The Michigan Wolverines football team is shaking things up this spring with new head coach Kyle Whittingham at the helm. There’s a fresh coaching staff, new schemes, and a roster that blends returning players with transfers. Honestly, it feels like the start of something big. Three freshmen have been especially hard to ignore in the first ten spring practices—quarterback Tommy Carr, wide receiver Salesi Moa, and running back Savion Hiter. Their early performances have definitely put them on the radar as the team preps for the season ahead.
Tommy Carr: A Quarterback with a Legacy
Tommy Carr, a four-star freshman quarterback, has quickly made an impression on Michigan’s staff. He’s the grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr and the younger brother of Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, so there’s a bit of family history here.
After a standout senior year at Saline High School, Carr jumped several hundred spots in the 247Sports Composite rankings, landing at No. 316. His numbers last season were strong—10.8 yards per attempt and 45 total touchdowns, an improvement over his junior year.
Competition and Progress
So far, Carr’s outplayed fellow freshman Brady Smigiel, redshirt freshman Chase Herbstreit, and LSU transfer Colin Hurley (who’s already hit the transfer portal again). He’s locked in as the No. 2 quarterback for now.
His main competition, Brayden Fowler Nicolosi, will join the team in the summer. Coach Whittingham has been pretty open about Carr’s rapid progress, saying if they had to play tomorrow, Carr would be the backup. That’s not nothing.
Salesi Moa: Versatile and Dynamic
Freshman wide receiver Salesi Moa is another name that keeps popping up in practice reports. He transferred to Michigan from Utah after enrolling and is ranked as a top-50 prospect in the 2026 247Sports Composite.
Moa was a standout in high school on both sides of the ball, but at Michigan he’s focusing on receiver. That versatility shows—he’s just got a knack for making things happen.
Making Strides
Coach Whittingham has pointed out how much ground Moa has covered since joining the team. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he’s got the build and the drive, which is already making him a valuable piece of the offense.
His adaptability has been a pleasant surprise for the staff. If he keeps this up, he could carve out a real role early on.
Savion Hiter: A Promising Running Back
Running back Savion Hiter, a five-star, top-20 recruit, came in with high expectations. Still, he’s managed to surpass them, looking more game-ready than anyone expected.
He’s already claimed the No. 2 running back spot behind starter Jordan Marshall, with Bryson Kuzdzal also in the conversation. Hiter’s ability to contribute as both a runner and a blocker is turning heads.
Game-Ready and Versatile
Coach Whittingham has singled out Hiter’s blitz pickup skills. Pass protection’s a big deal for a running back, and Hiter’s shown he can handle it.
His readiness to block and run makes him a real asset for Michigan’s offense. There’s something about his versatility that stands out, honestly.
High-Tempo Practices and Team Progress
Coach Whittingham’s running high-tempo practices to keep things moving and players fresh. The idea is to get more done in less time, and so far, players seem to like the approach.
The annual spring game on April 18 should give fans a first look at what’s changed and who’s stepping up. It’s always a bit of a litmus test, right?
Morez Johnson Jr.: A Key Decision
Switching gears to basketball for a second—one big question mark is whether Morez Johnson Jr. will return for another season. Johnson transferred in after a promising freshman year at Illinois and really blossomed with the Wolverines.
He’s averaging 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, and his presence has been felt. Johnson’s toughness and improved offensive game have earned him plenty of respect.
Impact on the Court
He’s developed into a more reliable shooter, taking more shots away from the rim and even finding some three-point rhythm. Coach Dusty May has praised his consistency and drive to get better.
Decision Timeline
Johnson has until April 23 to declare for the NBA Draft, and if he wants to return, he’s got until May 27 to withdraw. His choice will have a big impact on Michigan’s front court for 2026-27, especially with players like Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara likely moving on.
Conclusion
Michigan’s football and basketball programs are in the middle of some big changes. Freshmen are stepping up, and decisions from players like Morez Johnson Jr. could really steer where things go next.
The next few seasons? They look pretty interesting. There’s a mix of new faces and veterans, all trying to push the Wolverines forward—should be fun to watch.
If you want to dig deeper, check out the full article on 247Sports.
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