Ohio State Dealt Blow by Michigan on Highly Touted No. 1 Ranked Playmaker

Ohio State Missed Out on Five-Star RB Savion Hiter Who Committed to Michigan

Hiter is the No. 1 ranked running back in the 2026 college football recruiting class by both Rivals and 247Sports. Ohio State had been among the finalists to land Hiter along with Michigan, Tennessee Volunteers and Georgia Bulldogs.

"Michigan landed a commitment from its top target in the 2026 cycle on Tuesday morning when Mineral Valley (Va.) Louisa County five-star running back Savion Hiter  announced his pledge to Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines during a live ceremony broadcasted on the Rivals YouTube Channel," Rivals' Steve Wiltfong wrote on Tuesday.

"... Tabbed by the Rivals Industry as the nation’s No. 8 prospect regardless of position, Hiter adds to a Michigan class that Rivals previously ranked No. 11 nationally. He is the jewel alongside five-star edge Carter Meadows, defensive lineman Titan Davis and receiver Travis Johnson."

Ohio State Has a Commitment From Four-Star RB Favour Akih

It is not all bad news in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes already have a commitment from four-star running back Favour Akih, a top-20 ranked rusher by On3 in the 2026 class.

Five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. continues to headline Ohio State's class for 2026. The Buckeyes have already landed 21 commitments from the 2026 class.

As for the upcoming season, James Peoples, West Virginia Mountaineers transfer CJ Donaldson and freshman Bo Jackson are among Ohio State's top running backs.