Can Razorbacks Keep SEC Rivals Out of Yard to Sign Solid Class?

Arkansas has recruited well nationally over past few classes but have let many SEC-level players sign elsewhere.

The amount of 2026 athletes in Arkansas capable of being recruited or playing in the SEC is on the rise with 9-of-10 prospects holding an offer from league schools, according to On3’s recruiting rankings.

 

Every four to five years, the state will produce a quality class of multiple SEC-level prospects within its borders. While the Razorbacks have struggled to remain competitive in a deep league, the state has seen several high schoolers pursue opportunities outside the state.

In the 2025 class alone, the Razorbacks have lost out on its top three in-state targets with Carius Curne (LSU), Marcus Wimberley (Oklahoma) and Omarion Robinson (Oklahoma) commiting to conference rivals.

 

Much of the same happened with the 2024 class as Courtney Crutchfield (Missouri) and Walker White (Auburn) signed with SEC rivals. The Razorbacks were only able to sign four of its top ten in-state prospects with Vanderbilt and Minnesota also poaching talent.

 

Unless Arkansas gets serious with this group of high school juniors, the state could see more of its SEC caliber prospects continue to leave in droves. On3 gives the Razorbacks a chance to land two of its top eight in-state prospects which would be the lowest amount in the modern era of recruiting in a landslide.

QB Kane Archer, Greenwood

On3’s top overall prospect in the Natural State is none other than Greenwood quarterback Kane Archer, who comes in at No. 151 in his class. He has been electric as a junior this season for a Bulldogs team that has been one of the most dominant in Arkansas high school football’s modern era.

Archer has 44 touchdowns along with a staggering 44 incompletions on the season. He’s undefeated as a high school quarterback with a 23-0 record including a 10-0 mark this fall. He has completed 189-of-233 passes for 2,870 yards, 44 touchdowns and only one interception. The 6-1, 205 pound passer is effective with his legs as he rushed 55 times for 583 yards and five scores.

The Razorbacks already have one quarterback committed for 2026 in South Carolina prep star Jayvon Gilmore, the No. 32 passer in his class. Archer is touted as the No. 9 passer with over 20 college offers with former Razorbacks quarterback and current SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee working overtime to sign the Greenwood product.

RB TJ Hodges, Marked Tree

Marked Tree tailback TJ Hodges has made multiple trips to Fayetteville for unofficial visits. Hodges is a 4-star, No. 15 overall prospect at his position in the class and shows an elite ability to cut on a dime and breakaway speed.

Hodges has offers from Arkansas, Baylor, Ole Miss, Auburn, USC and Florida State. His speed (10.91 second 100 meter) and athleticism is one reason schools across the nation are monitoring his growth and development.

DL Danny Beale, Cross County

Cross County defensive lineman Danny Beale is another 4-star at 6-foot-3, 325 pounds with offers from around the country including Arkansas, Ole Miss, USC, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Georgia, Florida, Auburn and SMU.

Beale is the No. 126 prospect in the country and No. 13 defensive lineman in his class. He can really move, according to former coach Cody Goulart, as Arkansas makes consistent contact with the highly regard prospect.

He’s a big ol boy,” Goulart said. “Great athlete and great movement. Best way to describe him is he moves like he is 225 pounds at 320.”