Favour Akih didn’t need a last-minute push, a dramatic flip, or a late-night phone call to seal the deal—his commitment to Ohio State was something that had been building over time, shaped by trust, relationships, and the growing belief that Columbus was where he was destined to thrive. On a sunny June afternoon, the Buckeyes received a massive boost to their already loaded 2025 recruiting class when Akih, one of the top running backs in the country, officially pledged his future to Ohio State. The announcement sent ripples through the recruiting world and lit up social media with reactions from fans, players, and analysts who have followed Akih’s journey for years.
The Canadian-born rusher, who had offers from top programs across the nation—including Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, and Oregon—made it clear that his decision wasn’t just about football. It was about family, faith, and finding a program that matched his ambition. “There was just something different about Ohio State,” Akih said. “It wasn’t just the facilities or the history, even though that’s obviously elite. It was the people. It was the love. It was the way they treated me and my family like we already belonged there.”
Akih, who stands 6-foot-0 and weighs 205 pounds, is known for his blend of explosiveness, balance, and vision. He’s a north-south runner with the ability to make one cut and explode through the hole, a style that fits perfectly with what Ohio State has traditionally valued in its backfield. But beyond his skill set, what truly made him a priority target for head coach Ryan Day and running backs coach Tony Alford was his mindset. Akih is a grinder, a competitor, and someone who doesn’t flinch under pressure. In camps, workouts, and big games, he consistently rose to the moment—showing not just star power, but a work ethic that mirrored the Buckeyes’ culture.
When asked what ultimately set Ohio State apart, Akih smiled and spoke about the connection he built with the coaching staff. “Coach Alford believed in me before a lot of other people did,” he said. “He didn’t talk to me like I was just another recruit. He talked to me like a man. Like someone he wanted to coach, not just for what I can do on Saturdays, but for who I am off the field. That meant a lot to me and my family. And Coach Day, man, he’s one of the realest coaches in the country. He’s about business, but he cares about his guys.”
Throughout the recruiting process, Akih remained level-headed. He visited multiple schools, spoke to countless coaches, and took in each pitch with open ears, but he always returned to one phrase when describing Ohio State: “It just felt like home.” That feeling grew stronger after every campus visit, every phone call, and every conversation with current Buckeyes who made it clear what it meant to wear the scarlet and gray. He connected deeply with some of the program’s current stars, who shared stories about the brotherhood in the locker room, the expectation of greatness, and the pride that comes with playing in front of 100,000 fans at the Horseshoe.
One of the biggest turning points came during his most recent visit to Columbus, where Akih got to spend extended time with players, sit in on meetings, and immerse himself in the day-to-day life of a Buckeye. That weekend, he said, “sealed everything.” He saw not only the discipline and structure the program demands, but also the way the team leaned on each other—how they celebrated wins, overcame losses, and pushed each other to be better. “They weren’t just teammates. They were brothers. I saw myself being a part of that.”
Akih’s family played a major role in his recruitment. From the beginning, his parents emphasized academics, character, and long-term fit over flash. They visited schools with him, asked hard questions, and wanted to make sure wherever Favour ended up, he would be developed as a person as much as a player. Ohio State passed that test with flying colors. “My mom and dad loved the environment,” Akih said. “They saw how serious the program is about education, life after football, and taking care of their guys. That gave them peace of mind. And when your parents are at peace with your decision, it makes it a lot easier to follow your heart.”
Akih has lofty goals, and he’s not shy about them. He wants to be one of the best running backs in college football. He wants to win a national championship. He wants to earn his degree. And yes, he wants to get to the NFL. But right now, his focus is on putting in the work—on staying humble, staying hungry, and being ready to contribute however he can the moment he steps foot on campus. “I’m coming to compete,” he said. “Nothing is promised. I’ve got to earn everything. But that’s how I like it. Iron sharpens iron.”
Ohio State fans will no doubt be eager to see how Akih fits into the future of their offense. With his natural talent and relentless drive, he’s expected to make an immediate impact. Analysts have praised his ability to hit top speed quickly, his balance through contact, and his pass-catching out of the backfield—traits that could make him a versatile weapon in Ryan Day’s evolving scheme. But beyond the X’s and O’s, what makes Akih special is the intangibles. He’s a leader. A student of the game. A young man who understands what it means to carry the Buckeye brand with integrity and pride.
As the news of his commitment spread, reactions poured in from current players, future teammates, and former Ohio State greats. “Let’s go!!! Welcome to the brotherhood,” one player posted on X. Another wrote, “We just got a DOG. This backfield going to be crazy.” Akih took it all in with gratitude, but he quickly shifted focus to what’s next. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “I’m committed to Ohio State, but I’m also committed to being the best version of myself every single day. I’ve got work to do. I want to be remembered as one of the greats.”
That kind of mindset is what has coaches and teammates so excited. They see a young man who isn’t satisfied with stars or hype. They see someone who is already talking about film sessions, weight room goals, and leadership roles before he’s even put on the jersey. “He’s mature beyond his years,” said one OSU staffer. “He’s focused, he’s respectful, and he understands the moment. We’re getting a great player, but we’re also getting a great person.”
In today’s ever-changing college football landscape, where NIL, transfer portals, and social media spotlight dominate the conversation, Favour Akih represents a refreshing throwback—a player driven by passion, by purpose, and by the chance to build something lasting. He’s not chasing headlines; he’s chasing greatness. And he’s chosen to do that at one of the most iconic programs in the country.
For Ohio State, this is more than just another recruiting win. This is a signal to the rest of the nation that the Buckeyes continue to set the standard. That they can win battles for elite talent not just with tradition and trophies, but with relationships, vision, and authenticity. With Favour Akih on board, the Buckeyes’ future looks even brighter. He brings a rare mix of skill, character, and drive that fans in Columbus are going to fall in love with.
Akih summed it up best himself: “I didn’t come here to be average. I came here to be great. To win. To leave a legacy. And I know I’m in the right place to do all of that.” With those words, a new chapter begins for both Favour Akih and the Ohio State Buckeyes—and if his confidence, determination, and heart are any indication, it’s going to be a chapter worth remembering.
