# 7 newcomers who will make the biggest impact for Michigan football
RB: Savion Hiter
If there’s a single freshman whose name has come up most often this preseason, it’s Savion Hiter. The No. 1 running back in the nation in the class of 2026, Hiter was U-M’s top-rated offensive player in the most recent recruiting cycle and is already said to be the Wolverines’ No. 2 running back in the rotation. His position coach, Tony Alford, told the Free Press this summer he would play a “major role” in the offense this year and various videos that have emerged on social media − one in particular from a recent practice where he ran through a running back chute then bulldozed a blocking sled − have added to the hype.
Whittingham called Hiter a physical back with an “NFL body” and U-M is said to be preparing to utilize him in a multitude of ways.
“There’s been a lot of buzz around Savion and deservedly so,” offensive coordinator Jason Beck said. “He’s been impressive.”
WR Travis Johnson
DE Carter Meadows
WR JJ Buchanan
DE John Henry Daly
An All-American last season, Daley came to Ann Arbor after being one of the most productive edges in the country. He recorded 48 total tackles (24 solo, 24 assisted), which included 17½ tackles for loss, 11½ sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup across 11 starts.
His season was cut short when he suffered an Achilles injury in mid-November and he spent much of this offseason rehabbing and is said to be back at full health, though U-M coaches have intentionally kept him on a “pitch count” this fall to safely control his return to play.
Should he be at full health, he’s not only expected to be a starter, but perhaps one of the best defensive players in the Big Ten, if not the nation. He was recently listed as the No. 50 player in the nation by CBS Sports and will be a major factor in U-M’s defensive success.
DB SMith Snowden
WR Salesi Moa
Another top-50 recruit in the nation, Moa was a key late addition when much of Utah’s staff came to Ann Arbor and was able to flip the one-time Utah commit to the Wolverines. A two-way player in high school, Moa has focused on wide receiver with Michigan and is one of a handful of people in competition for the third wide receiver spot and could provide a shifty, possession receiver at the line of scrimmage to pair with a big-body in Buchanan and a route technician in Andrew Marsh.
