“We break down what explosive new running back commit Favour Akih brings to the Buckeyes, highlighting the elite traits that make him a game-changer on the field.”
Favour Akih’s commitment to the Ohio State Buckeyes brings a surge of energy, anticipation, and intrigue to the program’s future backfield. In the ever-competitive landscape of college football, where explosive playmakers can tilt the balance of power, Akih’s arrival has the potential to be one of those rare signings that alters the trajectory of a team. As Ohio State continues to recruit and reload with elite talent, Akih stands out not just for his raw athleticism, but for the unique blend of skills he brings to the position. He is a running back who can do far more than run; he is a weapon with the ball in his hands, a tactician with great vision, and a relentless competitor whose ceiling appears incredibly high. What makes Akih such a tantalizing addition to the Buckeyes isn’t just his production at the high school level or his physical measurables, but rather how those tools translate to the next level and where they fit within the evolving Ohio State offense.
At first glance, Akih’s frame is impressive. He carries the kind of build that coaches covet in a college-level running back—sturdy yet agile, powerful yet explosive. Standing around 6 feet tall and weighing in at approximately 205 pounds, he brings the perfect combination of size and speed. He has the lower-body strength to push through arm tackles and finish runs with authority, while his top-end speed allows him to break away in the open field. That straight-line speed is crucial in the Big Ten, a conference that demands physicality but increasingly rewards backs who can take one cut and go the distance. But Akih isn’t simply a physical specimen. He plays with a sharp football IQ that allows him to anticipate defenders’ movements, read blocks effectively, and make quick decisions on the fly. He’s not just running to daylight—he’s creating it.
What separates Akih from many of his peers is his versatility. He is not confined to the backfield in a traditional sense. He has shown the ability to line up in the slot, run polished routes, and serve as a legitimate receiving threat. This dual-threat capability is exactly what makes him such an appealing fit in today’s spread offenses. In an era where offensive coordinators are constantly looking to create mismatches and stretch defenses horizontally, having a running back like Akih who can catch passes as comfortably as a wide receiver is a massive advantage. His hands are soft, his route tree is surprisingly refined for someone at this stage in his career, and his awareness in open space is elite. Defenders can’t key in on him solely as a between-the-tackles grinder. He can hurt them in a multitude of ways, whether it’s on a swing pass, a delayed screen, or an angle route out of the backfield.
His footwork and change-of-direction ability are perhaps his most lethal traits. On tape, Akih displays remarkable balance and short-area quickness. He can jump-cut in tight spaces, spin away from contact, and reaccelerate with astonishing speed. His lateral agility makes him a nightmare for linebackers in one-on-one situations, and he rarely goes down on first contact. That combination of shiftiness and strength is rare, and it’s exactly what allows him to rack up yards after contact and keep drives alive. More than just a highlight reel runner, Akih’s game is built on consistent execution. He doesn’t dance in the backfield or waste steps. Every movement has purpose. That’s the mark of a well-coached, disciplined athlete who understands how to maximize his physical gifts.
Akih’s vision is another standout attribute. Some running backs are fast and strong but struggle to find the right holes or hesitate at the line of scrimmage. Akih, on the other hand, displays natural patience and an uncanny feel for timing. He allows his blocks to develop, shows great anticipation for cutback lanes, and rarely runs into traffic. This vision, combined with his acceleration, makes him deadly in zone-blocking schemes and read-option looks. He’s able to make one decisive cut and explode through the second level, often leaving defenders flat-footed. That kind of natural feel for the position can’t be taught; it’s instinctual, and Akih has it in abundance.
From a competitiveness standpoint, Akih plays with a chip on his shoulder. He runs angry, as if every carry is a personal statement. That intensity resonates with teammates and coaches alike. He doesn’t shy away from contact, and he takes pride in doing the dirty work—whether it’s in pass protection or grinding out tough yards between the tackles. That willingness to block and his understanding of pass protection schemes are especially important at the next level, where running backs are often asked to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback. Akih’s physicality and toughness in that area will earn him early playing time and trust from coaches, something not all freshmen can claim.
Akih’s background also plays a role in shaping the player he is today. Growing up in an environment that valued hard work, discipline, and perseverance, he carries those values onto the field. His preparation, work ethic, and commitment to the game have drawn praise from those around him. Coaches have lauded his coachability and eagerness to improve. He’s the type of athlete who spends extra hours in the film room, studies his own tendencies, and asks for feedback constantly. That hunger for growth is what often separates the good from the great. It’s also what suggests his best football is still ahead of him, which is a scary thought for opposing defenses.
His fit within Ohio State’s offensive system couldn’t be better. The Buckeyes have long favored backs who are not just ball-carriers but complete football players. In recent years, the team has leaned into schemes that blend power runs with outside zone, RPOs, and screen passes. In this hybrid attack, a back like Akih is invaluable. He can line up in multiple formations, operate effectively in tempo settings, and serve as both a bell-cow back and a finesse weapon. With a deep quarterback room and an explosive wide receiver corps likely drawing attention, Akih could find plenty of space to operate underneath or in the second level. His presence on the field will force defenses to account for yet another dynamic threat, opening up opportunities for the entire offense.
Akih’s commitment also sends a strong message on the recruiting trail. Ohio State has built a reputation for landing top-tier talent, but continuing to secure versatile and intelligent players like Akih only reinforces the notion that the Buckeyes are not just collecting stars—they’re building a cohesive, well-rounded roster. It reflects well on the coaching staff’s ability to identify players who fit their system and culture. It also demonstrates that players of Akih’s caliber are buying into the program’s long-term vision. He’s not just coming to Columbus to play football. He’s coming to win, develop, and prepare for the next level.
What’s also worth noting is how Akih’s presence may elevate those around him. The best players make their teammates better, and Akih has that kind of influence. His relentless drive, combined with his versatility, will push other backs in the room to raise their games. Competition breeds excellence, and Akih’s arrival ensures that the running back group remains one of the most competitive units on the roster. Younger players will look to him as a standard, while veterans will appreciate the injection of fresh energy and talent. His leadership, even as a freshman, could prove vital. Not all leadership is vocal; some of it comes from the way a player carries himself, how he prepares, and how he performs under pressure. Akih leads by example, and that example is a strong one.
Looking ahead, the sky is the limit for Favour Akih at Ohio State. He has the tools to contribute early, the mindset to develop rapidly, and the potential to become one of the most impactful running backs in the country. Whether it’s turning a short screen into a 40-yard gain, bulldozing a linebacker on a key third down, or sprinting untouched into the end zone, Akih has the ability to make plays that swing games. But more than just a playmaker, he’s a player who elevates the standard. His commitment is not only a win for Ohio State’s future but a testament to the program’s ability to identify, recruit, and develop elite talent with character. In a game increasingly dominated by speed, versatility, and adaptability, Favour Akih is the prototype—and the Buckeyes just got significantly better because of it.
