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Can Razorbacks Continue Momentum with Top 10-Ranked 2026 Class?

Hogs in good spot with several key juniors, with class currently ranked in top-10 can coaching staff add more difference makers?
Jacob Davis|
Arkansas Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman walking off the field after win over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark.
Arkansas Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman walking off the field after win over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. | Nilsen Roman-Hogs on SI Images

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Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Forecasting exactly who will commit to Arkansas football next for 2026 is a loaded question at this point.  There is nearly a full year before anybody signs anything.

While many juniors around the country are still undecided, these athletes are committing to schools earlier than ever thanks to the early signing period. Arkansas is off to a solid start with eight commitments headlined by 4-star defensive end Colton Yarbrough who is the No. 179 overall prospect nationally out of Durant, Oklahoma, according to 247sports.

Overall, the Razorbacks rank No. 9 nationally with five commitments rated 88 or higher in quarterback Jayvon Gilmore, Adam Auston, Dequane Prevo and Tay Lockett. The Razorbacks have one of the best running backs in America in-state for this cycle in 4-star Terry "TJ" Hodges who ripped apart defenses at Marked Tree this season.

Hodges has over a dozen offers including rival Missouri, with On3's vice president predicting him to land with the Tigers. Offensive lineman Bear McWhorter initially committed to Arkansas early on as a sophomore but reopened his recruitment a few months later.

McWhorter appears to remain on the table as a possible commitment as Arkansas coach Sam Pittman continues to make him a priority for the 2026 class. Tennessee, Clemson and LSU have made recent stops at his high school for visits and spent last weekend at Michigan for an unofficial visit.

Top-100 prospect Danny Beale from Cross County High School, near Wynne, is the state's top high schooler and many schools around the country are priortizing the two-way lineman. The 6-foot-4, 320 pound prospect released his top schools in November which included Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Georgia, Oregon, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and USC.

Beale recently visited Missouri when the Tigers defeated Arkansas once again in the Battle Line Rivalry. He also made the short trip from east Arkansas to Ole Miss two weekends ago.

The state of Arkansas has produced five players in this cycle with 4-star status and eight of the 10 currently have at least one FBS offer. Just one of the state's prospects is currently committed in Maumelle defensive lineman Anthony Kennedy who pledged to Missouri last month.

Pittman's team rebounded from a sour 4-8 record in 2023 to a 7-6 this season which could've been better with a few more breaks. With noticeable improvement in 2024, 2026 recruits could be sold on Arkansas' turnaround as reason to hop aboard.

HOGS FEED:

• Razorbacks must neutralize Georgia's sensational freshman forward

• Report: Razorback Freshman Guard To Miss Rest of the Season

• Razorbacks hoping another Sorey arrives in transfer portal

• Calipari Can't Ride Past Success Much Longer for Razorback Fans

• As outside noise increases, Calipari, staff trying to block out chaos

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Jacob Davis
JACOB DAVIS

Jacob Davis is a reporter for Arkansas Razorbacks on SI, with a decade of experience covering high school and transfer portal recruiting. He has previously worked at Rivals, Saturday Down South, SB Nation and hosted podcasts with Bleav Podcast Network where his show was a finalist for podcast of the year. Native of El Dorado, he currently resides in Central Arkansas with his wife and daughter.

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