Terry Hodges, one of the top running back prospects in the Class of 2026, is staying close to home. The four-star recruit has flipped his commitment from Missouri to Arkansas just days before the early signing period opens - a big win for the Razorbacks and a late-cycle jolt to the Tigers' recruiting class.
Hodges, a native of Bryant, Arkansas, had been pledged to Mizzou since early October. But with a coaching change in Fayetteville and a new vision for the program, the in-state star has decided to suit up for the Hogs instead. The timing isn’t coincidental - Hodges is one of three recruits Arkansas landed within 48 hours of naming Ryan Silverfield as its next head coach.
Silverfield, who was officially announced as Arkansas’ new head man on Sunday after previously leading Memphis, takes over for Sam Pittman, who was let go in October. And already, he’s making noise on the recruiting trail. Flipping Hodges - the No. 3 player in Arkansas and the No. 26 running back nationally, per 247Sports’ composite rankings - is a strong opening statement.
From Missouri’s perspective, this is a notable loss, but not a crushing one. The Tigers still have depth in their backfield and another running back committed in the 2026 class - three-star prospect Maxwell Warner out of Whitney Young High in Chicago, who gave his verbal in June.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mizzou’s running back room remains in solid shape. The Tigers could return five backs, including sophomore Ahmad Hardy, a Doak Walker Award finalist whose emergence this season has been one of the program’s brightest stories.
Jamal Roberts, a reliable change-of-pace option, is also expected back, along with freshmen Marquise Davis and Brendon Haygood. Veteran Tavorus Jones, a steady presence over the years, still has a year of eligibility left as well.
The timing of Hodges’ flip adds a layer of intrigue to a rivalry that’s already plenty heated. Just this past Saturday, Missouri wrapped up its regular season with a 31-17 win over Arkansas in Fayetteville, finishing 8-4. And with the SEC moving to a nine-game conference schedule, these two programs are guaranteed to meet annually for at least the next four years.
Missouri now has 21 verbal commitments in its 2026 class, which currently ranks No. 25 nationally, according to 247Sports. Early signing day is set for Wednesday, Dec. 3 - and while the Tigers are still in good shape overall, they’ll be looking to finish strong and keep the rest of their class intact as the clock ticks down.