Michigan’s Bold Move to Secure 5-Star RB Savion Hiter Could Change the Game This Weekend

As Michigan’s recruiting season shifts into high gear, all eyes are fixed on a particular name that’s been buzzing around the maize and blue corridors: Savion Hiter. This five-star running back—hailed as the top rusher in the 2026 class and the 17th best overall player—sets foot officially in Ann Arbor this weekend, promising a pivotal moment for Wolverine football. He’s no stranger to the campus, having dropped by before, but this visit carries the gravitas of a potential game-changer in a fiercely competitive recruitment battle. With Tennessee, Ohio State, and Georgia in hot pursuit—and the Buckeyes currently edging the prediction charts—Michigan’s momentum hinges on swaying a prospect whose blend of power and agility could reshape their offensive identity under Chip Lindsey’s balanced approach. The Wolverines know the stakes, and the anticipation is palpable. LEARN MORE

AI-assisted summary
• Five-star running back Savion Hiter, a top target for Michigan football’s 2026 recruiting class, will officially visit Ann Arbor this weekend.
• Hiter, the No. 17 overall player and top-ranked running back in his class, has previously visited Michigan but this is his official visit.
• Michigan is competing with Tennessee, Ohio State, and Georgia for Hiter, with Ohio State currently leading the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

Michigan football recruiting is in full swing, with two official visit weekends down and two more coming up. The Wolverines have hosted some top targets, including five-stars Felix Ojo and Trenton Henderson, but this upcoming weekend will see the maize and blue bring in arguably its top overall target in the 2026 cycle.The maize and blue have made no bones about Mineral (Va.) Louisa County five-star running back Savion Hiter being near or atop their board. After taking off much of the month of May from a recruiting perspective, rebuilding momentum with Hiter is key, and soon, the Wolverines will have that opportunity.

Hiter set to visit Ann Arbor

Hiter has visited Ohio State and Georgia officially thus far, with Michigan up this weekend and Tennessee next. He has no predictions in as of yet, but Ohio State has the current On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine lead, despite most insiders being cautiously optimistic that the Wolverines are in the pole position.

The maize and blue have been a run-first team in recent memory, and though there will be more of an onus on the pass game, Lindsey has shown during his time with the Tar Heels that he prefers balance, with prolific rushing to go along with a downfield aerial attack.

Outlook and scouting report

Rated the No. 17 player in the country, regardless of position, Hiter is also the top-rated running back in the 2026 class. He’s being recruited by Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford, who started developing their relationship when he was at Ohio State. That carried over to the Wolverines once he defected from the Buckeyes last spring.

Juiced-up running back with star potential for a College Football Playoff contender given the mix of his burst, power, agility, balance and vision. Has dominated the combine setting (1.52 10-yard split, 4.12 shuttle, 36-inch vertical jump) and is equipped with ready-to-play mass as he’s already tipping the scales at 200 pounds. Effective as both an inside and outside runner as he’s quick to chart a course and charge forward. Fast feet allow him to side-step trouble as he frequently dances around would-be tacklers in the backfield and turns negative plays into positive plays. Core strength and a lower pad level routinely negate arm tackles while full-speed cuts make it even harder for defenders to get him on the ground, especially when he breaks through the first wave of obstacles. Hasn’t caught a ton of passes at the prep level, but has proven to be a tricky cover at offseason camps and looks to have true three-down potential as his physicality will only continue to give him an advantage in pass protection. Overall, should be viewed as a gifted ball carrier that can be a multi-year impact player on Saturdays and provide valuable minutes as early as Year 1. Must avoid setbacks and remain hungry, but profiles as a future NFL Draft pick with his size, testing and feel for the position.

247Sports’ Andrew Ivins has the evaluation, comparing him to Omarion Hampton — who was last coached by new maize and blue offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey during his time at North Carolina:

Hiter has been on campus before, including during the season when he visited for the Oregon game in November 2024. Now, the five-star is set to make his way back to Ann Arbor for his official visit this weekend.

Michigan appears to be battling Tennessee, Ohio State, and Georgia for Hiter’s services. The Vols and Buckeyes both made moves while the Wolverines self-imposed recruiting restrictions in May. It’s likely that Michigan still leads, but it has more work cut out for it than it had before.