Kyle Whittingham’s recent ‘unthinkable’ staff addition is already creating buzz, and now that move is being followed by major national validation for one of Michigan’s top recruits. Despite the shake-up, he added 23 recruits to the team, and now one of his five-star running backs just got major backing from ESPN.

ESPN ranks the SC Next 300 for the 2026 class, highlighting recruits likely to impact college and NFL. Michigan’s five-star Savion Hiter is 25th, boosting Kyle Whittingham’s team. His name is in the top 30 on ESPN 300, earning five-star status.

The No. 2-ranked running back has a solid 6-foot, 200-pound frame, making him well-equipped to handle a heavy workload while remaining quick and agile through cuts. His explosive ability, strong ball skills, and 10-inch hands put him among the top backs at NFL combines.

Although Michigan’s Jordan Marshall may be a step ahead, ESPN highlights all his impressive physical traits and skills, projecting him as a promising three-down NFL back in the future.

This hype around Savion Hiter makes sense, given his production. He recorded 1,445 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on just 110 carries while missing two games. Now, that adds key depth to Kyle Whittingham’s RB room alongside Jordan Marshall, especially after Justice Haynes’ departure.

Hiter’s dominance was undeniable, as he powered Louisa County to an 11-1 record and a state quarterfinal appearance, earning MaxPreps Virginia High School Football Player of the Year honors along the way.

With his skills, Hiter also draws a striking comparison to Texas star Bijan Robinson, who shows advanced mental and physical development, moves quickly, and holds elite balance and control. Analysts are already taking notice of him, as On3 Steve Wiltfong has stated that Michigan secured the top offensive player in the country.

“Maybe landed the best offensive player in the country,” Wiltfong said. “Just can’t rank a RB, No. 1. They don’t go No. 1 in the draft. But he’s as good at his job as anyone in the country. Terrific prospect. Best RB in a few cycles.”

To maximize the potential of elite talents like Hiter, Whittingham is also fortifying his coaching staff, making a surprising addition with deep ties to a major rival.

Kyle Whittingham adds key member to his staff

To bolster his staff for the 2026 season, Kyle Whittingham has added veteran assistant Brian Knorr to oversee special teams alongside Kerry Coombs. Who would have thought they would add Urban Meyer’s ex-staffer and Michigan’s biggest rival to the team?

Knorr brings a three-decade-long journey to Ann Arbor, with a resume that includes defensive coordinator stints at Air Force and Indiana, and even a head coaching role at Ohio. This diverse experience, particularly his recent success turning the Air Force’s defense into a top-ranked unit, is what likely caught Whittingham’s eye.

Top Stories

Travis Kelce Confirms Sporting Decision Away From Chiefs After TE’s Major Career News

Bryson DeChambeau Visits PGA of America as LIV Golf’s Future Looks Bleak

Josh Allen Officially at Risk of Losing 21 Players as Bills Coach Quits Hours After Joe Brady Announcement

Blue Jays Told to Thwart Dodgers’ Plan After Scott Boras Pushes 24-Year-Old Star to Reject Reds’ Historic Deal

Bryson DeChambeau Announces Career Move After $500M Demand Put LIV Golf in Worrying Spot

Takeaways: Kim Mulkey’s LSU Rolls Past Arkansas in 92-70 Win

However, his time with the Falcons was successful. In the 2025 season, the team ranked No. 40, No. 6, and No. 1 in various key defensive metrics.

Knorr’s proven ability to build elite units, highlighted by the Air Force’s top-ranked defense in 2025, provides a clear rationale for his addition. The Wolverines expect his expertise to immediately impact their special teams play.