The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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R U N N I N G B A C K S THE WOLVERINE 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 55 dia, third-team by conference coaches. He started four games and played in 11, hampered by injury later in the season. He's more than ready to go this year, named a spring captain and fully on board with what Whittingham and Michigan's other coaches are bringing to The Big House come fall. That includes Beck's balanced approach to offense. "It really plays to our strengths," Mar- shall said. "We ran the ball all of last year, but the fact that we can be 50-50 — we have receivers that can go get the ball, receivers that can make plays and make people miss — is exciting. … "It doesn't matter if I run the ball 20 times, five times. I want to run the ball, but whatever I can do to help this team win is what I want to do. It's exciting to see all the new concepts and all the new things we have installed, but also see things brought along from last year, things we're good at. He's so willing to make those changes and listen to our feedback." Whittingham watched enough video of the Wolverines in 2025 to know exactly what he's getting from Marshall when it comes to running the football. He learned quickly how valuable the veteran will be in formulating the sort of team dynamic he desires. He credited the team with select- ing the right spring captains, including No. 23. "It became very apparent in a very short period of time that the team knew exactly what they were doing, and those guys were true leaders on the football team," Whittingham stressed. "Jordan Marshall's exceptional, great attitude, just sets a great example. And that's re- ally what you're looking for. If you can get the top 10 percent of your team working harder than anybody else, everyone fol- lows suit. "And that's a very critical aspect of having an outstanding team — having that leadership show the way. The su- preme function of a leader is to set the bar and then demand everyone live up to that level of play and that level of behavior." Hiter hasn't appeared to be someone needing extensive lessons on football. The big back out of Louisa County (Va.) High — who rushed for 1,445 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior — showed up looking like he knew just what he was do- ing. His demeanor impressed coaches and teammates as well. "Savion Hiter, he's another bright spot," Whittingham noted. "We've talked about him several times during the course of spring. He's really a great fit for this of- fense. He has really impressed me with his blitz pickup. You have to be able to pass protect if you're a running back. That's part of the job description. For a true freshman, he is really doing a good job in that respect." It doesn't stop there, though. "When he showed up, you knew off the film, he has a lot of talent and a lot of abil- ity," Beck said. "What I've been impressed with is just how hard he goes and com- petes — in everything, all the time. It's not a thing where you show up as a true freshman and you're trying to figure your way out. He's in there and he's going as hard as you can go. Whether he's right or he's wrong, he's just going. "And that's a great skill set to have. You just go out there and compete, full speed. You can coach up and get better at every- thing, but that effort and intensity will allow him to have an impact. If that's a really strong position, and they're some of our best players, then let's get two backs on the field and play with both guys." Kuzdzal appeared as if he might exit via the portal after the season, but remained in Ann Arbor, and that's a crucial keep for the Wolverines in terms of the depth of the backfield. He stepped in last season to rush 76 times for 326 yards and 4 touch- downs. When Marshall succumbed to in- jury in the cliffhanger with Northwestern at Wrigley Field, Kuzdzal stepped in to rush for 53 yards on 15 attempts, playing a key role in the game-winning touchdown drive. He started the following game at Maryland, going for 100 yards and 3 touchdowns on 20 carries. The senior also played a major role in the bowl game against Texas, rushing 20 times for 82 yards. He brings a hard- driving style to an offense that appears a perfect fit for that sort of approach. "He's a heck of a player, too, and Bryson is in that mix," Whittingham said. "We have those three top guys, and then some guys down below, jockeying for posi- tion to see who's going to be that fourth STARTERS ★★★★ ★★★★ This group presents as a major strong point for the Wolverines heading into the 2026 season. Jordan Marshall enters his junior season as a proven leader and effective back, falling just shy of 1,000 yards rushing last year. Freshman Savion Hiter gave Michigan coaches plenty to anticipate in the spring, the new staff commenting he looks very little like a rookie in the way he carries himself and attacks the game. Both Marshall and Hiter could see the field at the same time for the Wolverines, and will look to become one of the top 1-2 punches in the Big Ten. DEPTH ★★★ ★★★ The depth suffered a blow in the spring when junior Micah Ka'apana went down with a season-ending injury. But senior Bryson Kuzdzal filled in very effectively with more than 300 yards rushing last season, step- ping up especially when Marshall suffered an injury. Sophomore Donovan Johnson and freshman Jonathan Brown will be on hand in the fall. OVERALL ★★★★ ★★★★ This crew looks well stocked to enter Kyle Whittingham's first season as Michigan head coach. Whittingham loves an effective run game, and the Marshall-Hiter combo should be able to deliver it. The key will be staying healthy and finding a rhythm with both new OC Jason Beck's schemes and an emerging offensive line. PRESEASON ANALYSIS 900+ Yard Rushers Since 2010 Year Player Yards TD 2025 Jordan Marshall 932 10 2024 Kalel Mullings 948 12 2023 Blake Corum 1,245 27 2022 Blake Corum 1,463 18 Donovan Edwards 991 7 2021 Hassan Haskins 1,327 20 Blake Corum 952 11 2018 Karan Higdon 1,178 10 2017 Karan Higdon 994 11 2012 Denard Robinson 1,266 7 2011 Denard Robinson 1,176 16 Fitzgerald Toussaint 1,041 9 2010 Denard Robinson 1,702 14 RUNNING BACKS 29 Jonathan Brown (6-3, 200), Fr. 5 Savion Hiter (6-0, 210), Fr. 26 Donovan Johnson (6-0, 215), So. 25 Micah Ka'apana (5-11, 190), Jr. 24 Bryson Kuzdzal (5-11, 210), Sr. 23 Jordan Marshall (5-11, 216), Jr.