Four-star running back Favour Akih has officially committed to Ohio State, providing the Buckeyes with yet another high-upside weapon in an already loaded recruiting class. The Delaware Hayes standout made his decision following an official visit to Columbus, where the atmosphere, coaching staff, and vision of the program clearly left a lasting impression. For Buckeye Nation, this commitment adds momentum to an already strong cycle and could mark a key piece in Ohio State’s backfield plans for years to come.
Akih’s decision wasn’t a complete surprise. The talented rusher has been on Ohio State’s radar for some time, and the mutual interest between the two parties had been growing steadily over recent months. His official visit gave the coaching staff the final opportunity to connect with him on a deeper level, show him how he fits into their long-term scheme, and immerse him in the culture of one of college football’s most iconic programs. That visit clearly sealed the deal.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 205 pounds, Akih brings a rare blend of size, speed, and vision. He’s a powerful downhill runner with the ability to make defenders miss in open space and the acceleration to break away for long gains. At Delaware Hayes, he developed a reputation for being nearly impossible to bring down one-on-one, frequently turning routine handoffs into highlight-reel plays. His film showcases an athlete with elite footwork, strong balance through contact, and a knack for making the right read in high-pressure situations.
Recruiting analysts have raved about Akih’s upside, with many projecting him as one of the most complete backs in the 2025 class. What makes him particularly intriguing is his versatility. He can run between the tackles, bounce outside with authority, and is more than capable as a receiver out of the backfield. That kind of skill set fits perfectly with what Ohio State looks for in a modern running back — someone who can stay on the field for all three downs and make an impact in every phase of the game.
Akih’s commitment also represents a win for running backs coach Tony Alford and the entire Ohio State staff, who have been relentless in pursuing top-tier talent both in and out of state. Though Akih is from Delaware County, Ohio — just north of Columbus — the recruiting process still required significant effort and strategic communication to ensure he felt like a priority. The Buckeyes delivered that message with clarity and consistency, and it paid off in a big way.
For Akih, the decision to stay close to home and play for a national powerhouse wasn’t taken lightly. He had other notable programs courting him, and his recruiting profile continued to rise throughout the spring. But in the end, the chance to represent his home state, contribute early to a championship-contending team, and be developed by some of the best coaches in the country made Ohio State the clear choice.
The Buckeyes have long been known for their ability to develop top-tier running backs, from J.K. Dobbins to Ezekiel Elliott and TreVeyon Henderson. That lineage undoubtedly played a role in Akih’s thinking. Ohio State has proven time and again that it can prepare backs for the NFL while also keeping them in the national spotlight throughout their college careers. For a player like Akih — who has NFL aspirations — that track record speaks volumes.
In addition to the football aspect, Akih also spoke highly of the academic support and personal development resources available at Ohio State. The coaching staff emphasized not only how he would grow as a player but also as a student and a leader. That holistic approach to recruiting is something that has helped Ohio State stay at the top of the college football landscape year after year.
Akih’s commitment also helps the Buckeyes strengthen their position in what is shaping up to be another top-five national recruiting class. Adding a four-star running back with his skill set sends a clear message to other recruits: Ohio State is building something special, and top players want to be a part of it. As more and more pieces fall into place, momentum will only continue to grow, and Akih’s decision could help sway other top targets to follow suit.
The fit on the field is seamless. Ohio State has built a reputation for dynamic offensive play calling, elite line play, and a balanced attack that allows running backs to thrive. Akih will have the opportunity to contribute early, particularly if he continues to show the work ethic and maturity that have already drawn praise from his high school coaches. While there will be competition in the running back room, Akih has the physical tools and mental toughness to carve out a role quickly.
Off the field, Akih has been described as humble, focused, and driven — the type of player who puts in the extra work and leads by example. Those qualities will endear him to the Ohio State fanbase, which places a high value on character as well as talent. He’s already expressed his excitement about being a Buckeye, and early indications suggest he’s eager to start recruiting other top prospects to join him in Columbus.
Delaware Hayes head coach Ryan Montgomery called Akih “one of the most coachable and talented players I’ve ever worked with,” adding that his “relentless drive to get better every day” is what separates him from others. Montgomery said Akih’s commitment is “a dream come true” not just for the player, but for the entire community, which has watched him grow from a promising youth athlete into a nationally recognized recruit.
The significance of this commitment extends beyond just the Xs and Os. Akih’s decision to play for Ohio State is a source of pride for central Ohio and a reminder of the strength of in-state recruiting. In an era when top players often look elsewhere, Akih’s pledge shows that the Buckeyes can still keep elite talent home, especially when the program offers everything a young athlete could want — elite competition, a national stage, professional development, and unwavering fan support.
For Ryan Day and his staff, Akih represents the type of athlete that can elevate a program. He’s talented, yes, but also adaptable, coachable, and team-first. Those intangibles are what often separate the good from the great, and if Akih lives up to the potential many see in him, he could be a difference-maker for years to come. It’s rare to find backs who combine physical traits with vision and football IQ at such a young age, but that’s exactly what Akih brings to the table.
The running back position is undergoing a transformation at both the college and pro levels, with an increasing emphasis on versatility and durability. Akih seems built for the modern game. Whether it’s taking 20 carries between the tackles, catching five passes in the flat, or picking up a crucial blitz on third down, he’s the type of player who can impact the game in multiple ways. That’s the kind of weapon any offensive coordinator dreams of having in their arsenal.
As Ohio State continues to reload its roster with elite talent across every position, the addition of Akih stands out as both strategic and symbolic. It reinforces the program’s commitment to recruiting excellence and player development while also strengthening its grip on local talent. Fans can expect to hear Akih’s name called frequently in the coming years, as he competes for snaps, contributes on special teams, and eventually becomes a fixture in the Buckeye offense.
In the ever-competitive world of college football recruiting, winning battles like this one matters. Not only does it help from a roster-building standpoint, but it also creates headlines, builds buzz, and energizes the fan base. When a top local prospect chooses to stay home and commit to the state’s flagship program, it sends a powerful message to younger recruits that they too can achieve their dreams without leaving Ohio. Akih’s choice could spark a domino effect — one that further bolsters Ohio State’s 2025 class and keeps the Buckeyes firmly in the national title conversation.
In the days ahead, Akih is expected to stay locked in with his commitment and begin building relationships with future teammates. He’s already become a popular figure among Buckeye fans on social media, and that presence is only going to grow as he gets closer to arriving in Columbus. For now, he’ll focus on finishing out his senior season at Delaware Hayes, where expectations will be sky-high.
But no matter what happens next, one thing is certain: Ohio State just landed a game-changing talent in Favour Akih. With his commitment, the Buckeyes have secured not only a dynamic backfield threat but a high-character individual who is ready to make a difference both on and off the field. The future is bright in Columbus, and Akih’s journey is only just beginning.
