The Miami Hurricanes are in a recruiting battle with the University of Southern California and Ohio State University for the commitment of four-star running back Favour Akih from Delaware, Ohio. Akih, a standout at Rutherford B. Hayes High School, has narrowed his choices to these three programs.
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, Akih has established himself as one of the premier running backs in the 2026 recruiting cycle. According to 247Sports, he holds a composite rating of 0.9393, ranking him as the 14th-best running back nationally and the 6th overall prospect in Ohio. ESPN assigned him a scout grade of 82 and listed him as the 16th-ranked running back in the nation.
NEWS: Four-Star RB Favour Akih is down to Ohio State, Miami, & USC, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 18, 2025
The 6’0 190 RB from Delaware, OH is ranked as the #2 RB in Ohio (per On3)
Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/zAV6jHpST8 pic.twitter.com/0ceHfFByF2
Akih's athleticism has also caught the eye of scouts through track and field. He holds a 100-meter dash time of 10.90 seconds and a 40-yard dash of 4.43 seconds. His on-field performance reflects these metrics, with scouts praising his physical running style and breakaway speed.
The Hurricanes, under head coach Mario Cristobal, have been aggressive in pursuing top-tier talent to solidify the program. The Hurricanes have extended an offer to Akih, and his interest in Miami suggests a mutual recognition of potential fit. The Trojans, with their storied history and leadership under head coach Lincoln Riley, present a compelling option for Akih. Despite having recent seasons that might have left some to be desired, USC has a history of developing NFL-caliber talent, which make it an attractive destination. Ohio State offers proximity and a tradition of excellence. The Buckeyes are coming off of a national championship and offer NIL opportunities that will be tough for even top programs such as Miami and USC to match.
Securing Akih's commitment would be a significant boost for Miami's 2026 recruiting class. As of now, the Hurricanes have secured commitments from several notable prospects. Jordan Campbell is a four-star linebacker from Miami Carol City High School. He is ranked 99th nationally and is considered the 5th-best linebacker in the class. Jaelen Waters is a four-star cornerback from Armwood High School in Seffner, Florida. Waters holds the 126th spot nationally and is the 15th-ranked cornerback. Dereon Coleman is a four-star quarterback from Jones High School in Orlando, Florida. He is ranked 262nd nationally and is the 17th-best quarterback in the class.