Savion Hiter’s Recruiting Saga Takes a Wild Turn: Michigan or Ohio State? The Battle for 2026’s Top RB Heats Up!
If college football recruiting were a Hollywood blockbuster, the battle for four-star running back Savion Hiter would be the high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat thriller fans didn’t know they needed. Picture this: Michigan, the seasoned contender with national title dreams, squares off against Ohio State, the reigning champs with a flair for dramatic, last-minute plays. But just when you think you’ve got the plot figured out, a twist sends shockwaves across the college football landscape. Buckle up—this recruiting saga is just getting started.
The Wolverines Thought They Had It in the Bag… Until They Didn’t
Michigan has been treating Hiter like he’s the final Infinity Stone in their quest for gridiron dominance. The Louisa County (Va.) phenom, armed with a lethal combination of speed, power, and jaw-dropping field vision, has made multiple trips to Ann Arbor. The Wolverines’ coaching staff has rolled out the maize-and-blue carpet, whispering sweet nothings about national championships and NFL futures. His official visit is circled in bright red ink for June 13, and insiders have been confidently declaring Michigan as the frontrunner.
“I spoke to his father, Rod, just a couple of weeks ago, and he reaffirmed that the Wolverines were still at the top,” revealed recruiting insider EJ Holland from On3. Sounds like a done deal, right? Not so fast.
Because in the world of college football recruiting, no lead is safe, and no favorite is too far ahead. Just when Michigan fans were starting to daydream about Hiter donning the winged helmet, Ohio State stepped into the ring with a haymaker that no one saw coming.
Appreciate @Locklyn33 for making the trip #GoBucks 🌰🏆 pic.twitter.com/Na1SEaHGD0
— Savion “Cinco” Hiter (High-ter) (@5starsavi) January 28, 2025
Ohio State’s Bold Move Sends Shockwaves Through Recruiting World
It all started on January 20. Savion Hiter, seemingly locked in on Michigan, jumped on X (formerly Twitter) and dropped a subtle but powerful nod to Ohio State, congratulating the Buckeyes on their national championship victory. That one post was enough to send Wolverine Nation into a frenzy of panic and speculation. Was this just a harmless shoutout? Or was the tide beginning to turn?
Things escalated quickly. Ohio State’s running backs coach, Carlos Locklyn, wasn’t about to let that social media love go unanswered. He made a personal trip to Louisa County to check in on Hiter, and the young star took to X again, this time showing appreciation for Locklyn’s visit. Suddenly, what looked like a comfortable lead for Michigan started to feel more like quicksand.
On3’s recruiting predictor, which had Michigan in pole position, shifted gears, now giving Ohio State a slight edge in the race for Hiter’s commitment. It’s like watching a game of chess where the Buckeyes just sacrificed a pawn to set up a checkmate. Michigan’s got to respond, and fast.
The Heavyweights Are Lurking: Georgia, Tennessee, and Even UNC Enter the Fray
But wait, there’s more. As if this wasn’t dramatic enough, other powerhouse programs are circling like sharks in the water. Georgia, fresh off its own national title run, has been making serious moves. Hiter attended Georgia’s Junior Day, left with a big smile, and didn’t hesitate to drop a “#GoDawgs” on social media. Tennessee isn’t sitting quietly either, angling for their shot at pulling off a surprise commitment.
And then there’s North Carolina, pulling off one of the most unexpected recruiting stunts of the year. When the Bill Belichick—yes, that Bill Belichick—shows up at your high school, you know you’re a big deal. Hiter gave the legendary NFL coach a social media shoutout, adding another layer of intrigue to his already chaotic recruitment. Does this mean UNC has a legitimate shot? Probably not, but it underscores just how much of a hot commodity Hiter has become.
The Road Ahead: Twists, Turns, and a Commitment That Could Change Everything
As of now, Michigan still holds a slight advantage—if only by a thread. But with official visits lined up, personal meetings with coaching staffs, and a recruiting landscape that shifts faster than a running back in the open field, anything can happen. Georgia, Penn State, Tennessee, Ohio State, and yes, even UNC, are all in the hunt. The question is: who can sell Hiter on more than just Saturdays? Which program can convince him that their jersey is the one he’ll wear all the way to the NFL?
This isn’t just about who throws the flashiest offer or boasts the biggest trophy case. It’s about relationships, fit, and a vision for the future. Will Michigan’s early lead hold? Will Ohio State’s championship glow be enough to sway him? Or will another dark horse emerge from the shadows to snatch the prize?
One thing’s for sure: Savion Hiter’s recruitment is far from over, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most thrilling storylines of the 2026 class. So, grab your popcorn, folks—this ride’s only just begun.
