Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel is intensifying efforts to bolster the 2026 recruiting class, with five-star running back Savion Hiter at the forefront.
The Tennessee Volunteers football program, under head coach Josh Heupel, has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting and dynamic teams in college football. As the Vols continue to build momentum, Heupel is doubling down on efforts to solidify Tennessee’s future by securing one of the most coveted recruits in the nation: five-star running back Savion Hiter. The recruitment of Hiter represents a massive opportunity for the Vols, as Heupel aims to further elevate Tennessee’s already-impressive roster and strengthen their place in the upper echelon of SEC football.
The race to land Hiter has been intense, with numerous top programs in the country vying for the running back’s commitment. As one of the top-rated players in the class of 2026, Hiter’s decision is one that will have a long-lasting impact on whichever program he chooses. But as it stands, Tennessee is firmly in the hunt, and the Vols are positioning themselves to land the talented back, which would signal not just a major victory in recruiting but also a statement of intent for the direction of the program under Heupel.
The importance of securing a player like Savion Hiter cannot be understated. As a five-star recruit, Hiter brings a combination of athleticism, vision, and skill that can transform a program. In the Southeastern Conference, where speed, power, and versatility are critical, a player like Hiter could be a game-changer. His skill set is ideally suited for Heupel’s fast-paced, high-powered offense, and his potential to be an impact player from day one makes him one of the most exciting recruits in the nation.
Let’s take a deeper dive into who Savion Hiter is, why he’s such a prized recruit, and how his commitment to Tennessee could be a game-changer for the Volunteers as they look to strengthen their future.
Savion Hiter’s journey to becoming one of the most sought-after running backs in the class of 2026 began at a young age. Growing up in Georgia, Hiter quickly made a name for himself on the football field with his impressive combination of speed, agility, and football IQ. Playing for Marietta High School, he demonstrated an ability to take over games and dominate defenses in a way that few high school players can.
Standing at 6’0″ and weighing around 200 pounds, Hiter possesses a perfect blend of size and speed for a running back. He has the frame to absorb contact but also the burst to break away from defenders in the open field. His speed and acceleration allow him to change direction on a dime, and once he’s past the line of scrimmage, he’s often a threat to go the distance. Whether it’s through the air or on the ground, Hiter is a dynamic playmaker capable of changing the course of a game with a single play.
As a high school player, Hiter has shown the ability to excel in both the running game and the passing game. He’s not just a north-south runner; he has exceptional vision and can find holes in the defense, often cutting back or bouncing runs to the outside. Additionally, Hiter has shown a natural ability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, which makes him a dual-threat that could be a perfect fit for Heupel’s fast-paced offense.
In his high school career, Hiter has consistently put up impressive numbers. His ability to break long runs, his vision in space, and his physicality at the point of contact make him a challenge for any defense. Scouts and coaches alike have noted Hiter’s rare combination of speed, power, and balance, which sets him apart from other running backs in the class of 2026.
The 5-star ranking comes not only from his on-field performance but also from his leadership qualities and maturity as a player. Hiter is regarded as one of the most disciplined and focused players in his class. His work ethic and commitment to improving are evident both in his practices and in the film that scouts have watched. With each season, Hiter has continued to refine his game and develop into a well-rounded player, and college coaches have taken notice.
For Tennessee, securing a commitment from Savion Hiter is one of the most important goals in their recruiting efforts for the 2026 class. Under Josh Heupel, the Volunteers have embraced an up-tempo, high-scoring offensive system that puts a premium on speed, versatility, and explosive plays. Heupel’s offense has been known for its ability to stretch the field and create opportunities for playmakers in open space. Hiter, with his ability to make defenders miss, break tackles, and outrun defenders in the open field, is the ideal running back for this type of system.
In addition to fitting perfectly within Heupel’s offensive scheme, Hiter would be a vital piece to complement the weapons Tennessee already has. The Vols are building a well-rounded offensive attack that features a potent passing game, and Hiter’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield would make him an even more dangerous threat. His skills would allow Tennessee to further diversify their offensive playbook and create mismatches against opposing defenses.
Beyond the system fit, Heupel has worked hard to build a culture at Tennessee that emphasizes hard work, leadership, and accountability. Hiter’s maturity on and off the field, along with his strong leadership qualities, align perfectly with what Heupel wants in a player. Adding a player like Hiter to the roster would not only boost Tennessee’s talent but also strengthen the team’s culture, providing a player who can be a leader both in the locker room and on the field.
Additionally, Savion Hiter’s commitment would send a powerful message to future recruits. Securing a 5-star running back is a statement of intent, showing that Tennessee can compete with the nation’s best programs in recruiting. For Heupel, landing Hiter would be another signal that his vision for Tennessee is working and that the program is on an upward trajectory. As one of the top programs in the SEC, Tennessee needs to consistently land elite recruits, and securing players like Hiter is a step toward making that a reality.
Although Tennessee has emerged as a serious contender for Hiter, the road to landing him is far from guaranteed. As expected, a player of Hiter’s caliber has attracted interest from many of the top programs in the country, including Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State, among others. Each of these schools offers a compelling case, whether it’s their football pedigree, championship aspirations, or their ability to develop running backs at the highest level.
One of the main challenges for Heupel and Tennessee will be competing against programs with established legacies and deep recruiting pipelines. Georgia, for example, has been a dominant force in both the SEC and national recruiting, and their strong run game and tradition of developing elite backs will be a tough sell for any recruit, especially one from the state of Georgia.
However, Tennessee is not without its advantages. Heupel’s high-powered offense offers a unique opportunity for a player like Hiter to come in and make an immediate impact. Heupel’s proven ability to develop quarterbacks and create explosive offenses would allow Hiter to flourish in an offense that suits his skill set. The fast pace of Tennessee’s offense, combined with their commitment to building a team capable of contending for championships, makes the Vols an attractive destination for elite talent.
Another factor in Tennessee’s favor is the relationship between Savion Hiter and the coaching staff. Heupel and his assistants have worked tirelessly to build connections with Hiter and his family, providing an environment that emphasizes trust, development, and the opportunity to succeed at the highest level. For recruits like Hiter, knowing that a coaching staff has invested time in building relationships can be a key factor in their decision-making process.
If Savion Hiter does indeed commit to Tennessee, the impact on the program will be immediate and profound. As a five-star recruit, Hiter would be expected to step in and contribute right away, potentially becoming the centerpiece of Tennessee’s offense in the coming seasons. His ability to make plays in both the running and passing games would elevate Tennessee’s offense and give them a true playmaker to build around.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Hiter’s commitment would solidify Tennessee’s standing in the SEC as a serious contender for the future. The Vols have already made significant strides in recent seasons, and adding a talent like Hiter would put them in a stronger position to compete with the elite programs in the conference. With Hiter in the fold, Tennessee would have the opportunity to further build their identity as a dynamic, high-scoring offense that can challenge for SEC titles and, eventually, national championships.
From a recruiting perspective, Hiter’s commitment would also serve as a springboard for Josh Heupel’s future classes. Landing a player of Hiter’s stature would help Tennessee’s recruiting efforts in the years to come, as top recruits would see that the Vols are not only capable of attracting elite talent but also developing it at the highest level. Hiter’s success would inspire future recruits to consider Tennessee, and Heupel’s program would only continue to grow stronger.
Securing Savion Hiter’s commitment would be a monumental win for Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers football program. As one of the top running backs in the country, Hiter would provide an immediate boost to Tennessee’s offensive attack and further elevate the program’s standing within the SEC. With Heupel’s offensive system perfectly suited to Hiter’s skill set, the addition of such a dynamic playmaker would provide the Vols with a key piece to continue their ascent toward national prominence.
As the recruitment battle heats up, Tennessee is positioning itself to land Hiter, and if they are successful, it will be a significant moment in the program’s history. For Heupel and the Vols, this is more than just about adding a five-star running back to the roster—it’s about solidifying the future of Tennessee football.
