Savion Hiter Recruiting Update: Michigan Emerges as ‘Safe Bet’ Over Tennessee for 2026’s No. 1 Running Back Prospect Decision.
The recruiting battle for 2026’s top-ranked running back, Savion Hiter, is beginning to take shape — and two powerhouse programs, Michigan and Tennessee, are emerging as the frontrunners. But as summer visits wind down and fall approaches, industry insiders believe the “safe bet” to land Hiter may be Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines.
A 6-foot, 205-pound force out of Freedom High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, Hiter has captured the attention of every major college football program with his blend of speed, vision, and physicality. Ranked as the No. 1 running back in the 2026 class by multiple recruiting services, Hiter has drawn offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, Florida State, and USC — but the race seems to be narrowing to Michigan and Tennessee.
Who Is Savion Hiter?
Savion Hiter has been a known name in recruiting circles since his freshman year. With a frame built for SEC or Big Ten punishment and a burst more reminiscent of a track star, Hiter has racked up over 2,500 all-purpose yards and 30 touchdowns in two varsity seasons.
But it’s not just the stats that separate him — it’s the tape. He runs with a rare mix of patience and explosion, finding cutback lanes with elite vision and breaking tackles with ease. Coaches across the country see Hiter as a three-down back who could start early at the college level and be an NFL Draft pick within three years.
“He’s special,” one Power Five recruiter told 247Sports. “There aren’t many kids that size who move like that. He’s a plug-and-play back from Day 1.”
Michigan’s Momentum
While Hiter hasn’t officially narrowed his list, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Michigan is the program trending in the right direction.
Hiter visited Ann Arbor in late June and came away glowing about his experience. He spent time with new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, running backs coach Mike Hart, and current players. Sources close to the situation said Hiter was particularly impressed by the Wolverines’ player development and the legacy of elite backs produced in Ann Arbor — including Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards.
“It was everything I wanted to see,” Hiter said in a post-visit interview. “Coach Hart’s energy, the facilities, the way they treat their players — it’s all top-tier. You can see why they win.”
Michigan’s recent success on the field — including three straight College Football Playoff appearances and a national championship — hasn’t hurt. Recruits now view the Wolverines as both a contender and a development powerhouse.
“Savion is very business-minded,” one source close to his recruitment said. “He wants to go where he can compete for titles and get ready for the NFL. Michigan checks all those boxes.”
The Wolverines have also ramped up their pursuit, with Harbaugh himself making multiple calls to Hiter’s family and Michigan sending staffers to multiple Freedom High games in the past year.
Tennessee’s Staying Power
While Michigan may be the “safe bet” according to some insiders, Tennessee is not backing down. Josh Heupel and running backs coach Jerry Mack have made Hiter a top priority in the 2026 cycle, and the Vols have been aggressive in their pitch.
Hiter visited Knoxville earlier this spring and is expected back in the fall for a gameday visit. The Volunteers are banking on their recent offensive resurgence and the appeal of being an early contributor in an up-tempo, pro-style attack.
Tennessee can also sell SEC competition, a rabid fanbase, and the potential to be a program-defining player. The Vols believe Hiter could be their next Jamal Lewis or Alvin Kamara — a game-changing back who reshapes the offense.
“He fits what we want to do perfectly,” an assistant coach told On3. “He’s versatile, physical, and smart. That’s the kind of guy we can build around.”
And it helps that Tennessee has recruited Virginia well in recent cycles, landing players like edge rusher Chandavian Bradley and cornerback Christian Conyer. The Vols are hoping to build on that success to sway Hiter their way.
What Matters Most to Hiter?
Savion Hiter has remained composed and relatively quiet throughout the process. While many top recruits open up with social media teasers and cryptic commitment hints, Hiter has preferred to let his game speak and take a methodical approach to his recruitment.
So what matters most to him?
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Development – Hiter wants to go somewhere that has a proven record of developing running backs for the NFL. That’s a clear edge for Michigan.
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Early Playing Time – While he’s not afraid of competition, he wants to make an impact early. Both schools can offer that opportunity.
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Relationships – Coaches matter. And both Moore and Heupel have been directly involved in his recruitment.
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Winning Culture – Hiter doesn’t want to be part of a rebuild — he wants to help win championships. Michigan is already there, and Tennessee is climbing.
“He’s got great people in his corner and a good head on his shoulders,” said Freedom head coach Cedric Hall. “Savion’s not going to rush this decision. He’s going to do it right.”
Timeline and Final Decision
As of now, Hiter plans to take more visits this fall, including potential stops at Alabama, Oregon, and Florida State. But sources believe a winter or early spring 2026 commitment is likely.
Michigan and Tennessee are expected to be in it until the very end, and don’t be surprised if both programs get official visits next year.
One source in the Big Ten recruiting world described it this way: “If the commitment were tomorrow, it would probably be Michigan. But if Tennessee stays aggressive and Savion connects with the program again in the fall, it could get interesting.”
In other words, Michigan is the “safe bet” — but not the only contender.
The Bigger Picture
Savion Hiter’s decision could have ripple effects across the 2026 recruiting class. Elite quarterbacks and offensive linemen are paying attention to where he goes. If he chooses Michigan, it could help them land five-star signal caller Carter Lopez. If he chooses Tennessee, it could solidify the Vols’ resurgence under Heupel as a top SEC recruiting force.
There’s also a branding element. Hiter’s presence on social media and NIL marketability make him one of the most valuable skill position players in the class. He’s a name brands want — and a player any school would love to build its offense around.
The race for Savion Hiter is far from over, but one thing is clear: he’s not just another top prospect. He’s a foundational player who could tilt the balance of power in the 2026 class.
Michigan has earned the label of “safe bet” — but with Tennessee lurking and national powers circling, don’t expect this saga to end quietly.
As one recruiting analyst put it: “Wherever he ends up, that team’s offense just got a whole lot more dangerous.”
