The fierce rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan has spilled over into the recruitment battle for one of the top prospects in the 2026 class.
Following their ninth national title and first under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes secured the nation’s No. 5 recruiting class, according to On3. Not far behind, Michigan and head coach Sherrone Moore — who handed Ohio State one of its only losses last season — landed the No. 6 class for 2025.
With the 2026 cycle still in its early stages, several elite prospects remain uncommitted heading into the summer. Among them, five-star running back Savion Hiter is a major target and the focus of growing attention.
Hiter, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound standout from Louisa County High School in Mineral, Virginia, is ranked as the No. 1 running back and top overall player in the state, as well as No. 11 nationally in the class.
In 2024, the dynamic two-way athlete racked up 1,698 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, along with 199 receiving yards. On defense, he tallied 56 tackles, seven sacks, and one interception. He also contributed three return touchdowns. Hiter’s NIL valuation currently sits at \$364,000, per On3.
In February, he named Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, and Tennessee as his final four schools. He visited each program unofficially last year and has a full schedule of official visits lined up this summer.
According to On3 insiders Steve Wiltfong and Chad Simmons, Ohio State and Michigan are the current frontrunners, though each expert sees the battle tilting in a different direction.
Key upcoming visits include Ohio State on May 30, Georgia on June 6, Michigan on June 13, and Tennessee on June 20.
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