The stars have aligned in Columbus — and they’ve brought with them a game-changing commitment for the Buckeyes.
In what’s shaping up to be one of the most meaningful pledges of the 2026 recruiting cycle, Favour Akih, a four-star running back from Delaware, Ohio, has officially committed to Ohio State University. This decision not only delivers a major boost to the Buckeyes’ ground game for the future, but also marks a homegrown triumph for newly minted running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, who is already flexing his recruiting muscles.
And make no mistake — this wasn’t your average recruitment.
From Local Standout to Future Scarlet and Gray Star
Akih’s recruitment may read like a Hollywood script: a small-town Ohio kid dreaming of donning the scarlet and gray, attending Buckeye practices as a fan, and eventually earning the offer that once seemed like a fantasy. That moment came on March 17, during Ohio State’s first spring practice, and it changed everything.
Though he’d already caught the attention of blue bloods like Miami and USC, it was clear his heart never left Columbus. The minute the Buckeyes offered, the momentum swung irrevocably toward Ohio State. He returned to campus multiple times — including during the Buckeyes’ national championship celebration in January — and after a final official visit this past Friday, the writing was on the wall. The hometown kid was coming home.
An Instant Jolt to the 2026 Recruiting Class
Akih becomes the 14th commitment in Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class, and the first running back to pledge his future to Locklyn. More notably, he is the sixth in-state prospect to hop on board, joining names like Maxwell Riley, Sam Greer, CJ Sanna, Jakob Weatherspoon, and Jaeden Ricketts. The Buckeyes have clearly doubled down on building from within Ohio’s fertile recruiting grounds — and Akih is a cornerstone in that effort.
But this is just the beginning. Locklyn is far from done, with the staff continuing to pursue elite backs like Savion Hiter and Derrek Cooper to complement Akih in what could become a top-tier duo in the class.
What Favour Brings: The Breakdown
Ranked as the No. 166 player nationally and the No. 14 running back in the country by the 247Sports Composite, Akih has 22 Division I offers to his name — a laundry list of powerhouse programs including Michigan State, Penn State, Louisville, Wisconsin, NC State, Purdue, Cincinnati, and more. But none of them held the emotional weight or developmental appeal of the Buckeyes.
Statistically, Akih is as impressive as they come. In his junior season, he amassed a thunderous 1,653 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, while also showcasing his versatility with 142 receiving yards and three scores on just nine catches. He blends elite acceleration with bulldozing power, making him a nightmare for defenders both in open space and between the tackles. Akih doesn’t just evade tacklers — he shatters them, often bouncing off would-be defenders like a pinball.
His tape shows a running back with a rare cocktail of speed, balance, vision, and footwork, with the agility to make cuts at full throttle and the IQ to read blocks like a veteran. Add in his ability to catch out of the backfield and a willingness to block — and you’ve got a future three-down back who fits perfectly in OSU’s offensive philosophy.
️ The Path Ahead in Columbus
While Akih is unlikely to be the day-one feature back in Columbus — thanks to a loaded Ohio State depth chart — he has the physical tools and mental makeup to compete for significant touches by his second year. He’ll likely take his freshman season to adjust to the speed and complexity of the college game, but insiders already believe he’s a player who could fast-track into the rotation if development and health cooperate.
The Bigger Picture: Symbolism and Strategy
This commitment represents more than just the addition of a top-200 recruit. It’s a symbol of Ohio State’s enduring dominance on the in-state recruiting trail, a validation of Carlos Locklyn’s early impact, and a strategic investment in a dynamic, versatile playmaker who could soon be the face of the Buckeyes’ backfield.
And for Akih? It’s the realization of a dream — not just to play college football, but to become a part of the most iconic program in his own backyard, a place where Saturday afternoons echo with the roar of 100,000-plus fans and national titles aren’t just aspirations, but expectations.
Favour Akih didn’t just commit to Ohio State. He committed to legacy.
