In an expected turn of events, Ohio State running back target Savion Hiter is headed to the Buckeyes' biggest rival.
Five-star Virginia prospect Savion Hiter, the No. 1 running back in the 2026 class, committed to Michigan on Tuesday over Ohio State, Georgia and Tennessee.
Hiter took an official visit to Columbus this summer, but things never got off the ground after that. Tennessee was the biggest competition for the Wolverines down the stretch for the nation's No. 9 overall prospect.
With Hiter now officially off the board, Favour Akih is the lone Ohio State running back commit in the 2026 class. Carlos Locklyn may be content to take a single back for the current cycle, but there's always a possibility for him and the Buckeyes to explore a flip candidate late in the cycle. If Ohio State feels it needs more depth at that position following the 2025 season, the transfer portal is always an option.
Hiter is the Wolverines' first commitment since the NCAA delivered punishments to Michigan for the football program's sign-stealing scandal. Michigan did not receive a postseason ban or vacated wins despite "overwhelming evidence" of its impermissible scouting scheme. Instead, the NCAA handed the Wolverines an over $30 million fine, an additional one-game suspension for head coach Sherrone Moore and a number of other penalties.
