Michigan is back in another high-end recruiting battle. And this time, it’s for one of the most electrifying playmakers in the 2026 recruiting cycle. The 5’11, 182-pound speedster out of Louisa County High School isn’t just any recruit — He recorded 1,060 yards on 150 carries, averaging 117 yards per game in the 2023-24 season. The No. 1 guy in his position, the top player in the state of Virginia, and the No. 21 overall prospect in the nation, Savion Hiter is a game changer. And right now, Sherrone Moore is in the driver’s seat. The question is — can keep his rivals in the backseat?

On3 Recruits locked in an appearance with Michigan insider EJ Holland on February 13 where he dropped some positive recruiting updates for the Wolverines. Sherrone Moore is in a great position to lure 5-star RB Savion Hiter. Holland reported, “When it comes to Savion Hiter, I would say Michigan still has the momentum in that recruitment.” The biggest development? Hiter has finalized his official visit plans with Michigan and will be on campus from June 13-15, per his recruiting coordinator. 

Michigan may be trending for Savion Hiter, but they aren’t without stiff competition with both Georgia and Ohio State in the mix. “Georgia has really made a strong impression,” Holland stated. “They were the only school that hosted him for a visit in January.” But here’s the part where the Wolverines could gain an upper edge in the recruitment race over Kirby Smart‘s squad. “Georgia has a new running backs coach so I think Michigan has a little bit of a built-in advantage in the sense that Tony Alford, Michigan’s RB coach has known Savion for years, has recruited him dating back to his time at Ohio State.”

Tony Alford is the primary recruiter of Savion Hiter. “Me and Coach Alford, we already had a bond at Ohio State,” the highly-rated RB said in January. “And when he went to Michigan, I mean, Michigan has always been a powerhouse school. It would be great to go there.” The Wolverines made a case for themselves in the RB room with stars like TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. They’ve also loaded their 2025 class with talents like Donovan Johnson and Jasper Parker. So, the hype is real.

“But Kirby Smart has done a fantastic job of personally recruiting Hiter,” Holland added. Georgia is also set to lock in an OV with Hiter including a potential spring visit. And then there’s Ryan Day and Ohio State who are also in hot pursuit. But Michigan has another weapon up its sleeves. 

Can Michigan’s NIL backing land Savion Hiter? 

Michigan’s NIL backing has played a huge role in their recruitment. Just look at how they landed the commitment of the nation’s No. 1 QB of the 2025 class. Could they do it again with Savion Hiter, another national topper? “This is another one where Michigan has the NIL backing,” Holland said. “They’ve shown a willingness to invest in running back position. They did with Justice Haynes out of the transfer portal.” Michigan offered a whopping $500K to the Alabama transfer.

“From what I’ve heard early on, they’re going to be willing to put together a really strong package for Hiter as well,” Holland added. “Michigan is still trending in the right direction.” While the case is strong for Michigan right now, Georgia and OSU aren’t going to back down soon. There’s also a possibility that Tennessee and Penn State could weave their ways into the race. These teams have till summer to intrigue this rare talent who’ll be announcing his decision then. 

Michigan has the momentum, relationships, and NIL backing to win this race for Savion Hiter. But can they close? We’ll find out this summer.