Michigan Football Lands Top Recruits Meadows and Hiter

Head Coach Kyle Whittingham Excited About Incoming Defensive End and Running Back

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham expressed excitement about two of the program's top incoming freshmen - defensive end Carter Meadows and running back Savion Hiter. Meadows, ranked as the #9 overall recruit in the 2026 class, is a 6'7" defensive end with impressive size, length, and athleticism. Hiter, a five-star running back ranked #21 overall, is expected to have a significant role in the backfield after the departure of Justice Haynes.

Why it matters

These two elite recruits represent major additions to Michigan's roster and could make an immediate impact. Meadows' rare combination of size and athleticism gives the Wolverines a potential game-changing edge rusher, while Hiter' bruising running style and breakaway speed should provide a boost to the backfield.

The details

Meadows, out of Maryland, recorded 62 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery as a senior in high school. Whittingham praised his length and athleticism, comparing him to NFL standout Jevon Kearse. Hiter rushed for 1,440 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior despite missing 3 games, showcasing his power and speed. With Justice Haynes transferring, Hiter could see significant playing time behind RB1 Jordan Marshall.

  • Meadows and Hiter signed with Michigan in December 2025.
  • Meadows and Hiter are set to join the team in June 2026.

The players

Carter Meadows

A 6'7" defensive end from Maryland, Meadows is ranked as the #9 overall recruit in the 2026 class and the #1 player out of Washington, DC. He had an impressive senior season with 62 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.

Savion Hiter

A five-star running back ranked #21 overall in the 2026 class, Hiter rushed for 1,440 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior despite missing 3 games. He is expected to have a significant role in the Michigan backfield after the departure of Justice Haynes.

Kyle Whittingham

The head coach of the Michigan football team, Whittingham expressed excitement about the potential of Meadows and Hiter to contribute to the program.

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What they’re saying

“Big, good-looking young man. 6-foot-7, one of the top defensive ends in the country, if not the top. Tremendous athlete. The length, as I mentioned, is a big positive for him. Had some good conversations with Carter. Young man out of Maryland. And we're excited to get him here in June.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach (maizenbrew.com)

“Savion, maybe the best back coming out this year. He was a tremendously highly rated player, and he's here now. He's doing a great job, we're in the workouts, and he's doing very well. Really excited to see what he can do in spring ball.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach (maizenbrew.com)

What’s next

Meadows and Hiter are set to join the Michigan football team in June 2026 and will look to make an immediate impact during spring practices and the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The additions of elite recruits Meadows and Hiter represent a significant boost to Michigan's roster and could help the Wolverines contend for a Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth in the 2026 season.