Recruiting insider predicts that the Tennessee Vols will miss on one of their top 2026 recruiting targets

According to On3's Steve Wiltfong, the Tennessee Vols are one of the top two programs for 2026 five-star running back Savion Hiter. 

The Michigan Wolverines are the other program in Hiter's top two (the Georgia Bulldogs and the Ohio State Buckeyes are also in the mix). 

"Tennessee is in the top two for top-ranked running back Savion Hiter," noted Wiltfong this week. "The five-star from Virginia is closing in on his decision and the Vols are battling long-time front-runner Michigan."

The Vols have done a great job on each of Hiter's visits to Tennessee, but that may not be enough for UT to win this battle. 

247Sports' Benjamin Wolk believes Michigan will be the program that eventually signs Hiter. 

From 247Sports: Savion Hiter has done a better job than most of not tipping his hand with any of his own comments. Sure, Michigan and Tennessee have felt like the frontrunners all spring and summer based on industry intel, but Hiter has never said as much. Georgia has hung around in this one more than many others think, and that's still the case to this moment. But it's hard to deny the heavy pursuit and interest from others. Prediction: Michigan

Hiter doesn't currently have a planned commitment date, so this battle is ongoing. 

The Vols are very much in the mix, but they're going to have to continue to put the full court press on the talented running back if they're going to emerge as the winners in this battle. 

Hiter, 5-foot-11/200 lbs from Mineral, VA, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 1 running back in the nation.