The world of college football recruiting is a high-stakes game where every word, every gesture, and every hint can send fan bases into a frenzy. The latest development in the ongoing saga of 2026 five-star running back Savion Hiter’s recruitment has Tennessee Volunteers fans on edge after a Michigan player dropped a not-so-subtle hint about where the elite prospect might be leaning.
Savion Hiter, a standout from Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, is one of the most coveted players in the 2026 class. With a rare blend of speed, power, and vision, he has drawn comparisons to some of the best backs in recent memory. Naturally, programs across the country are vying for his commitment, with Tennessee and Michigan emerging as two of the top contenders. The Vols, under head coach Josh Heupel, have made Hiter a priority, hoping to add him to their already impressive offensive arsenal. Meanwhile, Michigan, fresh off a national championship and with a storied history of developing elite running backs, presents an equally compelling case.
The latest twist in this recruitment battle came when a current Michigan player—whose identity has been kept under wraps but is believed to be someone close to the program—made comments that have been interpreted as a major clue about Hiter’s leanings. While the player didn’t outright say Hiter was committing to the Wolverines, the tone and context of the remarks suggested that Michigan feels confident about their position.
“We’ve got some big things coming,” the player said in an interview, grinning when asked about future recruits. “There’s a certain dude from Virginia who’s gonna look real good in the Maize and Blue.” Though no names were mentioned, the description fits Hiter perfectly, and the confidence in the player’s voice was unmistakable. For Tennessee fans, this was a gut punch. The Vols have been all-in on Hiter, with coaches making multiple visits to his school and even getting him on campus for unofficial visits. The thought of losing him to a program like Michigan, especially after the Wolverines’ recent dominance, is a tough pill to swallow.
Recruiting analysts have been quick to dissect the situation. Some believe that Michigan’s recent success, combined with their ability to produce NFL-ready running backs, gives them a significant edge. Others point to Tennessee’s explosive offense and the chance to be the centerpiece of Heupel’s system as a major selling point. However, the silent factor in all of this could be relationships. If Hiter has developed a stronger bond with Michigan’s staff or players, that could ultimately tip the scales in their favor.
Tennessee isn’t out of the race by any means—recruiting is fluid, and things can change in an instant. But the latest hint from the Michigan player has certainly shifted the narrative. For Vols fans, the hope now is that Hiter’s upcoming visits to Knoxville will help swing momentum back in their favor. Until then, the waiting game continues, and every little clue will be scrutinized.
In the end, only Savion Hiter knows where he’s leaning. But if the Michigan player’s comments are any indication, the Vols might have some serious ground to make up.
