Michigan has secured a commitment from five-star running back Savion Hiter, the nation’s top-ranked recruit at his position.
The Michigan Wolverines have just landed their biggest recruiting win of the year. In a highly anticipated announcement, five-star running back Savion Hiter committed to Michigan, solidifying the Wolverines’ commitment to a run-first identity under new head coach Sherrone Moore.
The Virginia native, who is considered the nation’s No. 1 running back in the 2026 class, chose the Wolverines over a host of powerhouse programmes, including Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio State. This commitment is a monumental moment for the programme, signalling a new era of elite talent coming to Ann Arbor.
A Star in the Making: Hiter’s On-Field Dominance
Savion Hiter’s high school film is a highlight reel of power, agility, and vision. Standing at 5 feet 11.5 inches and a solid 200 pounds, he possesses the physical traits to be an immediate impact player at the collegiate level.
As a junior at Louisa County High School, Hiter was a dominant force, rushing for 1,698 yards and 26 touchdowns on just 156 carries, averaging an incredible 10.8 yards per attempt.8 He also showcased his versatility on defense and special teams, tallying 56 tackles, seven sacks, and returning three kicks for touchdowns.
Scouts and analysts have praised Hiter’s unique blend of burst, balance, and core strength, which allows him to bounce off arm tackles and turn negative plays into positive ones.10 His ability to navigate through traffic and make defenders miss in open space is a rare quality for a back with his size.
His impressive combine results, including a 1.52-second 10-yard split and a 36-inch vertical jump, further underscore his elite athleticism. Experts believe he has the potential to be a true “three-down” back in college and a future NFL Draft pick.
The Winning Connection: Moore and Alford’s Pitch
Hiter’s commitment to Michigan was the culmination of a long and strategic recruitment. The journey began with his relationship with running backs coach Tony Alford, who had initially recruited him while at Ohio State.
When Alford joined the Michigan staff under Sherrone Moore, he made Hiter a top priority, and that relationship continued to grow. Hiter cited this pre-existing bond with Alford as a key factor in his decision, noting that the coach was “straight up with me.”
Beyond the coaching staff, Michigan’s commitment to its running game played a significant role. The program’s history of producing NFL running backs, including recent stars like Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, resonated with Hiter.
He saw a clear path to success within Moore’s offense, which has shown a keen ability to use a physical, ground-and-pound attack to win games. The combination of a strong coaching relationship, a proven offensive scheme, and an attractive NIL package ultimately sealed the deal.
What This Means for Michigan Football
Hiter’s commitment is a massive win for Michigan on multiple fronts. He is the first five-star pledge in the Wolverines’ 2026 class and the second five-star recruit to commit to the program in the last two cycles, joining fellow top-tier talent.
His addition immediately boosts Michigan’s recruiting class ranking and solidifies their position as one of the top recruiting programs in the nation.
More importantly, it sends a powerful message to future recruits: Michigan’s championship-winning culture and run-first philosophy are not changing under Coach Moore.
Hiter’s arrival sets up a formidable backfield for the future, pairing him with other talented prospects and ensuring the Wolverines’ identity as a physical, dominant football team will continue for years to come.
