Favour Akih is the kind of kid who makes you proud to be from Ohio. A four-star running back from Delaware, just a quick 30-minute drive from Columbus, he’s tearing it up at Rutherford B. Hayes High School and dreaming big about playing for Ohio State in 2026. Growing up so close to the Horseshoe, he’s got Buckeye blood in him, and lately, he’s been turning heads as one of the top prospects in his class. Here’s the scoop on Favour and why he’s got his sights set on scarlet and gray.

A Junior Season That Turned Heads

Let me tell you, Favour’s junior year in 2024 was something else. The guy ran wild—1,653 yards and 15 touchdowns on 236 carries over 11 games, according to MaxPreps. That’s not just good; that’s “hold onto your hat” good. He wasn’t just a ground-and-pound runner either—he snagged nine catches for 142 yards and three more scores out of the backfield. The kid’s fast, tough, and can shake defenders like they’re standing still. He had four games where he topped 200 yards rushing, just taking over like it was nothing. Oh, and he even moonlights as a linebacker on defense. Talk about a do-it-all athlete.

At 6 feet and 190 pounds, Favour’s got the size and the moves to make you think, “Yeah, this kid’s built for the big time.” Watching him play, you can see why college coaches are losing sleep trying to get him on their team.

Recruitment Heating Up: Ohio State’s Calling

Favour’s phone has been blowing up with offers—over 20 from big-time schools like USC, Miami, Penn State, Michigan State, you name it. But Ohio State? That’s the one that hits different. He’s been a Buckeye fan forever, and he’s not shy about saying it’s “every Ohio kid’s dream” to play there. I mean, who wouldn’t want to run out of that tunnel in Columbus?

The Buckeyes made it official on March 17, 2025. Coach Ryan Day and running backs guru Carlos Locklyn sat him down after he checked out their first spring practice and said, “You’re our guy.” Favour was over the moon—he hopped on social media right after, shouting out, “WOW… TO GOD BE THE GLORY! After a great talk with @ryandaytime, I’m blessed beyond belief to get an offer from THEE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY! GO BUCKS.” You can feel how much it meant to him. He’s been tight with Locklyn for a while now—talking every day, hearing how he’d fit in with the team. That kind of connection sticks with you.

Just a couple days later, on March 19, he trimmed his list to three: Ohio State, USC, and Miami. He’s got visits lined up—Ohio State June 6-8, USC June 13-15, and Miami June 20-22. The recruiting gurus, like Steve Wiltfong from On3 and Allen Trieu from 247Sports, are betting on the Buckeyes. On3’s giving it an 84% shot, and Wiltfong’s at 60% confidence. Being so close to home might just seal the deal.

Why Ohio State Feels Like Home

It’s not just about the short drive for Favour. He’s all about what Ohio State stands for—the grit, the family vibe, the way they push each other. “The culture and brotherhood at Ohio State, it’s unreal,” he told The Silver Bulletin after catching the Nebraska game in 2024. “Everyone’s got each other’s back, and that’s why they’re so good.” He geeked out watching freshman star Jeremiah Smith make insane catches that day, saying it was “a dream come true” to see him live.

Favour looks at guys like Ezekiel Elliott and J.K. Dobbins and thinks, “I could be next.” He told folks, “Ohio State’s turned out so many awesome running backs, and I think they could help me grow as a player and a person.” Plus, staying near family and friends? That’s a big bonus. “It’s always cool to play close to home,” he said with a grin.

Where He Stands Nationally

The recruiting sites love him—247Sports has him as the No. 205 player in the 2026 class, No. 15 running back, and No. 7 in Ohio. On3’s got him at No. 186 overall and No. 7 at his position. He’s got that perfect mix of speed and strength, and he can catch passes like a wideout. Most schools want him toting the rock, but USC’s pitching him as a linebacker, which is pretty wild. He’s hyped to visit LA and see what that’s about, but you get the sense Ohio State’s still got the inside track.

What’s Next for Favour

Right now, as of March 22, 2025, Favour’s still weighing his options. Those summer visits in June are gonna be huge. Ohio State’s 2026 class is already stacked—ranked No. 6 by On3 with studs like five-star receiver Chris Henry Jr. locked in. Favour would fit right in, especially after they nabbed Anthony Rogers and Bo Jackson for 2025.

He’s been soaking up the Buckeye vibes—watching the National Championship parade in January, hitting up games, feeling the energy. “I could totally see myself in scarlet,” he told The Silver Bulletin, and you can tell he means it. USC and Miami are tempting, no doubt—he’s curious about California life and Miami’s hot streak—but Ohio State’s got that home-field advantage in more ways than one.

Whether he stays local or takes his talents elsewhere, Favour’s got the skills and the heart to shine wherever he lands. Buckeye fans are crossing their fingers, hoping this Ohio kid makes his dream—and theirs—come true in 2026. One thing’s for sure: Favour Akih’s a name you won’t forget.