Five-star 2026 Savion Hiter, a running back prospect for Ohio State, has announced his commitment date.

Savion Hiter is the top running back in the nation for the 2026 class and one of the most highly ranked overall prospects. He attended Louisa County High School in Mineral, Virginia, and as a junior rushed for 1,698 yards and 26 touchdowns, while also contributing as a receiver, on defense, and on special teams. That season earned him MaxPreps Junior All‑American honors and national recognition as one of the most dynamic players in the country. Scouts praise his fluid athleticism, vision, tackle-breaking ability, and high football IQ—traits that project well at the next level .

This summer, multiple major programs made it to Hiter’s short list. He officially visited all four finalist schools—Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio State—in June. Tennessee hosted him twice, including an earlier unofficial trip in spring. These visits helped narrow the field and give each school time to make their final pitches .

On August 19th, Hiter will announce his final decision. The announcement date was confirmed through his own social media and later picked up by recruiting media like Sports Illustrated, Rivals, On3, and Saturday Down South. It’s a major moment in the 2026 cycle and likely to draw national attention

For Ohio State, this commitment date matters deeply. OSU’s 2026 class currently has just one running back commit, Favour Akih, a three-star in-state prospect. With Derrek Cooper, another top RB target, committing to Texas instead, the Buckeyes’ room at running back is thin. Landing Hiter would fill a massive hole and give the Buckeyes a rare 5‑star tailback in the class

But Ohio State faces stiff competition. Tennessee and Michigan are considered the strongest contenders. Analysts note Hiter’s long relationship with Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford, who coached him early in his recruitment when Alford was on the Ohio State staff. That trust and continuity have boosted Michigan’s standing. Tennessee, meanwhile, has built late momentum with strong NIL offerings and staff rapport during multiple visits .

Georgia also remains in the race. Though typically focused on defense and offensive line recruiting, the Bulldogs are building the top-rated class in the country, and adding a top RB would improve balance and youth at a key position. Hiter’s visit to Athens reportedly went well, keeping them competitive through the final stretch .

Hiter’s upcoming decision sets a Timeline: prospects typically wait until August for commitment announcements so they can visit schools, meet with staff, and compare NIL opportunities. His final four—Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, and Tennessee—represent two Big Ten and two SEC powerhouses. Winning his pledge could define a class for any of them and signal where the future of elite tailbacks is headed

For Ohio State, a commitment would immediately elevate the 2026 RB room from minimal depth to top-tier national standing. Hiter’s ability to jump into the limelight as a true freshman makes him a valuable asset. For the Buckeyes’ coaching staff—led by coach Ryan Day and recruiting coordinator Carlos Locklyn—it would be a crucial recruiting win after missing other top RB targets like Cooper .

For Michigan, Hiter would continue a recent trend of landing high-end running backs. The Wolverines already hold a top recruiting class, and Hiter’s commitment could help cement their Big Ten dominance and depth at a critical position, especially under NIL advisor Tony Alford’s leadership .

Tennessee is building momentum. A commitment from Hiter would give the Volunteers a pair of top-10 talents in Faizon Brandon (QB) and Hiter (RB) in the same class. That kind of back-to-back star power could help accelerate Tennessee’s national resurgence and show that they can win elite recruits even over Ohio State and Michigan .

Georgia continues constructing one of the best classes in the country. Getting Hiter would help them diversify their talent pool and address offensive balance in the SEC. Hiter would also bring versatility to the roster, fitting Georgia’s physical and scheme-oriented approach to running backs.

In short, August 19th is now the most important recruiting date for RBs in 2026. Hiter’s commitment will likely decide the strongest RB group in the class—and could shift momentum for whichever school he chooses. All four finalists have strength—Ohio State with history of producing elite tailbacks, Michigan with NIL infrastructure and stability, Tennessee with rising energy and roster need, and Georgia with brand, balance, and elite class-building power.

No matter where he lands, Hiter is expected to play early and impact immediately. Visiting schools believe he can be the top RB commit for any class and will carry heavy NIL potential, estimated between $600,000 to $800,000 as a freshman, according to On3 reporting .

Expect predictions and simulations to adjust once the commitment is official. Until then, fans and analysts alike will monitor August 19 closely. Commitment from Hiter would be a signature moment and headline grabber for whichever program he chooses. Until then, the scramble continues—and Hiter’s decision could shape the national recruiting class of 2026 in a major way.