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Ohio State Buckeyes beat out college football program with deep pockets to land key recruit from their own backyard

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 2:39 PM ET

Ohio State has landed its 14th commitment for the class of 2026.

June was always expected to be a pivotal month for the Buckeyes, with a flurry of official visits on the calendar. This past weekend, one of their top running back targets was on campus—and now he’s officially committed.

Four-star RB Favour Akih commits to Ohio State over Miami and USC

It was never really a question of if, but when Ohio State would land four-star Delaware Hayes (OH) running back Favour Akih. Akih chose the Buckeyes over the Hurricanes and Trojans, marking a major recruiting win for the program.

BREAKING: Four-Star RB Favour Akih has Committed to Ohio State, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’0 190 RB from Delaware, OH chose the Buckeyes over Miami & USC

“Thank you Lord, go Bucks”https://t.co/zAV6jHpl3A pic.twitter.com/2gzuCMVQV3
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 8, 2025

Ohio State extended an offer to Akih on March 17—a moment the in-state prospect had been eagerly awaiting.

“The offer meant the world to me, [it was] dreams to reality,” Akih told A to Z Sports exclusively back in March. “This is what every Ohio kid works for—to one day be able to play for the Buckeyes.”

Now, Akih will get that chance. He becomes running backs coach Carlos Locklyn’s first commit at the position for the 2026 class. Akih is ranked as the No. 166 overall player and the No. 14 running back in the class, according to the 247Sports Composite.

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) June 8, 2025

Ohio State is expected to take multiple running backs in this cycle, similar to how they approached the 2025 class. While losing TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins will be a blow, the Buckeyes have positioned themselves well for the future.

With Akih now in the fold, Ohio State remains in pursuit of other top targets, including Savion Hiter, Jae Lamar, and Carsyn Baker. Locklyn has done an impressive job on the recruiting trail in just his second season with the Buckeyes.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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