Savion Hiter chooses Michigan over Tennessee, Ohio State and Georgia
Five-star running back Savion Hiter announced his college commitment on Tuesday, selecting Michigan over a final quartet of contenders that included Tennessee, Ohio State and Georgia. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound back hails from Louisa County High School in Mineral, Virginia, and is regarded as the top prospect in the 2026 class by On3, ranking as the No. 1 running back and the No. 1 player in Virginia.
Hiter’s pledge comes as Michigan continues to push to add top-tier talent to its 2026 class, a group that already has several highly ranked commitments. The move also comes as Tennessee has been building its own influx of 2026 prospects, currently listed with 22 commitments in that cycle. The Vols’ 2026 list includes quarterback Faizon Brandon, wide receiver Tyreek King, offensive lineman Gabriel Osenda, linebacker Braylon Outlaw, defensive lineman CJ Edwards, defensive lineman Zach Groves, safety KJ McClain, safety Luke Thompson, defensive end Kedric Golston II, offensive lineman Edward Baker, wide receiver Zaydyn Anderson, quarterback Legend Bey, defensive lineman Dereon Albert, linebacker TJ White, cornerback Jamyan Theodore, defensive lineman Darryl Rivers, wide receiver Javonte Smith, linebacker Brayden Rouse, safety Jowell Combay, offensive lineman JB Shabazz, athlete Joel Wyatt and athlete Salesi Moa.
Following Hiter’s decision, Vols Wire looks at Southeastern Conference recruiting rankings. Michigan sits No. 10 nationally in Rivals’ current rankings, trailing SEC programs such as Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama and LSU in the national picture.
Updated 2026 football recruiting rankings for the SEC from Rivals, as listed in the piece, are as follows:
1. Georgia Bulldogs
– Total commitments: 31
– Score: 93.058
– Average rating: 90.70
– Average NIL: $176K
2. Texas Longhorns
– Total commitments: 21
– Score: 92.483
– Average rating: 90.45
– Average NIL: $187K
3. Texas A&M Aggies
– Total commitments: 27
– Score: 92.471
– Average rating: 90.81
– Average NIL: $98K
4. Alabama Crimson Tide
– Total commitments: 21
– Score: 92.231
– Average rating: 91.14
– Average NIL: $167K
6. Florida Gators
– Total commitments: 19
– Score: 90.989
– Average rating: 90.54
– Average NIL: $102K
7. Tennessee Volunteers
– Total commitments: 22
– Score: 90.839
– Average rating: 89.95
– Average NIL: $120K
8. South Carolina Gamecocks
– Total commitments: 15
– Score: 89.619
– Average rating: 89.80
– Average NIL: $85K
9. Ole Miss Rebels
– Total commitments: 15
– Score: 88.627
– Average rating: 88.81
– Average NIL: $61K
10. Oklahoma Sooners
– Total commitments: 17
– Score: 88.477
– Average rating: 88.48
– Average NIL: $81K
11. Arkansas Razorbacks
– Total commitments: 27
– Score: 87.755
– Average rating: 86.77
– Average NIL: $22K
12. Auburn Tigers
– Total commitments: 12
– Score: 87.433
– Average rating: 88.63
– Average NIL: $84K
13. Kentucky Wildcats
– Total commitments: 15
– Score: 87.311
– Average rating: 87.49
– Average NIL: $30K
14. Vanderbilt Commodores
– Total commitments: 18
– Score: 87.222
– Average rating: 87.09
– Average NIL: $17.3K
15. Mississippi State Bulldogs
– Total commitments: 28
– Score: 86.601
– Average rating: 85.66
– Average NIL: $12.9K
16. Missouri Tigers
– Total commitments: 10
– Score: 84.944
– Average rating: 87.39
– Average NIL: $21K
Follow Vols Wire for updates and analysis on Tennessee’s recruiting efforts.
Commentary and takeaways:
– Hiter’s commitment gives Michigan a marquee addition to a rising 2026 class and signals the Wolverines’ continued push to land top-tier talent at running back.
– For Tennessee, the 2026 haul remains sizable, but Hiter’s choice highlights how the Wolverines and other programs are competing for elite Virginia and national prospects.
– The SEC recruiting rankings show a stacked landscape with several programs far outpacing the national average, underscoring the ongoing talent war between conferences and the importance of early commitments in shaping class rankings.
– Michigan’s national ranking at No. 10 reflects a strong start to the cycle and could help attract additional top targets who want to join a program perceived as rising in the national recruiting standings.
Summary:
Savion Hiter’s commitment to Michigan strengthens the Wolverines’ 2026 class with a top-rated, Virginia-made playmaker, while Tennessee continues to stockpile 2026 prospects as Rivals’ SEC rankings illustrate a competitive, talent-rich recruiting cycle across the conference. This development adds another chapter to the ongoing competition among national powers and SEC foes for the sport’s top young stars. Positive outlook: Michigan fans can look forward to watching how Hiter’s dynamic skill set translates to a growing offensive pipeline and how it fits into a broader strategy to challenge traditional powerhouses in the coming years.