Michigan\u2019s football program has gotten quite the shakeup over the last few weeks. With almost an entirely new coaching staff and several new players on both sides of the ball, fans should expect things to look vastly different for the Wolverines in 2026.<\/p>\n
When it comes to roster turnover, Michigan had plenty of it with several established players either heading to the NFL or transferring to new schools. But the good news is Michigan is getting plenty of new players in the fold that can help replace what was lost, if not exceed it. Today, we will look at three transfers and two freshmen that can make the biggest immediate impact for the Wolverines.<\/p>\n
Transfer: WR\/TE JJ Buchanan<\/p>\n
In my opinion, JJ Buchanan is the most underrated of the incoming transfers. Listed as a tight end at Utah, he played mostly in the slot and really impressed as a freshman, posting 427 yards and five touchdowns on just 26 receptions. Regardless of what position you list him as, he should make a big impact in Michigan\u2019s passing game right away.<\/p>\n
Last season, Buchanan did most of his damage over the middle of the field and showed an ability to both run after the catch and get physical at the catch point. With inconsistencies from slot receivers and tight ends last year, Michigan never really had a reliable weapon it could trust over the middle, which it should now have with Buchanan while Andrew Marsh and the other receivers operate on the outside.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, Bryce Underwood showed a tendency to throw over the middle of the field when he was on the run rather than throwing safely outside the numbers. Oftentimes, he would do this to receivers that weren\u2019t open \u2014 sometimes it worked and resulted in perfectly placed throws into tight windows, while other times it ended in disaster. With Buchanan now roaming that area of the field, it should increase Underwood\u2019s margin for error.<\/p>\n
Freshman: RB Savion Hiter<\/p>\n
Michigan has had plenty of great running backs come through the program the last few years, but not many of them made a big impact right away. Donovan Edwards had a few big moments in 2021, but sat behind Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins on the depth chart. Zach Charbonnet was the last true freshman running back that had significant playing time, and he rushed for 726 yards in 2019.<\/p>\n
In 2026, Savion Hiter has a chance to come close to that level of production, even working behind lead back Jordan Marshall. Hiter was a five-star recruit and was incredibly productive in his high school career in Virginia. His raw talent as a runner and pass-catcher will give him a chance to do damage at the college level right away.<\/p>\n