The Tennessee Volunteers are continuing to make major waves this offseason, especially in recruiting. After several key additions from the transfer portal, the Vols are now eyeing a massive potential win on the high school recruiting trail. Savion Hiter, the No. 1 running back in the country according to On3, has Tennessee fans buzzing after recent developments suggest the Volunteers are seriously in the mix for his commitment.
Hiter, a standout from Louisa County High School in Virginia, has maintained a consistent top four since February: Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and Tennessee. These college football powerhouses are all vying for the services of the dynamic playmaker, but Tennessee is starting to gain real momentum. With official visits now set, the Vols’ recruiting team is zeroing in on what could be a program-changing addition.
One of the biggest developments came with Hiter’s spring visit to Knoxville. Scheduled to return for an official visit on June 20, Hiter and his family were reportedly impressed by what they experienced during their earlier trip. The visit stood out not just for football reasons but also for the holistic approach Tennessee offered. His mother, Aishia, highlighted the university’s mental health resources as a major factor, saying it was a critical and often overlooked aspect of the recruitment process.
“That was very neat to see,” Aishia told On3’s Steve Wiltfong. “These student-athletes have a lot of pressures… It was good for us to talk with them.” According to her, the presentation by Tennessee’s mental health team was the first of its kind the family had seen on the recruiting trail, and it left a significant impression.
Another key moment during the visit was Savion’s opportunity to observe running backs coach De’Rail Sims in action during a live practice. Hiter had not previously seen Coach Sims coach in person, and the experience added another layer of insight for the family. Being able to see the coaching style, energy, and interactions up close gave the young prospect a clearer picture of how he might fit into Tennessee’s system.
While the final decision still lies ahead, Aishia confirmed that Hiter plans to make his commitment after the round of official visits, with Tennessee’s coming last. That timing could work heavily in the Vols’ favor, as closing strong can be a major factor in elite recruitments.
For Tennessee, landing Hiter would be a statement. Not only is he the top-rated running back in the country, but his commitment could help build momentum for the rest of the 2025 class. With elite programs like Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State still in play, nothing is guaranteed. But the buzz around Knoxville is real, and if the Vols can continue to build on their recent success, they might just pull off one of the biggest recruiting wins of the cycle.
