If you’ve been following the 2026 cycle, you know the name Savion Hiter. He’s not just another five-star recruit; he’s basically the "gold standard" for what a modern running back looks like. We’re talking about a kid who measures nearly 6 feet, weighs 200 pounds, and runs a sub-4.2 shuttle. It’s the kind of profile that makes college coaches lose sleep.
For a long time, it felt like the Ohio State Buckeyes were the team to beat in the Ohio State Buckeyes Savion Hiter recruiting saga. Columbus seemed like the perfect destination. He visited early, he visited often, and the coaching staff made him a priority. But recruiting is a wild business. One day you’re the favorite, and the next, you’re watching that same kid put on a blue and maize hat in front of his high school classmates at Louisa County.
Honestly, it stung for Buckeye fans. Losing a five-star is one thing, but losing the nation’s No. 1 running back to that school up north? That’s a different level of frustration.
The Tony Alford Factor: A Recruiting Gut Punch
You can't talk about Savion Hiter without talking about Tony Alford. This is where things get messy and, frankly, a bit dramatic. Alford was the running backs coach at Ohio State for seven seasons. He was the one who first identified Hiter. He built the relationship. He was the guy Hiter trusted.
Then, in a move that shook the Big Ten, Alford left Ohio State to join Sherrone Moore’s staff at Michigan.
Suddenly, the "bond" Ohio State had spent years building wasn't with the school; it was with the coach. When Alford moved to Ann Arbor, he didn't just take his playbook—he took his recruiting leverage. Hiter was open about this. He mentioned in interviews that the familiarity with Alford made Michigan feel like home instantly.
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Ohio State countered by hiring Carlos Locklyn from Oregon. Locklyn is a grinder, and by all accounts, he did everything right. He got Hiter back on campus for an official visit in May 2025. He showed him how he’d fit into an offense that just won a National Championship. But sometimes, you just can't overcome a three-year head start.
Why the Buckeyes Missed Out
It wasn't just the coach. There are a few moving parts here that people often overlook.
- Roster Depth: Ohio State's running back room is crowded. With the emergence of Bo Jackson (the 2025 recruit, not the legend) and the Buckeyes' success in the transfer portal, some recruits worry about "roster math."
- The NIL Landscape: Let’s be real. Money matters. While Ohio State is a powerhouse, rumors persisted throughout 2025 that Michigan’s collective was making a massive push for Hiter.
- The "Vibe" Shift: Michigan’s identity under Sherrone Moore is built on "smashmouth" football. For a running back like Hiter, who averaged over 10 yards per carry in high school, seeing a team run the ball 30 times a game is a huge selling point.
Despite the loss, Ohio State didn't walk away empty-handed in the 2026 class. They’ve got Favour Akih committed, and Locklyn is known for finding "diamonds in the rough" who end up being three-year starters. But Hiter was the "whale."
Is the Hiter Recruitment Actually Over?
Here is where things get interesting. In 2026, a commitment is basically just a placeholder until the ink is dry on the National Letter of Intent. And even then, the transfer portal has changed everything.
Late in 2025, Michigan went through some serious turmoil. Sherrone Moore was replaced by Kyle Whittingham, and in the coaching carousel world, that’s an earthquake. When a head coach leaves, players get a 30-day window to reconsider.
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There was a frantic period in December 2025 where it looked like Ohio State might poach Hiter back. Ryan Day and Carlos Locklyn were reportedly back on the phone immediately. They knew that Hiter’s connection was to Alford and Moore, not necessarily the school itself. If the staff changed, the commitment might crumble.
However, as of early 2026, Hiter remains a signed member of the Michigan class. He’s already enrolled early. He’s in Ann Arbor, taking classes, and getting ready for spring ball.
What This Means for Ohio State Moving Forward
The Buckeyes are fine. They’re always fine. But losing the Ohio State Buckeyes Savion Hiter recruiting battle serves as a reminder that the rivalry with Michigan is now 365 days a year. It’s played out in living rooms in Virginia just as much as it’s played out on the field in late November.
If you’re a fan looking for the "silver lining," it’s this: Ohio State has become a destination for elite backs because they win. While Michigan got the win on the recruiting trail this time, the Buckeyes’ ability to develop players for the NFL remains their strongest pitch.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the Transfer Portal: Just because Hiter is in Ann Arbor now doesn't mean he's there forever. In the modern era, if a player isn't getting the carries they want by Year 2, schools like Ohio State are always waiting.
- Keep an Eye on Carlos Locklyn: This was his first major "big fish" battle at Ohio State. How he responds in the 2027 class will tell us a lot about the future of the Buckeyes' ground game.
- Don't ignore the "Other" Guys: Favour Akih might not have the five stars next to his name yet, but the Buckeyes' staff is high on his ceiling. Often, the "backup plan" ends up being the fan favorite.
The saga of Savion Hiter is a case study in modern recruiting. It involves coaching betrayals, massive NIL stakes, and a rivalry that never sleeps. Ohio State missed this time, but in the Big Ten, the next battle is always just a few weeks away.