TJ Hodges: Arkansas Lands Electric In-State Playmaker in Class of 2026
Arkansas just scored a major win on the recruiting trail - and they didn’t have to look far to find him. TJ Hodges, one of the most dynamic prospects in the country and a homegrown talent, has committed to the Razorbacks, giving Sam Pittman and his staff a serious weapon in the backfield for the future.
Hodges is a consensus four-star recruit, and for good reason. The numbers back it up, but the tape tells the full story: he’s explosive, versatile, and flat-out dangerous with the ball in his hands.
According to 247Sports, he’s the No. 18 running back in the 2026 class. ESPN has him at No. 21, and Rivals slots him at No.
- Inside the state of Arkansas, he’s firmly cemented as one of the elite - ranked as high as No. 2 overall by Rivals.
Right now, he’s suiting up for Bryant High School, where he’s been a driving force behind the Hornets’ perfect 12-0 season and their run to the Class 7A state championship game. In 2025, Hodges has racked up 900 yards on just 108 carries - that’s over eight yards a pop - with seven touchdowns on the ground.
He’s also shown he can be a threat through the air, hauling in eight catches for 142 yards and three scores. That kind of dual-threat ability is what makes him such a coveted back in today’s game.
Before transferring to Bryant, Hodges made his mark at Marked Tree High School, where he put up back-to-back monster seasons. As a junior in 2024, he tallied 1,752 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on 156 carries, adding another 171 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver.
That came on the heels of a sophomore campaign where he ran for 1,896 yards and 23 touchdowns, while also posting 360 receiving yards and three more scores. In short: this kid’s been producing at a high level for a long time.
But Hodges isn’t just a football standout - he’s a multi-sport athlete with legit speed. On the track, he clocked a 10.73 in the 100 meters and a 22.28 in the 200 as a junior.
Those aren’t just fast times - they’re elite. He was a state champion in the 200 meters and long jump as a sophomore, and even took second in the 100 meters.
Oh, and he also played a key role on a 35-3 state championship basketball team in 2023. That kind of athleticism translates on the football field - the burst, the balance, the ability to change direction without losing speed.
When a player like Hodges chooses to stay in-state, it’s more than just a recruiting win - it’s a statement. Arkansas beat out some big names for his commitment, including Auburn, Baylor, Florida State, Louisville, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Purdue, USC, and others. That’s a deep list of Power Five programs, and it shows just how much respect Hodges commands nationally.
For Arkansas, this is the kind of addition that can elevate a recruiting class. Hodges brings speed, production, and versatility to the table, and he’s already proven he can carry the load for a winning team. If he continues on this trajectory, he won’t just be a contributor - he could be a game-changer in Fayetteville.