The Tennessee Vols are slightly favored to land an elite 5-star recruit.
The Tennessee Vols are reportedly in a favorable position to secure the commitment of a top player from the 2026 recruiting class. According to Adam Gorney, the national recruiting director at Rivals.com, Tennessee holds a slight advantage in the recruitment of five-star running back Savion Hiter from Woodberry Forest School in Virginia. Gorney mentioned on Tuesday that, based on current observations, Tennessee is the front-runner for Hiter, who amassed impressive stats with 1,060 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 150 touches in the previous season.
Gorney also highlighted other contenders in the recruiting battle, including Georgia, Penn State, and Ohio State. Despite competition from these schools, Hiter, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 182 lbs, holds the top spot in 247Sports’ composite rankings for both the state of Virginia and the nation’s running backs. He is also ranked as the 15th overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.
Notably, former Vols running back Jerry Mack, who initially visited Hiter in Virginia in December, has since moved on to become the Jacksonville Jaguars’ new running backs coach. De’Rail Sims, the recently introduced running backs coach at Tennessee, will now take on the responsibility of establishing and maintaining a strong relationship with Hiter.
Despite the coaching change, the Vols have the advantage of time, with over 18 months remaining until Hiter makes his final decision on a college program. This extended period provides ample opportunity for Sims to foster a connection with the talented prospect.