In a monumental recruiting development that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football world, the Ohio State Buckeyes have secured the commitment of Savion Hiter, the consensus No. 1 running back in America for the 2025 class. Hiter’s decision to pledge to the Buckeyes comes after an intensive recruitment process capped off by a personal visit from new running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, whose direct approach and vision for Hiter’s future made all the difference. This major recruiting win signals Ohio State’s firm intentions of maintaining their powerhouse status nationally while adding yet another elite talent to their already impressive roster.
Hiter, a 6-foot, 215-pound back from Richmond, Virginia, had drawn attention from virtually every blue-blood program across the country. Powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Michigan had made strong pushes, but in the end, it was the combination of Ohio State’s tradition, development track record, and the personal touch from Coach Locklyn that sealed the deal. For Hiter, the decision wasn’t just about football; it was about family, fit, and his long-term future.
“From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I felt something different,” Hiter said during his announcement. “Coach Locklyn didn’t just talk about plays or stats — he talked about life after football, how they would prepare me to be a great man, and how Ohio State is a brotherhood. It just felt like home. I want to be part of something bigger than myself, and I believe Ohio State is that place.”
His commitment immediately elevates the Buckeyes’ 2025 class into the national spotlight, providing a huge boost to an already impressive group that features multiple top-100 prospects across the board. More importantly, it continues a long-standing tradition of elite running backs flourishing in Columbus — names like Ezekiel Elliott, J.K. Dobbins, and TreVeyon Henderson now pave the way for Hiter’s potential stardom at the college level and beyond.
Sources close to the Buckeyes program emphasized how instrumental Carlos Locklyn’s personal touch was throughout the process. Locklyn, who has quickly built a reputation as one of the most personable and relatable recruiters in college football, made Hiter a priority the moment he arrived at Ohio State. He visited Hiter’s hometown, met with his family, and crafted a detailed vision of Hiter’s development both on and off the field. That extra effort set Ohio State apart from the pack.
“Coach Locklyn’s message really resonated with Savion and his family,” a source close to Hiter’s recruitment revealed. “It wasn’t just about being the star player — it was about developing into a complete person, building lasting relationships, and setting himself up for success after his playing days. That connection and vision ultimately won Savion over.”
Hiter’s skill set is undeniably elite. He possesses a rare blend of power, speed, and vision that allows him to dominate between the tackles or break outside for explosive runs. At camps and showcases, he consistently flashed elite footwork, strong hands as a pass-catcher, and the ability to pick up blitzes in pass protection — all traits that make him a true three-down back in today’s evolving offensive systems.
Scouts rave about Hiter’s ability to change direction without losing speed, his natural balance through contact, and his vision to find cutback lanes. It’s the type of skill set that could allow him to step into an immediate role at Ohio State, even considering the Buckeyes’ depth at the position. Some analysts have even suggested that Hiter could be the next truly generational back to wear scarlet and gray if he continues his development trajectory.
Moreover, Hiter’s work ethic and character off the field match his immense physical talents. Coaches at his high school praised his leadership qualities, his commitment to academics, and his willingness to be a mentor to younger teammates. In an era where character matters just as much as athleticism, Ohio State fans can rest easy knowing they’ve landed a player who embodies the “Buckeye Brotherhood” in every sense.
Hiter’s commitment also sends a clear message to the rest of the country: Ohio State isn’t going anywhere when it comes to national recruiting dominance. In fact, the addition of Hiter could create a domino effect for the Buckeyes, as several other top-tier recruits have taken notice of his decision. Ohio State’s coaching staff hopes that Hiter’s presence will help lure even more talent in the 2025 class, building momentum toward another potential No. 1 overall recruiting finish.
For Hiter personally, the choice to commit early allows him to focus entirely on his senior season of high school football without distraction. He has already stated that he intends to be a “full recruiter” for Ohio State, actively working to bring other elite players with him to Columbus. His leadership and enthusiasm could make him a cornerstone not just of the team’s future roster, but of the recruiting class culture itself.
Fans and media outlets across the country have reacted to the news with excitement and praise. Recruiting analysts have called the commitment “massive” and a “program-defining moment” for Ohio State’s 2025 class. Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Adam Gorney described Hiter as “the type of player who can transform an offense immediately” and noted that Ohio State “won a major recruiting battle against the best programs in the nation.”
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day released a short statement following Hiter’s commitment, saying, “We’re thrilled to welcome Savion to the Buckeye family. He’s an outstanding athlete, a high-character young man, and someone we believe will make a huge impact both on and off the field here in Columbus. This is a special day for our program.”
As Hiter prepares to transition to college life, he remains grounded and focused on the bigger picture. “I know committing is just the beginning,” he said. “I still have to work harder than ever to earn my spot, to live up to the expectations, and to represent my family, my coaches, and Ohio State the right way. This is just the start of the journey, and I’m ready for it.”
In the months ahead, Buckeyes fans can expect to see Hiter visiting campus often, participating in recruiting efforts, and preparing himself mentally and physically for the next step. His early enrollment in January 2025 is also on the table, which would allow him to go through spring practices and acclimate to the program ahead of schedule — a move that has benefited past stars tremendously at Ohio State.
While there’s still much work to be done before Hiter takes the field at the Horseshoe for the first time, the excitement around his commitment is justified. His combination of talent, character, leadership, and drive makes him one of the most anticipated additions to Ohio State’s roster in recent memory. For a program that prides itself on producing NFL-ready backs and competing for national championships every year, the addition of Savion Hiter feels like a perfect fit at a perfect time.
In the ever-competitive world of college football recruiting, moments like this can define a program’s trajectory for years to come. With Hiter now in the fold, the Buckeyes have positioned themselves not just to maintain their dominance but to elevate it even further. For Buckeye Nation, the future at running back is incredibly bright — and it’s spelled with two words: Savion Hiter.
