Man, if recruiting battles were prizefights, this one would be an all-out heavyweight slugfest. Michigan’s been pushing all their chips in on four-star running back Savion Hiter, and for good reason—the kid’s got speed, power, and vision that’ll make a defense look silly. But just when the Wolverines were feeling like top dogs, Ohio State made a slick move that got everybody talking. Hiter, who’s had Ann Arbor on his mind for a minute, sent shockwaves through the recruiting world by showing some unexpected love to the Buckeyes. And that wasn’t the only twist—because now, Michigan’s got some major competition lining up for the country’s No. 1 running back of the 2026 class.

Let’s not get it twisted—Michigan’s been recruiting Hiter like he’s the missing piece to a natty run. The Louisa County (Va.) product has been to Ann Arbor multiple times, and the maize and blue coaching staff has been on him. His official visit is already set for June 13, and insiders say the Wolverines have been leading this race.

“I spoke to his father, Rod, a couple of weeks ago, and he reaffirmed that the Wolverines were still at the top,” said On3’s EJ Holland. However, Michigan’s current dominance does not guarantee a commitment. Hiter’s also keeping tabs on Georgia, Penn State, Tennessee, and yes, Ohio State, with plans to check out each of them in the coming months. And you know how this recruiting game goes—things change fast.

Everything seemed locked in until January 20, when Hiter hopped on X (formerly Twitter) and threw Buckeye Nation a bone, showing love for Ohio State’s national championship win. That’s the type of post that makes fanbases panic, and Michigan faithful definitely raised an eyebrow. Then, just when it looked like OSU was making noise, Carlos Locklyn, the Buckeyes’ running backs coach, made the trip to see Hiter in person. Later, Hiter took it to X, appreciating Carlos Locklyn’s visit.

That’s when it got real. On3’s predictor now has Ohio State creeping up as a slight favorite to land him. Crazy, right? One second, he’s a Michigan lean; the next, he’s getting wooed by a team that just hoisted the trophy. If this was a game of chess, OSU just made a killer move.

UNC, Georgia, Tennessee, and the rest of the pack hunting for Savion Hiter

The newly minted college coach pulled up to Louisa County to check in on Hiter. And let’s be real—when the GOAT of NFL coaching walks through your high school doors, you pay attention. Hiter clearly did, taking to social media to shout out Belichick for making the trip. Now, does that mean UNC has a legit shot here? Maybe not, but it’s another sign that Hiter is officially THAT guy in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

Meanwhile, Georgia and Tennessee are still lurking, and they ain’t just window shopping. Hiter pulled up to Georgia’s Junior Day and made sure to let folks know he had a great time, dropping a #GoDawgs on social media. Tennessee? They’re making moves, too, hoping to slide in while everyone else is fighting over him.

His recruitment is nowhere near over, but Michigan still has the edge—if they can hold it. Hiter’s got visits lined up, more coach meetings ahead, and plenty of time to change his mind. With almost every powerhouse program in the country throwing their best pitch. It’s gonna come down to relationships, scheme fits, and who can sell him on a future that goes beyond Saturdays.

The ball’s in Savion Hiter’s court now, and with all the twists this recruitment has already seen. Buckle up because this one’s far from over.