The signing of Savion Hiter didn't grab as much attention as it did for Bryce Underwood, but it could prove to be just as impactful for Michigan football.
Despite some tense moments on Wednesday, Early National Signing Day, the Wolverines were able to sign Hiter, after ironing out some NIL details, on Thursday morning, locking up the No. 1 running back in the 2026 class, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings, but also the No. 8 overall prospect, giving U-M two top-10 signees in 2026.
That's not even something the 2025 class could say, although it did have two composite five-stars in Bryce Underwood and Andrew Babalola, plus Ty Haywood, who was ranked as a five-star by ESPN.
Hiter is as important as any of them. Underwood will be the key to winning national championships, but every great college football team has a great running game, and more specifically, a great running back.
Why Savion Hiter will be so important for Michigan football
Ohio State had two elite backs in 2024. So did Michigan football in 2023, and Georgia before that. Alabama always had a big-time back, too. You need an elite quarterback, but the quarterback's best friend is an elite running back.
And with Hiter in the fold, depending on what happens with Justice Haynes, Michigan football could have three elite backs on the team next season. The room is crowded, but with the way the Wolverines run the ball, a third back should get plenty of usage.
The bottom line is that Hiter feels like the most talented running back to come to college football in a few years and the fact that Michigan got him, is just a huge boon. Hiter behind the offensive line the Wolverines are building will be truly scary for the rest of the Big Ten.
It might also help Michigan get back to competing for national championships because despite the ranking, there isn't a more talented recruit in the 2026 class than Savion Hiter.