The Tennessee Vols have been big game hunting as they look to push for a top 10 class in the 2026 cycle. Unfortunately, one of those targets was missed this week.
Five-star running back Savion Hiter, the #1 running back per Rivals/On3 Sports, pulled the trigger for the Michigan Wolverines at a ceremony at his school on Tuesday.
The named finalists
were Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio State, and Georgia, with the first two being considered as the top two schools. Michigan had always been the leading candidate for Hiter’s pledge, according to the recruiting outlets’ insiders, and that proved to be accurate.
It’s unfortunate, as Josh Heupel showed last year that a player can do very well in his offense, and he’ll tailor his scheme to such a talent. Heupel has shown to deploy a running back rotation in most years, but last year Dylan Sampson was the clear best back, and Heupel leaned on him.
Hiter, who is ranked as the #8 overall player, #1 RB, and #1 player in the state of Virginia, has that kind of talent. He scored 26 touchdowns last year as a junior for Louisa County High School (Mineral, VA). It’s a shame that Heupel wasn’t able to close the deal there.
There’s still time left, as signing day is three-plus months away, but Tennessee could have been a big boost for the offense next year and beyond.
