The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1545685
Michigan's 26-man group of incoming freshmen was ranked No. 11 nationally in the Rivals.com Industry Ranking and No. 4 in the Big Ten. Here's our list of the most likely to see the field in 2026: 1. RB Savion Hiter This one's a no-brainer. Hiter, an early enrollee, turned heads from the minute he stepped on campus, is already the Wolverines' No. 2 back coming out of spring ball (behind junior Jordan Marshall) and is "going to be special" in Whittingham's own words. "The future starts now," Whittingham said in May. "He'll be getting carries from Game 1." 2. WR Salesi Moa A former Utah pledge, Moa enrolled early and quickly made an impact. A two-way player at Ogden (Utah) Fremont High, where he caught 226 passes for 3,757 yards and 44 touchdowns, he enjoyed an outstanding first several practices before hitting a wall, but he finished strong. Whittingham has included him in the top four in about every update on the receiving group, and he's expected to play a significant role this year. He's a great athlete. 3. DE Carter Meadows A five-star product of Bethesda (Md.) Gonzaga, Meadows could provide help as a situational pass rusher on the edge. The 6-6, 235-pounder is incredibly athletic with a quick first step and has a frame to add good weight. He'll play on special teams at the very least, but he could be too good to keep off the field. 4. WR Travis Johnson A borderline top-100 prep, Johnson eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of his last two high school seasons and helped lead Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith High to consecutive state championships. Johnson, an early enrollee, got a lot of run this spring, including occasional reps with the first-stringers. 5. OL Malakai Lee The Gatorade Player of the Year in Hawai'i already has a collegiate build at 6-7, 350, and boasts outstanding strength. Many believe he'll have a role, potentially as the "rhino" lineman when the Wolverines go heavy with six offensive linemen on the field. True freshman Salesi Moa's speed and quick- ness should get him early reps at receiver and potentially in the return game as well. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL Top Five True Freshman Candidates To Play THE WOLVERINE 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 31