BREAKING: 2026 Four-Star RB Favour Akih Commits to Ohio State!

Ohio State lands a key piece for the future as (Delaware, OH) four-star RB Favour Akih commits to the Buckeyes over Miami and USC.

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Buckeyes have landed one of the best prospects in the state of Ohio. Continuing their “Best in Ohio, Stay in Ohio” movement. Coach Locklyn was able to get it done on the trail again, landing 2026 four-star RB Favour Akih out of Delaware (OH). He becomes Locklyn’s first commitment to the 2026 Class.

He earned the offer Early in March, and ever since then, the Buckeyes had been pretty tough to beat. Akih certainly is a top recruit nationally, but also a really hard worker.

The Akih Profile:

Akih picked Ohio State over Miami and USC. The 5’11 185lbs RB is strong and built. He attends Hayes High School located in Delaware, Ohio. He also played Linebacker for Hayes in his junior season. According to his HUDL, he runs a 4.43 40-yard dash. That speed certainly shows on film.

Scouting Report:

Ohio State is surely getting an absolute beast. Akih runs angry and quickly. His junior season film is very impressive. Some of the broken tackles in his film will make you just say wow. He has outstanding speed and vision. His elusiveness is also impressive. He can be very useful in the passing game as well, even though he is more of a physical runner.

In his Junior Season, he had a phenomenal season. He contributed to Hayes’ offense by playing in nine games rushing for 1,653 yards and 20 touchdowns. He earned First Team All-Ohio honors as well. He is set to have a huge senior season campaign.

Rankings:

ON3 - 144 NATL, 13 RB, 9 OH

247Sports - N/A NATL, 22 RB, 9 OH

Rivals - 175 NATL, 6 RB, 5 OH

ESPN - 156 NATL, 16 RB, 7 OH

The Commitment Chase:

In March on his spring visit, he received the Ohio State offer. He immediately put them at the top of multiple schools. Before the offer, he was heavily considering Miami, Pittsburgh, and USC. He also was involved with Iowa State and Michigan State early on.

The Staying In the Home State factor played a big role in this but relationships had an impact in this recruitment as well. In March, he said, “He is single-handedly one of the best head coaches I’ve spoken to so far.” He also called the offer a “dream come true”, he added, “I’ve prayed for this offer ever since I started playing football. So it truly is a blessing.” Also, Coach Lock played a big role. Akih spoke highly of Locklyn, “He knew my strengths and weaknesses without me even having to call them out.”

Ohio State 2026 Football Recruiting Class:

Five-Star WR Chris Henry Jr (CA)

Five-Star SAF Blaine Bradford (LA)

Four-Star SAF Simeon Caldwell (FL)

Four-Star IOL Maxwell Riley (OH)

Four-Star WR Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (CA)

Four-Star CB Jordan Thomas (NJ)

Four-Star RB Favour Akih (OH)*

Four-Star OT Sam Greer (OH)

Four-Star DB Jakob Weatherspoon (OH)

Four-Star WR Jaeden Ricketts (OH)

Four-Star WR Brock Boyd (TX)

Three-Star TE Corbyn Fordham (FL)

Three-Star IOL Tucker Smith (AZ)