Wednesday evening was a major news-breaking night in the college football world. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced that head coach Sherrone Moore was fired for cause, and the college football world went nuts.
Michigan is now looking for a new head man, even though the coaching carousel is essentially done. After the Penn State fiasco, plenty of viable candidates received extensions at their current schools, further limiting Michigan's options.
During this time of uncertainty for Michigan, this is the perfect thing for Josh Heupel and Tennessee to take advantage of. Tennessee was in the final two for 5-star running back Savion Hiter, but he ended up signing with the Wolverines.
Former Five-Star Tennessee target Savion Hiter signed with Michigan on National Signing Day, but recent changes in Ann Arbor may open the door for the Vols:
— FOX Sports Knoxville (@FOXSportsKnox) December 10, 2025
Hiter, the No. 8 player in the class of 2026, picked Michigan over Tennessee in his recruitment.
Michigan’s firing of… pic.twitter.com/l52vophoCf
Tennessee Could land 5-star Savion Hiter
With Michigan firing Moore, recruits who just signed with the program do have the opportunity to be released from their letter of intent if they wish. If Hiter decides that he doesn't want to play in Ann Arbor, you would have to think that Tennessee is the likely landing spot for him.
Running backs coach De'Rail Sims has built a great relationship with Hiter, along with Heupel. The 247Sports composite has Hiter ranked as the No. 8 player in the nation and the top-ranked tailback. He has offers from a plethora of major schools, but took official visits to Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio State, so the Virginia running back's signature is a hot commodity.
Hiter would take an already potent offense at Tennessee and turn them into arguably the best in the nation. The Vols already have a boatload of young talent coming in with Tristen Keys and Faizon Brandon. Plus, Heupel has the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year winner in Braylon Staley on the roster.
The good news for Hiter is that the Vols have an established running back on the roster right now in Desean Bishop. This would give Hiter an opportunity to learn the offense and not have a ton of pressure on him.
Not to mention, Hiter would still get plenty of carries but limit the amount of hits he takes, which would help with longevity for a potential longer NFL career.
If Hiter does decided to be let go of his letter of intent Tennessee football could be major winners.