The world of college football recruiting is a battlefield, and right now, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore is in the fight of his life. The Wolverines have been leading the charge for months in the pursuit of Savion Hiter, the electrifying four-star running back out of Virginia. But as any seasoned recruiter knows, early leads mean nothing when SEC powerhouses come knocking.
What started as a straightforward Big Ten battle has now spiraled into an all-out war, with Georgia and Tennessee launching an aggressive push to steal Hiter away, while Ohio State remains a looming threat. Sherrone Moore thought he had a firm grip on Hiter’s commitment—but the SEC just flipped the script.
The Rising Storm: Georgia and Tennessee Make Their Move
Hiter, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound playmaker, has long been Michigan’s prized target. His mix of power, vision, and explosiveness makes him an ideal fit for the Wolverines’ smash-mouth ground game. Michigan’s coaching staff, particularly running backs coach Tony Alford, has built a rock-solid relationship with the young star, and for now, Michigan remains in the driver’s seat.
But if recruiting has taught us anything, it’s that no lead is safe—especially when the SEC is involved.
Georgia, already loaded with talent, isn’t backing down. Kirby Smart has put the full-court press on Hiter, rolling out the red carpet and making it clear that he belongs in Athens. And the message is getting through—Hiter has already visited Georgia four times and has an official visit scheduled for June 6.
Meanwhile, Tennessee has been lurking like a silent assassin. The Volunteers might not be the frontrunners, but according to recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong, they are gaining serious momentum as a dark-horse contender.
And then there’s Ohio State—the ever-present villain in Michigan’s recruiting nightmares. The Buckeyes have been flirting with Hiter for months, and he’s set to visit Columbus in late May. If there’s one program with a history of swiping Michigan’s top targets, it’s the team in scarlet and gray.
For now, Michigan holds the No. 1 spot in his recruitment, but with Georgia charging hard, Tennessee creeping closer, and Ohio State plotting in the shadows, the Wolverines are in a high-stakes battle with no room for error.
On3’s @SWiltfong_ breaks down the recruitment of 2026 No. 1 RB Savion Hiter👀
“The Maize and Blue remain the program to beat.”〽️
Watch: https://t.co/X5Li7hWE5z pic.twitter.com/ZyeNAkpD1j
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) February 19, 2025
Michigan’s Last Stand: Can the Wolverines Hold the Line?
If Michigan is going to win this war, it won’t be with words—it’ll be with action. Hiter has already built a strong bond with Sherrone Moore and Tony Alford, but relationships alone won’t secure his commitment. Georgia is selling a direct path to the NFL, Tennessee is pitching its explosive offense, and Ohio State is offering the chance to follow in the footsteps of elite backs like Ezekiel Elliott and J.K. Dobbins.
So what does Michigan have? Legacy. Stability. A blueprint for dominance.
Michigan’s track record of producing elite running backs—from Hassan Haskins to Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards—is proof that Hiter would be in good hands. The Wolverines are consistent title contenders, and Moore’s vision for the program is one of sustained excellence, not just flashy promises.
And then there’s the trust factor. According to Hiter’s mother, Michigan has done everything right.
“From the beginning, the whole staff has been involved. They’ve been very consistent. We’ve built a great relationship with not only Coach Tony Alford but also Head Coach Sherrone Moore. All of their staff keeps in touch and makes sure we know Savion is their top priority in this class.”
But the reality is simple—being a priority isn’t enough.
Hiter’s recruitment is coming down to the wire, and Michigan can’t afford to take its foot off the gas. If Moore wants to keep his prized recruit from slipping through his fingers, he’ll have to withstand one of the toughest recruiting battles of his young head coaching career.
The SEC isn’t letting up. Ohio State is lurking. And Savion Hiter’s decision is far from over.
Will Michigan stand its ground—or will the Wolverines watch a generational talent walk straight into enemy territory?
