The latest shake-up in the 2026 247Sports basketball recruiting rankings brought good news for Razorback fans - and a spotlight on just how loaded Arkansas' future backcourt could be. One signee is holding firm among the nation’s elite, while the other is climbing fast after a standout performance on one of high school basketball’s biggest stages.
Let’s start with Abdou Toure, whose stock is rising - and for good reason. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound wing jumped 11 spots to land at No. 26 overall in the class.
That bump comes on the heels of a jaw-dropping performance at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts - a showcase that routinely features the best prep talent in the country. Toure didn’t just show up; he showed out.
Facing Inglewood High School (Calif.) and Missouri signee Jason Crowe Jr., who dropped a Hoophall record 48 points in an 81-80 win, Toure answered with a stat line that turned heads across the gym: 31 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and six blocks. That’s not just production - that’s dominance on both ends of the floor.
According to 247Sports’ national basketball director Eric Bossi, who was on-site in Springfield, Toure was electric. Every time he touched the ball, the crowd was on edge, waiting for a highlight.
And he delivered. Bossi described him as “pretty special,” pointing to Toure’s physicality, explosiveness, and ability to attack off the dribble.
While his outside shot wasn’t falling consistently, he's a willing shooter - which keeps defenders honest. What really separates him, though, is his defensive upside.
With his size, athleticism, and motor, Toure has the tools to be a high-level defender in the SEC.
Toure became the second commit in Arkansas’ 2026 class when he pledged to John Calipari and the Razorbacks, joining another top-tier wing in JJ Andrews. Both players officially signed during the early signing period in November, giving Arkansas a pair of high-impact athletes to build around.
Andrews, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound five-star, stayed steady at No. 12 overall in the updated rankings - a testament to how highly evaluators think of him, even after a tough stretch. His senior season hit a speed bump in early December when he went down hard after being fouled on a dunk attempt against Fayetteville High School. The result: a concussion and fractured wrist that sidelined him for over a month.
But Andrews made his return this past Friday for Little Rock Christian Academy, and he didn’t miss a beat. He dropped 13 points, grabbed eight boards, and dished out five assists in a win over Little Rock Catholic High School - a strong all-around effort that suggests he’s getting back into form.
The combination of Andrews and Toure gives Arkansas two versatile, athletic wings who can impact the game in multiple ways. Andrews brings a physical, downhill game and a high basketball IQ, while Toure plays with a relentless motor and the kind of bounce that makes fans hold their breath every time he takes flight.
With both players trending in the right direction - one climbing the rankings and the other returning strong from injury - John Calipari’s 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in the country. Razorback fans have plenty to look forward to.