not the same as college football, especially when going to a power conference school like Michigan out of high school. Even as a five-star running back, Hiter still has a lot to learn at the college level, and making those adjustments is crucial.
Hiter is attacking those adjustments like he attacked his game, by simply competing and not being afraid to hit someone.
"Everybody's at the same level as you, so you've got to compete," Hiter said. "At the end of the day, football is football, so if you've got to run through somebody's face, you've got to run through somebody's face."
Michigan RB Savion Hiter on the adjustment to college football:
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) September 15, 2026
"Everybody's at the same level as you, so you've got to compete. At the end of the day, football is football, so if you've got to run through somebody's face, you've got to run through somebody's face."
Hiter doesn't seem afraid to get down in the trenches with anyone, and that kind of confidence and competitive spirit could be what sets him apart from other running backs in the country.
Savion Hiter's inexperience at the college football level has already shown
If anyone expected Hiter to come to Michigan and look perfect, then they might need to get their head checked out. Sure, there are freshmen who come into college football and just shine, but it takes time to get the hang of the game.
Hiter has done well so far with Michigan, even as the RB2 in this offense. Jordan Marshall is the guy for the Wolverines, but with the talent of Hiter, offensive coordinator Jason Beck can't just ignore him and leave him standing on the sideline. To this point, it has been a fairly good split, but even that is hard to tell at times because Michigan hasn't maximized the run game.
When it comes to the run game, it looks like Hiter has barely contributed, with 13 carries for only 21 yards, but he has been more useful in the passing game with four receptions for 40 yards. It hasn't been all sunshine and roses, though, for the former five-star recruit, especially against Oklahoma.
While Hiter was used more against Oklahoma, his inexperience and youth showed against the Sooners. There was one big third down in the fourth quarter where Bryce Underwood was running the option play with Hiter in motion. Instead of allowing Underwood to pull the ball and run it himself to get the first down, Hiter held on too tight and was immediately taken down by the Oklahoma defender.
This miscommunication could prove costly for Michigan. Read option and Bryce Underwood wants to keep it, but Savion Hiter takes it before he has a chance and gets tackled for a loss. Tie game and Oklahoma gets the ball with a chance to take the lead. pic.twitter.com/bAf0PqhAxE
— Marcus Richardson (@MarcusRich99) September 12, 2026
There was obvious frustration from Underwood on that play, knowing he probably has the first down if Hiter allows him to pull the ball. These kinds of issues are easily fixable, though, and will also get better over time as Hiter gains more experience.
Hiter also acknowledged to the media that he has things to fix, like being more patient. However, he also has the confidence to say that once he gets into a rhythm, he knows the breakout is coming, and he can be unstoppable.
That is a lot of confidence from Kyle Whittingham's young running back, but isn't that what you want out of a freshman? Hiter has the potential to break out; it is just taking the time to make the adjustments and continue working hard.
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