Nation’s No. 1 Running Back Savion Hiter Commits to Ohio State Following Personal Visit From RB Coach Carlos Locklyn, Giving Buckeyes Major Recruiting Win
In a massive recruiting coup for the Buckeyes, Savion Hiter, the nation’s No. 1-ranked running back in the 2025 class, has officially committed to Ohio State. Hiter made the announcement just days after a personal in-home visit from newly appointed running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, sealing a major win for Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class and reinforcing their dominance on the national stage.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound running back out of Richmond, Virginia, has been a dominant force on the field throughout his high school career, combining elite vision, breakaway speed, and a punishing running style. With offers from nearly every top Power Five program—including Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and Texas—Hiter’s commitment to Ohio State is a testament to the relentless effort of the Buckeyes’ coaching staff, particularly Locklyn, who made Hiter a top priority since joining the program.
Sources close to the recruitment say Locklyn’s personal visit to Hiter’s home last week played a pivotal role in the decision. The visit reportedly lasted several hours and included film breakdowns, conversations about Hiter’s role in Ohio State’s offensive scheme, and long-term development plans. It was a strong showing of Locklyn’s hands-on approach and his ability to connect with top-tier talent quickly.
“Coach Locklyn’s vision for me and how I fit into the offense just felt right,” Hiter said in his commitment statement. “Ohio State feels like home, and I know I’ll be developed into the best version of myself both on and off the field.”
Hiter becomes the highest-rated offensive commit in Ohio State’s 2025 class and the latest in a growing list of elite talent choosing Columbus. His commitment is expected to have a ripple effect, possibly influencing other top offensive recruits who have expressed interest in teaming up with him at the college level.
For head coach Ryan Day, landing Hiter reinforces Ohio State’s standing as one of the top programs for offensive skill players and shows the immediate impact of Locklyn on the recruiting trail. Known for his work at Oregon and Arkansas before joining the Buckeyes, Locklyn has a track record of developing high-caliber backs, and Hiter’s commitment shows recruits are buying in quickly.
With the addition of Savion Hiter, Ohio State continues to build a championship-caliber roster, and the momentum on the recruiting trail shows no signs of slowing down.