Delaware’s Advantage Akih considers offers from colleges, such as Ohio State football.
In the competitive world of college football recruiting, where powerhouse programs battle fiercely for the nation’s top talent, a name from an unlikely region has begun to circulate with increasing volume: Akih Thompson, a standout athlete from Wilmington, Delaware, who has quickly become one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 recruiting cycle.
While Delaware isn’t typically considered fertile ground for elite college football recruits, Akih’s rise is shifting that narrative. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound two-way player has garnered national attention with his dynamic skill set, impressive football IQ, and leadership on and off the field. As of early May, Akih holds offers from more than a dozen FBS programs, with the most prominent being Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Maryland.
His decision-making process has become a topic of conversation for recruiting insiders, particularly as he weighs the allure of blue-blood programs against his Delaware roots—and the unique perspective those roots afford him.
Delaware produces very few Power Five football players each year. For context, only three players from the state signed with Power Five schools in 2024, and none were considered top-200 recruits nationally. That makes Akih’s rise not just a personal achievement but also a point of pride for his home state.
“People sleep on Delaware athletes,” said Mike Wheeler, head coach at Thompson’s high school. “But Akih? He could start right now for a lot of college teams. He’s the total package.”
Akih plays both quarterback and safety for New Castle Prep, an emerging private school that has built a competitive athletic program in recent years. On offense, he posted 2,600 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, while adding another 800 yards and 12 scores on the ground. On defense, he recorded 4 interceptions and 60 tackles—numbers that have some schools eyeing him as a potential safety or hybrid linebacker.
What makes him special, recruiters say, isn’t just the numbers—it’s the poise, versatility, and football intelligence he brings to every snap.
“Akih sees the game three steps ahead,” one Big Ten scout told 247Sports. “It’s not just talent. He breaks down defenses like a college junior and communicates like a captain.”
Perhaps the most intriguing development in Akih’s recruitment came in late April, when Ohio State formally extended a scholarship offer following a private workout in Columbus. The Buckeyes, known for their relentless recruiting machine, rarely go far off the beaten path unless they’re confident they’ve found a rare gem.
According to sources close to the Buckeye program, the coaching staff views Akih as a “chess piece”—a player who could fit at safety, linebacker, or even wide receiver. His performance during the private workout, particularly in coverage drills and agility tests, reportedly impressed the staff enough to move him up their board immediately.
“They told me they see me as a future captain in that program,” Akih said in an interview with Rivals. “It’s surreal. Growing up, you watch Ohio State every Saturday and dream about being on that field. To have them believe in me like that is special.”
The visit left a lasting impression. Not just because of the offer itself, but because of what he saw behind the scenes.
“It’s the way they treat their players,” Akih said. “It’s not just about football. It’s about leadership, education, becoming a better man. That stood out.”
Akih’s story wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the cultural and social factors of being a star from Delaware. For years, the state has flown under the radar in football recruiting circles. As a result, athletes like Akih often enter the spotlight later than peers from Texas, Georgia, or California.
But instead of seeing this as a disadvantage, Akih views it as a strength.
“I’ve always had to prove myself,” he said. “We don’t have the big TV games or national rankings. But that makes you hungry. That makes you work harder.”
His father, Jordan Thompson, a former University of Delaware linebacker, echoed that sentiment. “There’s a grit to Delaware athletes. Akih represents that. He’s not going to be overwhelmed by big stadiums or bright lights. He’s been grinding since day one.”
Akih’s background also allows him to connect with people from all walks of life. Off the field, he volunteers with Wilmington youth outreach programs and is a regular presence at his former middle school, where he mentors younger athletes.
“Kids look up to him here,” said Principal Angela Morris of Bayard Middle School. “He shows them what’s possible. Not just in football—but in life.”
While Ohio State has made a strong impression, Akih’s recruitment remains wide open. Penn State was the first major program to offer him and continues to push hard, with defensive backs coach Terry Smith forming a strong relationship with the family.
“They were the first to believe in me, so that means something,” Akih said of Penn State. “They’ve shown me how I’d fit into their scheme, especially at safety.”
Notre Dame and Michigan have recently joined the mix, both offering visits and potential early playing time, while Maryland has leaned into its DMV proximity pitch.
The sleeper school? South Carolina, where head coach Shane Beamer has reportedly made personal contact and invited Akih for an official visit this summer. The Gamecocks are positioning themselves as a program on the rise with a need for playmakers.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Akih’s recruitment is what position he’ll play at the next level. While many programs see his long-term upside as a safety or linebacker, Akih himself hasn’t ruled out sticking with quarterback.
“I love playing QB,” he said. “It’s where I feel most in control. But I also know the NFL is all about versatility. If a team wants me on defense, I’ll give it 110%.”
Some schools have made it clear: they’re recruiting him purely as a defender. Others, like Ohio State and Penn State, have left the door open to trying him at quarterback initially before potentially moving him.
Coach Wheeler said he believes Akih’s future is on the defensive side.
“He’s got the instincts, size, and smarts to be an All-American safety,” Wheeler said. “He reminds me of a young Derwin James. But if a team gives him a shot at quarterback, I wouldn’t bet against him there either.”
Akih has laid out a preliminary official visit schedule:
- June 7–9: Penn State
- June 14–16: Ohio State
- June 21–23: Notre Dame
- TBD: South Carolina and Michigan
He’s expected to make a commitment before the start of his senior season in August, aiming to focus entirely on development and academics.
“It’s about finding the best fit,” he said. “Not just on the field, but where I feel at home.”
Akih’s rising profile has naturally made him a topic in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space. While he isn’t publicly discussing specific numbers, his camp has confirmed that multiple schools have outlined NIL opportunities through local and national collectives.
Yet, Akih seems grounded about the process.
“NIL is cool, but it’s not why I play,” he said. “I want to win, lead, and build something great. If the money comes with that, fine. But my legacy won’t be about a dollar sign.”
His maturity has been repeatedly praised by coaches and media alike, especially in an era where recruiting can often turn into a spectacle.
As Akih Thompson narrows his list of suitors and inches closer to a life-changing decision, the broader story may not be just where he goes—but what he represents. For Delaware, he could become the first true five-star recruit to emerge from the state in decades. For college football, he’s a reminder that talent isn’t confined to hotbeds or headlines.
Whether he ends up in Columbus, Happy Valley, South Bend, or elsewhere, Akih is already carving a legacy of ambition, humility, and excellence.
