Michigan is fighting to keep SEC darkhorse away from top recruiting target and foundational playmaker

The Michigan Wolverines hope to pair the top running back in the 2026 recruiting class with star quarterback Bryce Underwood, but they're stuck in a dogfight with tough competition. Not only are the Ohio State Buckeyes proving to be a factor in the chase for five-star running back Savion Hiter, but the Georgia Bulldogs have emerged as a real threat for the Virginia native.

Hiter is coming off an official visit to Georgia last weekend, and the buzz is promising for the Bulldogs. Considering he comes to Ann Arbor this weekend before hitting Tennessee, the momentum could swing again.

But for now, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore just had the temperature turned up on him while the program deals with the fallout from the sign-stealing scandal that hangs over the team. 

On3's Steve Wiltfong had the latest intel on Hiter from last weekend's visits.

On3’s No. 1 running back Savion Hiter was back at Georgia over the weekend for his official visit. It’s a program he’s always been high on. A source around Athens feels like the Bulldogs are battling Michigan. Obviously Ohio State and Tennessee round out the top four. Folks around Knoxville have felt Vols or Wolverines. The vibe around Ann Arbor had been Michigan and Tennessee prior to the UGA trip. Ohio State remains in regular contact. Hiter is in Ann Arbor this weekend before Knoxville next weekend. Georgia assistant Josh Crawford has done a great job in this recruitment and UGA felt like a darkhorse coming in and a player coming out.

Just one week before, insiders believed that Michigan and Tennessee were comfortably ahead of Georgia, with Ohio State somewhere in between them. Now, Michigan and Georgia might be duking it out for No. 1.

The explosive 200-pound back has visited the Bulldogs, Wolverines, and Buckeyes five times each. Wiltfong previously reported he believes whichever program ups the ante from an NIL perspective could swing how this plays out. That seems to favor the Wolverines and Bulldogs.

“I think Savion Hiter is the number one player overall on Michigan’s board,” Wiltfong added.

Here's a scouting report on Hiter from On3's Charles Power.

Gifted runner with an advanced blend of athleticism, fluidity, and instincts as a high school underclassman. Physically developed, measuring in at over 5-foot-11 and around 200 pounds prior to his senior season. Registers as a strong athlete, running an 11.11 second mark in the 100-meters as a freshman. Also jumped close to 45 feet in the triple jump - an outstanding mark. Turned multiple dominant seasons as a high school underclassman, including a 1,698-yard, 26-touchdown junior campaign that saw him run for 10.8 yards per carry. Looks to be a natural runner. An extremely fluid and smooth mover who changes directions effortlessly. Shows excellent acceleration. Cuts on a dime and makes defenders miss in space. Runs with pace and instincts. A strong tackle-breaker who runs through contact due to a strong leg drive. A phenomenal high school football player who also makes big plays on defense. Has the potential and upside to be one of the best running back prospects in several cycles.