As a sophomore, Hoard started six games at fullback and one game at tailback for the 1988 Michigan Wolverines football team that compiled a 9-2-1 record, won the Big Ten Conference championship, defeated USC in the 1989 Rose Bowl, and finished the season ranked No. 4 in the final AP Poll. The highlight of Hoard's college career was being named most valuable player of the 1989 Rose Bowl, after rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns in Michigan's win over USC. He also rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns in the 1988 Michigan-Ohio State game. For the entire 1988 season, Hoard rushed for 752 yards and 11 touchdowns.