Ohio State’s Late Offer Puts Them Among Top Contenders for Four-Star RB Favour Akih

Buckeyes Make Strong Impression on Four-Star In-State RB Favour Akih

Ohio State may not have been the first to offer four-star running back Favour Akih, but they’ve wasted no time making a serious impact on his recruitment.

The in-state star recently told On3’s Steve Wiltfong that the Buckeyes’ offer immediately vaulted them into his top three, a significant development in his recruiting process.

“Yeah, being an in-state kid, Ohio State automatically jumps into my top three,” Akih said. “It’s a blessing being able to play for your hometown and bring back big wins to your hometown.”

While he stopped short of naming the Buckeyes as the outright favorite, it’s clear that their offer carries significant weight. At the moment, the Miami Hurricanes appear to be the only other program standing on equal footing with Ohio State in Akih’s eyes.

“It’s really hard to tell right now, but Ohio State and Miami are looking like heavy hitters right now!” Akih told Wiltfong. “It would be hard for me to leave home though!”

That last comment could be a strong indication that the Buckeyes are in prime position to land the talented back.

According to the 247Sports composite rankings, Akih is rated as the No. 15 running back in the 2026 class and the eighth-ranked prospect in the state of Ohio. Nationally, he sits at No. 205 overall.

While Miami and Ohio State seem to be leading the race, Akih has also given strong consideration to USC, Michigan State, and Penn State. However, with the Buckeyes now firmly in the mix, it could be tough for any program to lure him away from his home state.

Ohio State has a strong track record of keeping top in-state talent home, and if they continue to prioritize Akih, he may ultimately decide that Columbus is the best place to continue his football career.