Ohio State could be poised to land a top 2026 football recruit.
On Wednesday, Favour Akih narrowed down his choices to three schools. The four-star running back will decide between Ohio State, USC, and Miami.
“Thank you to all the teams who took a chance on [me], and I’m thankful for all the relationships we have made along the way!” Akih wrote on social media. “But I am officially down to three schools!”
The Ohio-based prospect could stay close to home. Allen Trieu, a recruiting expert for 247Sports, predicted Akih to pick Ohio State. Ryan Day made Akih a scholarship offer Monday following his official campus visit.
On3’s Steve Wiltfong also believes Akih will choose the Buckeyes. On3 gives the defending national champions an 84 percent probability of landing him.
Via the 247Sports composite rankings, Akih is the No. 205 overall prospect, No. 15 running back, and No. 8 recruit from Ohio. In just his third year of playing football, he accrued 1,653 yards and 15 touchdowns for Rutherford B. Hayes High School.
The 6-foot, 190-pounder may have a soft spot for the Buckeyes.
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 23: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 23, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“Being an in-state kid, Ohio State automatically jumps into my top three,” Akih told Wiltfong after his visit. “It’s a blessing being able to play for your hometown and bring back big wins to your hometown.”
Akih called it “a life-changing moment” to receive an offer from Ohio State.
“I believe it’s every Ohio kid’s dream to go and play football at The Ohio State University,” Akih told Buckeye Huddle’s Marc Givler. “So for me, it meant the world. Being able to talk to Coach Day and Coach [Carlos] Locklyn and seeing the future they have planned for me put a big smile on my face.”
If he chooses the Buckeyes, Akih will join a 2026 recruiting class led by wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. Day bolstered his backfield by adding four-star running backs Anthony Rogers and Bo Jackson to his incoming 2025 class.
