Michigan continues to trend as leading choice for four-star running back Javian Osborne to the Class of 2026

Four-star running back Javian Osborne is nearing a decision in his recruitment, and Michigan remains a strong contender. The standout from Forney High School (Texas) has been one of the primary targets of Wolverines running backs coach Tony Alford, who visited Forney last month to see him in action.

Michigan extended an offer to Osborne in February after area recruiter JB Brown scouted him during the winter contact period. Since then, Alford has maintained daily communication with Osborne, as revealed by his father, Maurice Osborne Jr., to Michigan recruiting insider Aidan Sen.

Osborne has received over 40 offers from college programs during his recruitment. Alabama, Florida State, Texas, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Florida and Tennessee are some other schools in the mix of his recruitment.

The biggest competition for Michigan seems to be in-state powerhouse Texas, and Longhorns running backs coach Tashard Choice is leading their pursuit. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives Texas a 79.9% chance of landing Osborne, while Michigan lags with a 2.3% chance.

However, Michigan's growing prowess in the world of NIL deals could make a difference. One such recent example was the headline-grabbing NIL deal for Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top quarterback in the 2025 class. Such developments could play a big role in Osborne’s decision as well.

Osborne visited Michigan twice this fall, including for the Wolverines’ 38-17 loss to Oregon on Nov. 2. Those visits may have strengthened UM’s position in his recruitment. He is the No. 3 running back in the 2026 class, the No. 75 prospect in the nation and the No. 13 recruit in Texas, as per Rivals.

Michigan pursues nation's top RB in the 2026 class

After wrapping up a successful 2025 recruiting cycle, Michigan is turning its attention to one of the crown jewels of the 2026 class: four-star running back Savion Hiter. The Louisa County High School (Virginia) standout is ranked as the No. 1 running back and top overall prospect in Virginia by 247Sports.

Hiter has narrowed his list to five schools: Michigan, Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State and Tennessee. Currently, the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives the Buckeyes a slight edge at 23.2%, with the Bulldogs (20.3%) and the Wolverines (17.4%) close behind.

In March, he expressed excitement about a Michigan offer by calling it a “dream come true” and saying that the Wolverines were “very much on my radar.” He also raved about Michigan star Blake Corum, saying he hopes to emulate the Wolverines’ All-American back.

This week, Hiter’s trainer, Adam McCann, notified Aidan Sen that Michigan is “setting the standard” in Hiter's recruitment.