Sherrone Moore’s 2026 recruitment campaign took another massive step forward Tuesday. The Michigan head coach has been systematically stacking his roster with elite talent, and his latest commitment might be the crown jewel.
When five-star running back Savion Hiter announced his decision, he didn’t just choose Michigan over powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. He sent a message that Ann Arbor feels like home.
Why Did Savion Hiter Choose Michigan Over Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State?
The Louisa County (VA) standout had options. With 29 offers on the table, Hiter could have landed essentially anywhere in college football’s elite tier. Alabama wanted him, Georgia pushed hard, and Ohio State made its pitch, yet when decision day arrived, the 6’0″, 200-pound running back chose the Wolverines.
After Michigan’s social media team announced the commitment, Hiter reposted the news with a simple but powerful message, reading, “I’m home.” He sealed the post with Michigan’s rallying cry “#GoBlue.”
I’M HOME #GoBlue 〽️ https://t.co/U1JHfEsQeD
— Savion “Cinco” Hiter (High-ter) (@5starsavi) August 19, 2025
This commitment represents no small victory for Moore. The persistence of both Moore and running backs coach Tony Alford paid off, especially when Tennessee made a late push with multiple visits and a hard sell in June. Hiter remained loyal to his Michigan commitment, making him the program’s highest-ranked running back commit since 2006.
The numbers behind Hiter’s commitment tell the story of an elite talent. As a sophomore at Virginia’s Woodberry Forest in 2023, he rushed for over 1,100 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.
After transferring to Louisa County, his production exploded. As a junior, Hiter posted 1,698 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on just 156 carries. That averages more than 10 yards per carry, the kind of explosive production that catches the attention of championship-caliber programs.
Beyond the statistics, Hiter brings measurables that translate to the next level. His 1.52-second 10-yard split and 36-inch vertical demonstrate the combination of speed and athleticism that makes him a three-down threat.
What Makes Michigan’s Offense Perfect for Savion Hiter?
When Hiter explained his decision, he kept it straightforward. “They run the ball a lot,” he told The Athletic. For a player who thrives on power, agility, and vision, Michigan’s ground-heavy system provides the perfect platform.
Hiter possesses the skill set that Moore covets in his backfield. He combines quickness with the strength to break arm tackles and the balance to stay upright through contact. That three-down potential made him a must-have target for the Wolverines’ coaching staff.
Savion Hiter:
Showed up on time
No hat fake
Stayed quiet throughout his recruitment
No gimmicksMichigan Man 〽️ pic.twitter.com/UULOoJU2i7
— Bo (@MaizeandBo) August 19, 2025
With Hiter now in the fold, Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class is taking shape as something special. Moore has already secured commitments from 21 prospects, including four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel and receivers Travis Johnson and Zion Robinson.
The addition of elite talent like Carter Meadows, Titan Davis, Andre Clarke Jr., Julian Walker, Malakai Lee, Matt Ludwig, and others has also built significant momentum.
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The pairing of Smigiel and Hiter gives Michigan the nation’s top-ranked quarterback and running back in the same recruiting class. That combination forms the foundation of an offense capable of competing for Big Ten titles and beyond. Moore is constructing a backfield that could define Michigan football for years to come.