​ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – APRIL 18: Jordan Marshall, wearing #23 for the Blue Team, runs with the ball in the first half of Michigan’s spring football game at Michigan Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Jaime Crawford/Getty Images for ONIT) | Getty Images for ONIT
This week in The Feed, we asked fans who they think will lead Michigan in rushing yards during the 2026 season. The responses were largely in favor of Jordan Marshall, who captured 92 percent of the vote. Freshman Savion Hiter received eight percent, and while there is respect for Bryson Kuzdzal, most voters don’t expect him to get enough carries to top the charts.
Why Jordan Marshall is the obvious choice
Marshall is poised to command significant attention this season as Michigan’s clear starter. He’s dealt with injuries in the past but has earned the respect of teammates and coaches. In 16 games last season, he carried 181 times for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns. Although he missed time, the Wolverines expect him to be fully healthy in 2026. For many voters, the key factor is Marshall staying healthy for the full season.
User comments reflect strong confidence in Marshall:
– “I don’t see how anyone can vote for anyone other than Marshall. Kuzdzal doesn’t accumulate enough YAC and we haven’t seen Hiter face first-string defenses yet. It looks like Marshall will handle at least 60% of the carries, especially in bigger games.”
– “Healthy is the key word. Marshall has yet to get through a season.”
– “If he stays healthy, Marshall is the obvious choice. Hiter has great potential and a body that suggests a lighter freshman workload, but injuries can change the season.”
– “Marshall is the known threat. Hiter could find his groove early, similar to last year’s Underwood, but it’s hard to bet against Marshall.”
Why we might see Hiter at the top
There’s no secret that coaches and fans are buzzing about Hiter. This offseason, there’s talk that he isn’t your typical freshman, and many anticipate a substantial role for him alongside Marshall. Hiter, a five-star recruit, is expected to contribute heavily this fall despite Marshall’s proven production.
Predictions for the split
Some fans envision a 60/30 or 50/40 split between Marshall and Hiter, with around 10 percent going to other backs. Hiter could break off a few long runs, which could bring the totals closer than expected, though Marshall is still seen as the leading rusher.
Support for Bryson Kuzdzal’s role remains
Even with high expectations for Marshall and Hiter, Kuzdzal is anticipated to continue earning snaps and contributing in the backfield.