The Missouri Tigers just took a hit to their 2026 recruiting class. Four-star running back TJ Hodges, a top-400 prospect nationally, has flipped his commitment from Missouri to Arkansas.
Hodges, ranked No. 354 overall and the No. 26 running back in the country, is a homegrown talent out of Bryant, Arkansas - and it looks like the Razorbacks never gave up on bringing him back home. Though he originally committed to Mizzou back on October 4, Arkansas’ coaching staff kept the lines of communication open, and that persistence paid off.
When Hodges made his initial decision in early October, he chose Missouri over a strong list of finalists that included Arkansas, Oregon, Oklahoma State, Baylor, and Louisville. His offer sheet was even deeper, with interest from major Power 4 programs like Auburn, Minnesota, Florida State, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt.
While losing a four-star back like Hodges stings, Missouri isn’t walking into signing day empty-handed at the position. Three-star running back Maxwell Warner, a promising prospect out of Chicago, remains committed and is expected to sign with the Tigers. Warner brings a different style to the backfield and could still be an important piece of the puzzle moving forward.
But the work is far from done for Eli Drinkwitz and his staff. With signing day on the horizon, Missouri is still actively hunting for more talent to round out the 2026 class.
One of their top remaining targets is four-star defensive tackle Anthony Kennedy, who’s currently pledged to Miami but remains on Missouri’s radar. Flipping Kennedy would be a major win in the trenches.
Also in the mix are four-star wide receiver Mason James and three-star defensive tackle Jae’Lin Battle - both players who could help solidify depth and add upside to the roster.
BREAKING: Four-Star RB TJ Hodges has Flipped his Commitment from Missouri to Arkansas, he tells me for @rivals⁰
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 1, 2025
The 6’1 185 RB from Bryant, AR had been Committed to the Tigers since October ⁰⁰“Luke 12:48”⁰https://t.co/M54jIUR1PM pic.twitter.com/yzwqziufp5
Recruiting battles like this are part of the landscape now, especially with the increased mobility and visibility of top high school talent. Missouri’s staff will need to stay aggressive, especially in the final stretch leading up to signing day, to keep their class strong and competitive in the ever-evolving SEC arms race.