Michigan Football Strikes Out With Another 2026 RB Prospect
Michigan football’s efforts to build a dominant 2026 recruiting class hit another snag this week, as four-star running back Javian Osborne officially committed to Notre Dame. Once seen as a strong Michigan lean, Osborne’s decision represents the latest recruiting miss for a Wolverines program navigating key transitions under head coach Sherrone Moore. While the loss is a setback, it also clarifies the path forward for Michigan’s running back recruiting strategy, particularly as the program sets its sights on the nation’s top RB prospect, Savion Hiter.
Javian Osborne, a 6-foot, 190-pound back from Forney, Texas, had long been a top Michigan target. He earned a four-star rating from all major services and ranked among the top 10 running backs nationally. Michigan made significant headway early in his recruitment, with Osborne naming the Wolverines his leader as recently as February 2025. The program’s consistent communication, strong RB development pitch, and the promise of early playing time made Michigan a compelling option. However, after narrowing down his choices and taking visits this spring, Osborne committed to Notre Dame on May 3, citing his relationship with Irish head coach Marcus Freeman and his comfort with the culture in South Bend.
The news stings for Michigan fans, especially since Osborne had been seen as one of the more realistic blue-chip targets remaining on the board. His versatility, vision, and pass-catching ability would have made him a natural fit in Michigan’s run-oriented offense. Moreover, his official visit to Ann Arbor had gone well, making his decision to pivot toward Notre Dame all the more frustrating for the Wolverines staff. With Osborne now off the board, Michigan turns its full attention to the top prize at the position: five-star RB Savion Hiter.
Hiter, the No. 1-ranked running back in the 2026 class, has emerged as Michigan’s biggest remaining RB target. Out of Virginia, the 6-foot, 205-pound back is a complete prospect—elite speed, downhill power, and reliable hands out of the backfield. He rushed for nearly 1,700 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior, and he’s long been viewed as one of the most polished skill players in the cycle. In late May, Hiter narrowed his list to four finalists: Michigan, Georgia, Ohio State, and Tennessee. Michigan is set to host him for an official visit the weekend of June 13–15, a pivotal stretch that could decide his recruitment.
Tony Alford, Michigan’s running backs coach, is key in this pursuit. Formerly with Ohio State, Alford has built a strong relationship with Hiter dating back to his Buckeyes days, and his move to Ann Arbor gave Michigan a crucial inside track. The Wolverines will look to lean heavily on that connection during Hiter’s visit, as well as showcase a proven track record of developing backs like Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, and Jordan Marshall. With Hiter expected to make a decision sometime this summer, Michigan’s window to land its top RB target is narrowing.
If Hiter chooses another school, Michigan will likely pivot to several other targets, including four-star backs like Jae Lamar (Georgia) and Javian Mallory (Florida). Both remain uncommitted and are considered viable options, though neither carries quite the same ceiling as Hiter or Osborne. Michigan could also turn to the transfer portal for a short-term depth addition if its high school recruiting board continues to shrink. With Jordan Marshall and Alabama transfer Justice Haynes leading the current room, there is a foundation in place, but the Wolverines will want at least one marquee back in the 2026 cycle.
Despite the Osborne setback, Michigan’s RB recruiting outlook isn’t all doom and gloom. The program continues to recruit at a high level overall and maintains a strong brand with elite offensive players. If they can land Hiter, it would be a massive win—not just for optics, but for maintaining the physical identity of Moore’s offense. The coming weeks are critical: the June 13–15 official visit period could set the stage for a commitment that would significantly reshape the narrative around Michigan’s 2026 class.
In short, Michigan’s loss of Javian Osborne to Notre Dame is disappointing, but not disastrous. The Wolverines remain firmly in the race for an even more talented back, and their recruiting infrastructure under Moore and Alford is well-positioned to respond. All eyes now turn to Savion Hiter’s visit—arguably the most important recruiting weekend of the summer for Michigan’s staff.