“Savion Hiter Narrows List to Four, but Recruitment Appears Headed Toward High-Stakes Tennessee vs. Michigan Showdown for Elite Talent”
The recruiting landscape is always filled with twists, turns, and late-breaking drama, and the case of Savion Hiter is no exception. One of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class, Hiter recently trimmed his list down to four schools, signaling that the process is entering its final stages. But even as he continues to publicly name all four finalists, the energy around his recruitment suggests a two-team race has emerged at the top: Tennessee and Michigan. With both programs putting together compelling pitches, Hiter’s decision is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched battles of the cycle, particularly given what’s at stake for both staffs.
Hiter, a highly regarded linebacker from Virginia, has been on the radar of top programs across the country for more than two years. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, he boasts the ideal size and athleticism to thrive in today’s college game. What sets him apart, however, isn’t just his physical profile—it’s his instincts, versatility, and football IQ. He’s a player who can line up inside or outside, defend the run with authority, drop into coverage with ease, and rush the passer with speed and violence. Hiter is a three-down linebacker in every sense of the word, and coaches know that adding a player like him can instantly elevate an entire defensive unit.
While schools like Penn State and Georgia Tech are still technically in the running, all signs are pointing to Tennessee and Michigan as the frontrunners in this recruitment. Both programs have hosted Hiter multiple times and have made it abundantly clear that he’s a top priority. Tennessee has made a strong push throughout the spring and summer, bringing Hiter to campus for visits that included film sessions with coaches, in-depth academic meetings, and tours of the newly upgraded facilities. On the other hand, Michigan has leaned into its reputation for developing NFL-ready defenders and its tradition-rich atmosphere in Ann Arbor to make a compelling case of its own.
The Volunteers have built their pitch around opportunity and trajectory. Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee has taken significant strides as a program, including building out an increasingly aggressive and athletic defense. While the offensive fireworks tend to get most of the headlines, the defensive side of the ball has been a clear focus in recruiting, and Hiter fits perfectly into the kind of fast, physical, sideline-to-sideline scheme Tennessee wants to run. The Vols have emphasized Hiter’s potential to contribute early and often, pointing to both available snaps and the chance to be a centerpiece of a rising defense.
Tennessee has also leaned heavily on its culture and relationship-building. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks and linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary have taken lead roles in Hiter’s recruitment, establishing what appears to be a strong and trusting relationship with him and his family. That relational edge could prove decisive, especially as the Vols continue to position themselves as more than just an SEC contender—they want to be a destination for elite defenders who want to play in the NFL. The pitch to Hiter has been clear: come to Tennessee, play early, develop fast, and help lead a defense that can compete with anyone.
Michigan, meanwhile, is bringing a different kind of appeal. Known for its tough, physical defenses and consistent presence on the national stage, the Wolverines are selling Hiter on legacy and NFL pipeline. After winning a national championship in 2023 and sending numerous defenders to the league, Michigan can credibly pitch itself as a place where defensive stars are molded and showcased. Hiter has been courted heavily by linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary, who coincidentally once coached at Tennessee. The Wolverines have stressed Hiter’s schematic fit and pointed to the success of past linebackers who went on to become high draft picks after playing in Ann Arbor.
The Wolverines are also promoting the academic side of their program, an area in which Michigan consistently ranks among the best. For Hiter and his family, long-term goals beyond football are part of the conversation, and Michigan’s blend of athletics and academics has allowed them to stay very much in the picture. The program’s history, the recent resurgence under head coach Sherrone Moore, and the aura of the Big House have combined to make a powerful impression.
Still, despite Michigan’s strong track record, the momentum in Hiter’s recruitment feels like it might be leaning toward Tennessee. Recruiting insiders have noted that his most recent visit to Knoxville went extremely well, and sources close to the situation suggest that the Vols are trending in the right direction. While nothing is finalized until pen meets paper, the buzz is beginning to grow around Tennessee’s chances of landing one of the most dynamic defensive players in the country.
For Hiter, the decision will come down to fit, development, and opportunity. Both Tennessee and Michigan offer strong platforms in those areas, but each in its own way. Tennessee is offering the chance to be part of a defense on the rise and to leave a lasting legacy as one of the players who helped bring the Vols fully back to national prominence. Michigan, by contrast, offers tradition, proven development, and the chance to be a part of a defense that already operates at a high level. There’s no wrong choice here—only different paths, each with its own benefits and risks.
From a strategic standpoint, Hiter’s commitment could have ripple effects for both programs. For Tennessee, landing Hiter would be a statement victory on the recruiting trail, especially against a northern powerhouse like Michigan. It would further solidify Tennessee’s ability to recruit nationally and boost the credibility of its defensive vision under Heupel. For Michigan, stealing Hiter out of SEC country would reinforce its ability to pull top talent from beyond the Midwest and maintain its status as a national brand capable of winning elite battles regardless of geography.
In a broader sense, Hiter’s recruitment is a microcosm of the current college football recruiting climate: national in scope, highly competitive, and filled with nuance. NIL opportunities are part of the picture, though both Tennessee and Michigan have structured their NIL efforts in a way that supports—not defines—the recruiting process. Both schools are making it clear that development, education, and long-term vision are the real centerpieces of their pitch, and that distinction matters to high-level prospects like Hiter who are thinking beyond their freshman year.
As his decision draws closer, all eyes will remain locked on which program can ultimately close the deal. Tennessee has the edge in recent buzz, but Michigan is never out of a recruitment this big until the very end. Hiter’s commitment will be a major domino for whichever school lands him—not just because of his immense talent, but because of the message it sends to other top prospects watching closely. The battle lines are drawn, and the final push is underway. Whether it’s the checkerboard end zones of Neyland Stadium or the winged helmet of the Big House, one of these iconic programs is about to secure a game-changing addition to its defensive future.
