Breaking News: Four-star 2026 Ohio Running Back Favour Akih Commits to Ohio State
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Buckeyes continue to build their future backfield with a major in-state addition.
Favour Akih, a four-star running back from the class of 2026, announced his verbal commitment to Ohio State on Saturday afternoon, giving head coach Ryan Day another highly regarded prospect in what is shaping up to be a nationally competitive recruiting class.
The 6-foot, 195-pound tailback out of Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville made his decision public via social media, choosing the Buckeyes over scholarship offers from Michigan, Penn State, Georgia, and USC, among others. Akih had recently visited several top programs but ultimately couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stay home and wear scarlet and gray.
“This has been a dream since I was a little kid,” Akih wrote in his post. “To play for my home state and represent my family — I couldn’t be more excited to say I’m committed to THE Ohio State University.”
Akih is rated as the No. 4 running back in the 2026 cycle and a top-60 overall player nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite. Known for his explosive speed, strong vision, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Akih had drawn high praise from scouts and analysts since his breakout sophomore season.
As a sophomore, he rushed for over 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns while leading Glenville to a deep playoff run. His performances earned him all-state honors and cemented his status as one of the top offensive weapons in the Midwest.
The Buckeyes’ coaching staff, particularly running backs coach Tony Alford, had been in steady contact with Akih throughout the process. According to sources close to the recruitment, Ohio State made Akih a priority early on, hosting him multiple times in Columbus and building strong relationships with both the player and his family.
“Ohio State felt like home from the start,” Akih said in an interview following his commitment. “Coach Day, Coach Alford — they believed in me, not just as a player but as a person. I want to win a national championship, and I believe I can do that here.”
Akih’s pledge marks the Buckeyes’ second major offensive commitment in the 2026 class, following four-star quarterback commit Mason Pierre-Louis from Florida. The addition of Akih strengthens a pipeline of elite talent coming from Ohio’s high school ranks, where the Buckeyes continue to dominate recruiting battles.
Though National Signing Day is still well over a year away for the 2026 class, Akih’s early decision helps Ohio State gain momentum in its future roster planning. The Buckeyes are expected to take at least two running backs in the class and are also in pursuit of national targets out of Texas and Georgia.
