Penn State football positioned to make a run at No. 1 RB in 2026

Being able to recruit running backs is something that the Penn State football team has not struggled with. That’s largely due to the history of the program and being able to develop players for the next level. But also because of the reputation that RB coach Ja’Juan Seider has made over the years. Now, the Nittany Lions are in the hunt for the No. 1 RB in the 2026 recruiting class Savion Hiter.

Penn State football holds commitments from two talented prospects in RB Messiah Mickens and QB Troy Huhn in the 2026 recruiting class. But another name has emerged who happens to be considering the Nittany Lions. Savion Hiter is a four-star prospect in the 2026 cycle from Mineral (Virginia).

Hiter ranks as the No. 1 RB in 2026 on Rivals. Whereas On3 ranks Hiter as the No. 1 player in Virginia and the No. 2 running back in his class (No. 32 nationally). Recently, Anna Adams of 247Sports has confirmed that Savion will narrow his college choices down to seven schools. “Tennesse, Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State,” are expected to make the cut Adams noted.

Paring the top running backs in 2026?

Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

If Penn State football can secure Hiter he would be joining top-ranked running back Messiah Mickens in the 2026 recruiting class. The Pennsylvania native will play for Harrisburg High School this fall. Mickens ranks as the No. 3 player in the Keystone State and the No. 8 running back in the country.

In terms of what can swing the momentum further for Penn State in its pursuit of Hiter? Another couple of visits wouldn’t hurt their cause. The Nittany Lions have only hosted the star running back once in March of 2023. If they’re serious about recruiting one of the class’s top talent, they will need to get him back to Happy Valley to show him just that.

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