Arkansas Football: Early Signing Day Kicks Off with Key Class of 2026 Commitments
The early signing period is officially underway, and the Razorbacks are starting to lock in their 2026 recruiting class. With 13 verbal commitments heading into the day - including several new in-state pledges and a few notable decommitments - Arkansas is entering a new era under head coach Ryan Silverfield. As the faxes roll in, we're tracking every signed letter of intent and breaking down what each addition brings to Fayetteville.
Let’s take a closer look at the early signees who wasted no time making it official with the Hogs.
Tucker Young - Signed (7:47 AM)
Position: Offensive Line
School: Lakeside (Hot Springs, AR)
Tucker Young is one of the foundational pieces of this class - both literally and figuratively. At 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, he’s the kind of interior lineman you build around.
Young committed to Arkansas back in July 2024, choosing the Hogs over offers from Memphis and Arkansas State. What stands out most about Young isn’t just his size - it’s his loyalty.
Even after the midseason coaching change that saw Sam Pittman let go, Young never wavered. That kind of commitment speaks volumes.
Former offensive line coach Eric Mateos played a big role in getting Young on board early, and the Razorbacks will hope that early investment pays off. Young is now the third-longest-tenured commit in the class - a steady presence during a turbulent transition.
Colton Yarbrough - Signed (7:35 AM)
Position: Edge
School: Durant (Durant, OK)
Colton Yarbrough is one of the headliners of this class. A former four-star prospect, Yarbrough committed to Arkansas in August and stuck with the Hogs through the coaching shakeup. That’s no small thing, especially considering the caliber of programs that were after him - Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oregon, USC, and more.
Ranked as the No. 5 player in Oklahoma, Yarbrough brings length, explosiveness, and a relentless motor off the edge. He was initially recruited by former defensive line coach Deke Adams, and Arkansas fans should be excited about what he brings to the pass rush. This is the kind of player who could make an early impact in the SEC.
Connor Smith - Signed (7:30 AM)
Position: Punter
School: Clintwood (Clintwood, VA)
Special teams might not always grab headlines on signing day, but Connor Smith is worth the attention. The Virginia native is one of the top punters in the country, ranked No. 9 nationally by Kohl’s Kicking and also rated as a 4.5-star kicker. Smith committed under former special teams coordinator Scott Fountain, and his addition gives Arkansas a high-ceiling specialist who could take over punting duties early in his career.
In a league where field position often decides games, having a weapon like Smith in the kicking game could pay dividends down the line.
Jalon Copeland - Signed (7:15 AM)
Position: Cornerback
School: Valdosta (Valdosta, GA)
Jalon Copeland is the kind of corner every SEC team covets - long, athletic, and fearless in coverage. At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, he’s got the frame to match up with big receivers and the speed to hang with burners. Copeland committed to Arkansas back in March, visited in May, and never looked back - even after the coaching turnover.
He was recruited by a trio of former defensive assistants - Travis Williams, Marcus Woodson, and Nick Perry - and held offers from programs like Penn State, Louisville, Michigan State, Nebraska, and UCF. Copeland’s early and unwavering commitment is another sign of how this class is holding together despite the upheaval.
Unsigned but Noteworthy: Key Targets Still on the Board
While several big names have already signed, there are still some major pieces left unsigned as of this morning. Here's a look at some of the top remaining prospects Arkansas is hoping to lock in soon:
Danny Beale - Unsigned
Position: Defensive Line
School: Cross County (Cherry Valley, AR)
Danny Beale is a massive in-state target - both literally and figuratively. The top-ranked player in Arkansas and a Top247 selection, Beale flipped to the Razorbacks just two days before signing day after decommitting from Oklahoma State. His offer list reads like a who's who of college football: USC, Georgia, Oregon, Ole Miss, Missouri, and more.
Beale was Silverfield’s first commitment as head coach, and landing him is a statement. He’ll be suiting up for the 2A state championship this week, but Razorback fans are hoping he’ll be suiting up in Fayetteville soon enough.
TJ Hodges - Unsigned
Position: Running Back
School: Bryant (Bryant, AR)
TJ Hodges made headlines on Silverfield’s first day by flipping from Missouri to Arkansas. The four-star back is ranked No. 3 in the state and brings a blend of power and speed that should fit well in Arkansas’ offense. After transferring to Bryant from Marked Tree, Hodges has been a key part of the team’s push to the 7A state championship.
With offers from Auburn, Baylor, FSU, Ole Miss, Oregon, and USC, Hodges is a big-time get - assuming the Hogs can get his signature on the dotted line.
Blair Irvin - Unsigned
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Bentonville (Bentonville, AR)
Blair Irvin III’s journey to Arkansas football started long before his high school career. Originally from Joplin, Missouri, Irvin moved to Northwest Arkansas after the 2011 tornado and became a standout at Bentonville High. He took his official visit in June and was recruited by former wide receivers coach Ronnie Fouch.
With offers from Kansas State, USF, Minnesota, and Purdue, Irvin brings size and playmaking ability to the Razorbacks’ receiving corps. He’ll be playing for a state title later this week.
Tay Lockett - Unsigned
Position: Safety
School: Conway (Conway, AR)
Tay Lockett might be one of the most loyal commits Arkansas has had in recent memory. He committed way back in August 2023 while still living in San Diego - before transferring to Conway for his senior season. Despite heavy interest from UCLA and a host of other blue-blood programs (Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, and more), Lockett never budged.
He’s a versatile, rangy safety who could be a cornerstone in the back end of Arkansas’ defense for years to come.
Ben Mubenga - Unsigned
Position: Offensive Line
School: Buford (Buford, GA)
Ben Mubenga’s path to Fayetteville has had a few twists. Originally committed under Sam Pittman, he decommitted following the coaching change but rejoined the class last week. A former soccer player who transitioned to the trenches, Mubenga brings athleticism and raw power to the offensive line.
His brother plays at LSU, and his offer sheet includes heavyweights like Michigan, Oregon, and Texas A&M. Mubenga’s story - from the Congo to mastering English in six months - speaks to his work ethic. Now, Arkansas is hoping he’ll bring that same drive to the SEC.
Dequane Prevo - Unsigned
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Bentonville (Bentonville, AR)
Another Bentonville product, Dequane Prevo transferred in from Liberty-Eylau in Texarkana and quickly made his presence felt. He committed to Arkansas in November and was also recruited by Ronnie Fouch. His offer list is long - Texas, Florida, Miami, Oregon, TCU, and more.
Prevo is set to play in the 7A state championship later this week, where he’ll square off against future teammates like Hodges and Irvin. The Razorbacks are hoping that after the final whistle, he’ll be ready to make things official.
Final Thoughts
Arkansas’ Class of 2026 is already taking shape, and despite a coaching change that could’ve derailed momentum, the Hogs are holding strong with several key commitments. With a mix of in-state talent and out-of-state standouts, the foundation is being laid for the next chapter of Razorback football.
Stay tuned as more names come off the board - and more signatures hit the fax machine. National Signing Day is just getting started in Fayetteville.