Ohio State Scores Major Win: Delaware Hayes Running Back Favour Akih’s Unexpected Commitment Shakes Up Recruiting Landscape
When a powerhouse program like Ohio State locks down a rising star, you better take notice—and that’s exactly what’s happened with Favour Akih, the four-star running back carving up defenses at Delaware Hayes High School. After an eye-popping junior year, booming with 1,653 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, Akih’s commitment to the Buckeyes after his official visit this weekend sends a clear message: the scarlet and gray are stacking their deck early for the 2026 class. It’s more than just numbers—this 6-foot dynamo is promising a blend of grit, heart, and explosiveness that could shake up Big Ten backfields for years to come. Plus, his decision to pick Ohio State over Miami and Southern Cal adds a splash of local flavor to a recruiting class already rich with Ohio talent. There’s a buzz around Columbus, and with good reason—Akih could be the next great Buckeye to sprint out of the gate. LEARN MORE
- Favour Akih, a standout from Delaware, Ohio, had a successful junior season rushing for 1,653 yards and 21 touchdowns.
- He is ranked as the No. 166 overall prospect and No. 14 running back in the 2026 class.
Favour Akih, a four-star running back from Delaware Hayes High School, has committed to Ohio State following an official visit this weekend.“I’m beyond grateful for the Delaware community, my coaches, the entire staff, my family, and especially my teammates, past and present who’ve supported and pushed me every step of the way,” he wrote on June 8 in a post on X. “I can’t wait to fight for the scarlet and gray.”Akih received a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes in March in the aftermath of a breakout junior season.
The latest composite rankings from 247Sports have Akih as the No. 166 overall prospect and No. 14 running back in the recruiting class for 2026.He rushed for 1,653 yards and totaled 21 touchdowns for Delaware in 2024, expanding the 6-foot back’s profile as a prospect.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at[email protected] and follow along onBluesky,Instagram andX for more.
Akih, who picked the Buckeyes over Miami and Southern California, gives the Buckeyes their first running back pledge in the class after they signed three last year in Bo Jackson, Anthony Rogers and Isaiah West.
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