COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio State is making waves in the national running back landscape, emerging as a prime destination for elite backs in the Class of 2026 and beyond. With a combination of in-state dominance and high-profile national targets, the Buckeyes are reinforcing their reputation as a premier backfield powerhouse.
The momentum began early with Favour Akih, a four-star in-state talent from Delaware Hayes who officially committed on June 8. Ranked No. 14 nationally among 2026 RBs and No. 8 in Ohio by the 247Sports Composite, Akih chose Ohio State over Miami and USC, boosting the Buckeyes’ 2026 class to 14 members . Akih brings elite production—1,653 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns—as well as notable speed (10.90 in the 100m) to Carlos Locklyn’s room .
But Ohio State isn’t stopping there. They’ve also drawn the interest of national standout Savion Hiter, the nation’s No. 1 RB in the 2025 class. Hiter has trimmed his final list to Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, and Tennessee, with recent official visits to Columbus and Ann Arbor—signs that the Buckeyes are firmly in contention .
This recruiting strategy is paying dividends. In the 2025 cycle, OSU already landed four-star back Bo Jackson from Cleveland, adding another top-tier in-state threat to their arsenal . That earlier success set the tone, reinforcing Ohio State’s ability to lock down homegrown talent.
Ohio State’s approach is methodical but aggressive: pairing strong in-state pipelines with high-engagement outreach to national blue-chip RBs. Coach Carlos Locklyn—fresh off a successful year that included developing NFL-ready backs and securing top recruits—has made personal visits a cornerstone of his pitch, exemplified by home visits and early offer rollouts like with Akih .
With back-to-back classes boasting elite running backs—including the incoming Savion Hiter and Favour Akih—the Buckeyes appear on track to sustain one of college football’s most dynamic and talented RB rooms. Whether at the high school level or with prep standouts nationwide, Ohio is clearly leading the charge in the RB recruiting race for 2026.
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