Michigan football is making waves on the recruiting trail, emerging as the frontrunner for two of the nation’s top running back prospects in the 2026 cycle. With five-star Savion Hiter and four-star Javian Osborne expressing strong interest, the Wolverines are poised to bolster their backfield with elite talent. The aggressive efforts of first-year running backs coach Tony Alford, coupled with Michigan’s embrace of NIL opportunities, are reshaping the program’s recruiting trajectory.
Michigan leads the race for five-star Savion Hiter.
Five-star running back Savion Hiter, the No. 1 running back and No. 14 overall player in the 2026 class, has named Michigan his top choice, according to recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong. Hiter, a standout from Mineral, Virginia, has visited Ann Arbor multiple times and developed a strong rapport with Wolverines running backs coach Tony Alford.
“Michigan is definitely my top school right now,” Hiter told Wiltfong, signaling a major recruiting win in the making for the Wolverines. However, Michigan faces stiff competition for Hiter’s commitment. Powerhouse programs including Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, and Tennessee are also vying for the 5-foot-11, 182-pound standout, who holds 25 scholarship offers to date.
Hiter’s potential addition would be a game-changer for Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class, especially if paired with current commits like quarterback Bryce Underwood and running back Jordan Marshall. As Michigan builds momentum on the field and in recruiting, securing Hiter would mark a pivotal moment for the program.
Four-star Javian Osborne also favors Michigan.
In addition to Hiter, Michigan is also well-positioned for four-star running back Javian Osborne, the No. 5 ranked RB and No. 69 overall prospect in the 2026 class. Osborne, a native of Forney, Texas, is being heavily pursued by the Wolverines despite strong interest from in-state programs such as Texas, Baylor, and Texas A&M, as well as Oklahoma. He holds a total of 32 offers.
Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 195 pounds , Osborne has been lauded for his agility and explosive playmaking ability. Michigan’s recruiting staff, led by Tony Alford, has made Osborne a priority target, showcasing the program’s nationwide reach. According to reports, Michigan’s NIL efforts and on-field success have made a compelling case for out-of-state recruits like Osborne to consider Ann Arbor as their future home.
If Michigan secures commitments from both Hiter and Osborne, it would significantly elevate their 2026 recruiting class, which already includes four-star cornerback Brody Jennings and three-star wide receiver Jaylen Pile. With these potential additions, Michigan would further solidify its reputation as a destination for top-tier talent under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
NIL and strategic recruiting pave the way for Michigan’s success.
Michigan’s recent success on the recruiting trail can be attributed to several factors, including the strategic efforts of its coaching staff and the program’s embrace of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. The program has made significant strides in leveraging NIL to attract elite talent, a critical step in competing with other top-tier programs across the country.
Furthermore, Michigan’s on-field success in recent seasons has bolstered its appeal. With back-to-back Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances, the Wolverines have created a winning culture that resonates with recruits. This momentum has carried into the 2025 and 2026 recruiting cycles, giving Michigan a competitive edge in landing premier talent like Hiter and Osborne.
What’s next for Michigan football recruiting?
Although Michigan is in a strong position for both Hiter and Osborne, the recruiting process is far from over. Both players have numerous suitors, and their final decisions may not come for months or even over a year. The Wolverines will need to maintain their focus on building relationships, showcasing their program’s strengths, and delivering success on the field in the 2025 season to solidify their standing with these elite prospects.
For now, Michigan fans can take pride in the program’s upward trajectory under Jim Harbaugh and his staff. If the Wolverines can land commitments from both Hiter and Osborne, it would mark a monumental achievement for the 2026 recruiting class and set the stage for sustained success in the years to come.
