Tennessee Vols have an opportunity to make a massive recruiting splash when Kentucky Wildcats visit Neyland on Saturday
The Tennessee Vols have a chance to make a huge recruiting splash this weekend when the Kentucky Wildcats visit Neyland Stadium. Tennessee is expecting a wild atmosphere for the Kentucky game. The Vols announced on Monday that the program will be wearing its dark mode uniforms against the Wildcats. Combine the black uniforms with Halloween […]
The Tennessee Vols have a chance to make a huge recruiting splash this weekend when the Kentucky Wildcats visit Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee is expecting a wild atmosphere for the Kentucky game. The Vols announced on Monday that the program will be wearing its dark mode uniforms against the Wildcats. Combine the black uniforms with Halloween vibes in a prime time game and you have a recipe for a rowdy Saturday night in Neyland Stadium.
And 2026 five-star running back Savion Hiter is expected to be in Knoxville to experience it all.
Hiter, 5-foot-11/182 lbs from Mineral, VA, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 running back in the nation and the No. 1 player in the state of Virginia. He's also rated as the No. 20 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.
Tennessee has long been one of the teams in the mix for Hiter, but for the Vols to truly have a chance to land the coveted running back, they need to get him in Neyland for a game.
For now, On3's Steve Wiltfong thinks that Michigan leads for Hiter.
But if Hiter actually makes it to Knoxville this weekend for what's expected to be a wild night in Neyland, it could vault Tennessee to the top of this recruiting battle.
In addition to the great environment, there's also the possibility that Vols junior running back Dylan Sampson could be in store for a huge night against Kentucky. The Wildcats gave up 328 rushing yards to a not-very-good Auburn team last weekend. Sampson is one of the best running backs in the country, and he's had success against Kentucky in the past (76 rushing yards against UK last season while playing behind Jaylen Wright), so it would be a surprise to see the Baton Rouge native have a big night on Saturday against the Wildcats.
An electric atmosphere combined with a big night from Sampson could help Tennessee give Hiter a lot to think about.
That is, of course, if Hiter actually makes it to Knoxville this weekend. The Vols are certainly hoping he'll be in the building for what has the potential to be a blowout win.
