A promising junior is attracting the attention of football recruiters around the country.
Favour Akih has been playing football at Hayes for two years. Last fall, he secured a starting position on the offensive and defensive teams.
18 touchdowns, 1,653 rushing yards, and 36 tackles later, the running back and linebacker has received 22 Division I offers. Over the course of 7 months, Akih has narrowed his options down to The Ohio State University, the University of Miami and the University of Southern California.
Akih received his first offer from Iowa State University, putting the stepping stones in place to becoming one of the top recruits for the 2026 high school class.
Head football coach for the Pacers, Ryan Montgomery, has been alongside Akih throughout the process. Giving him guidance and support when meeting with coaches and going on visits.
“I sat in every meeting with him when he was going through the recruiting process. I just try to be a soundboard for him to weigh pros and cons,” Montgomery said. “Also, [I helped with] doing research about each school to see [how] they can help him academically.”
When considering where Akih will continue his next 4 years, there is more than just the football aspect. The University of Miami would help him obtain a well-rounded education and further his networking and branding aspects.
“[Miami] has networking opportunities that start right when you get there,” Akih said. “You would be in touch with big CEOs and corporations, so just from being there, your name changes instantly.”
Along with helping Akih build his name in the football industry, this would also contribute to his major.
“Business would help with football opportunities and all the branding opportunities,” Akih said. “You have to network with people and connect with agents.”
Moving on, Akih’s next offer came from his hometown, The Ohio State University. When the 2025 national champion and the number one name in college football offered him a spot on their team, it was a dream come true.
“[At] Ohio State, I’m able to play at home against all the best teams in college football right now,” Akih said. “You know that every Ohio kid’s dream is to have the opportunity to play there.”
Akih mentioned how he was looking for a college with an atmosphere that has a strong culture with leaders who can help him develop his position.
“The biggest difference is the grit at Ohio State; they really got after the practice I got to see,” Akih said.
Rounding out Akih’s top three choices is the University of Southern California, which has been an ongoing success in the game of football. In the early 2000s, they won back-to-back national championships and earned nine titles.
“USC is a place that is rich in football history; they have the most national championships and the most Heisman trophies,” Akih said. “Right now, they have the number one recruit for the 2026 class committed there.”
With one more year left at Hayes and still being new to the sport, there is still growth and strategy on the horizon for this young football player. “He continues to grow as a football player. He will only be going to his 4th year of playing football,” Montgomery said. “So he is continuing to learn and grow. He is a guy we can use in a lot of different roles.”
Akih will face a major decision in the coming months. His attention has been drawn to the game of football and he said he will keep that in mind when he decides which school. One that will not only help him improve as a football player but will also be the best fit for him academically.
