

Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes are riding high off their 2024 national championship, but a brewing storm in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) game could throw a wrench in their recruiting mojo. The buzz is all about Savion Hiter, a 2026 5-star running back from Virginia who’s got the college football world drooling: 1,698 rushing yards, 10.8 yards per carry, and 26 touchdowns last season.
Ohio State’s in the hunt, but an insider’s dropping hints that Day’s squad might be facing a rare upset, with NIL cash flexing its muscle against the Buckeyes’ pitch. “This was a big visit,” insider Alex Gleitman said of Hiter’s March 27 trip to Columbus, where he bonded with star back TreVeyon Henderson.
Day’s no stranger to landing top talent-his 2025 class ranks third nationally, snagging studs like Devin Sanchez-but the NIL era’s a whole new beast. Michigan, Georgia, and Tennessee are all in on Hiter, and whispers suggest the Wolverines and Vols might outbid Ohio State’s wallet. “Michigan’s locked in-they see him as a cornerstone,” an X user posted, while Tennessee’s deep pockets and Georgia’s SEC shine aren’t far behind.
Hiter’s got official visits lined up-Ohio State on May 30, Georgia June 6, Michigan June 13, and Tennessee June 20-and the Buckeyes rolled out the red carpet, with Henderson playing ambassador. “Those two connected for a good chunk of practice,” Gleitman noted, but will that bromance outweigh a fat NIL check?
Day fights NIL odds: Can Ohio State keep Hiter?
The stakes are huge-Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are NFL-bound after 2025, leaving a gaping hole at running back. Hiter’s a 5-foot-11, 200-pound bulldozer who’d fit Day’s explosive offense like a glove-56 tackles and seven sacks on D don’t hurt either. X fans are hyped: “Savion’s the next OSU legend!” one cheered-but the NIL setback’s real.
Ohio State can’t directly offer deals under NCAA rules, leaning on outside collectives instead, and that’s where rivals might pounce. “If it comes down to dollars, the Buckeyes could be in trouble,” Gleitman hinted, sparking worry in Columbus.
Day’s got a packed spring-practices, roster tweaks, and now this recruiting war. “We’re not here to make money, we’re here to win championships,” he’s said before, pushing culture over cash. But with Hiter’s jaw-dropping stats and Ohio State’s rivals flashing big NIL bait, this could be a rare 5-star miss.
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