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Top 2027 running back gives Michigan the chance to flip him from Big Ten rival and form all-time backfield for Wolverines

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 11:29 PM ET

The Michigan Wolverines could've been set for a few seasons in their offensive backfield with the five-star tandem of quarterback Bryce Underwood and running back Savion Hiter, but they're not done just yet. Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore is still chasing after 2027 No. 1 running back and Penn State commit Kemon Spell despite landing Hiter a few weeks ago. If he's successful, the Wolverines would have three of the most physically gifted athletes in the nation in the same backfield for at least two years.

Spell, a five-star from Pennsylvania, is incredibly explosive and effective despite being just a high school junior. He totaled 391 yards and five touchdowns on 13 carries and one kick return in his Week 1 debut. It's an easy call for all programs to keep trying to flip him from the Nittany Lions.

Several teams are chasing, and Spell shocked everyone by naming six programs that could get him away from Penn State. He included Michigan in that list.

Five-Star Penn State RB commit Kemon Spell says these 6 schools have the best shot at flipping him, he tells me for @rivals

The No. 1 RB in the 2027 class will take gameday visits to each, starting this weekend at Ohio State

Read: https://t.co/41XivaYriX pic.twitter.com/igOoBhlXYq
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 26, 2025

The Wolverines joined Ohio State, Florida State, Notre Dame, Alabama, Tennessee, and USC on that list. USC, Michigan, and Alabama are the only teams on that list that don't have a fall visit on the books with Spell. That's a potential roadblock, but Spell's schedule after Nov. 1 is open right now.

Kemon Spell showed why he is @Rivals’ No. 1 RB in the 2027 cycle, rushing for 293 yards and totaling 5 TD in his season opener. The Penn State commit has elite burst and is a tackle-breaking machine https://t.co/vVdVItzHBy pic.twitter.com/P3TUiCMXCU
— Charles Power (@CharlesPower) August 24, 2025

If he does flip to Michigan, he and Hiter will combine for an incredible duo. Here’s a scouting report on Hiter from On3‘s Charles Power.

Gifted runner with an advanced blend of athleticism, fluidity, and instincts as a high school underclassman. Physically developed, measuring in at over 5-foot-11 and around 200 pounds prior to his senior season. Registers as a strong athlete, running an 11.11 second mark in the 100-meters as a freshman. Also jumped close to 45 feet in the triple jump – an outstanding mark. Turned multiple dominant seasons as a high school underclassman, including a 1,698-yard, 26-touchdown junior campaign that saw him run for 10.8 yards per carry. Looks to be a natural runner. An extremely fluid and smooth mover who changes directions effortlessly. Shows excellent acceleration. Cuts on a dime and makes defenders miss in space. Runs with pace and instincts. A strong tackle-breaker who runs through contact due to a strong leg drive. A phenomenal high school football player who also makes big plays on defense. Has the potential and upside to be one of the best running back prospects in several cycles.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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