Arkansas
Recruiting Rundown: Hogs’ Latest Activity with Offers, Visits
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas coaches have hit the roads throughout the country this week with stops recruiting hotbeds across the country.
Many of these recruiting visits take minutes and sometimes hours evaluating players through tape, offseason work or simply checking in to see what some high school’s have to offer. Coach Sam Pittman, whether through the air or on ground, has been across the south over the past week starting in Arkansas before branching to Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina in search of potential Razorbacks.
2026 quarterback commit Jayvon Gilmore
Gilmore received a visit from Pittman Wednesday following his junior season. The 6-foot-5, 180 pound dual threat passer threw for 2,510 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions at prestigious Gaffney High School in South Carolina.
#WOOPIG🐗 @CoachSamPittman pic.twitter.com/0EKl1xn4j2
— Jayvon Gilmore (@JayvonGilmore) January 22, 2025 Jayvon Gilmore scrambles to his left and finds a wide open Jamarcus Smith who spins out of a tackle on his way to a 74-yard touchdown in tonight’s game vs. J.L. Mann.
Gaffney would go on to win 42-40. pic.twitter.com/pdbuhBqazH
— Nick (@RonnysKid32) August 31, 2024
DL Kamhariyan Johnson, Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Highly sought after, the junior defensive lineman received a visit from Razorbacks defensive line coach Deke Adams along with Pittman this week. The Muscle Shoals, Alabama native holds 17 offers including Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Washington.
He recorded 47 tackles and 13 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 2024. The 6-foot-5, 250 pound prospect recently visited Missouri for its Junior Day Jan. 18.
Really Appreciate @CoachSamPittman and for stopping by ! #gohogs🐗@CoachDekeAdams @CoachSFountain @JacobScottDavis @PatJenkins4 @CoachL__ __ @samspiegs @ChadSimmons_ @SWiltfong_ @JohnGarcia_Jr @DownSouthFb1 @HallTechSports1 @qbcountry_media @TomLoy247@DemetricDWarren pic.twitter.com/tojgr30Oyw
— Kamhariyan Johnson⭐️ (@mharijohnson) January 23, 2025
OL Bear McWhorter, White, Georgia
The 3-star tackle initially committed to Arkansas early on as a sophomore but reopened his recruitment a few months later.
McWhorter appears to remain on the table as a possible commitment as Arkansas coach Sam Pittman continues to make him a priority for the 2026 class. Alabama, Tennessee, Clemson and LSU have made recent stops at his high school for visits and spent last weekend at Michigan for an unofficial visit.
Appreciate the boss hog @CoachSamPittman for stopping by! #WPS 🐗🐗 @RazorbackFB pic.twitter.com/9mUKRfMJtN
— ʙᴇᴀʀ ᴍᴄᴡʜᴏʀᴛᴇʀ (@BearMcWhorter) January 22, 2025
CB Zyan Gibson, Gadsen City, Alabama
The current Alabama commitment and top-100 prospect was paid a visit from new defensive backs coach Nick Perry who previously played for the Crimson Tide during its early dynasty days under Nick Saban. Gibson produced 17 tackles this season along with a fumble recovery.
@Coach_MWoodson@NIckPerry_27 appreciate you stopping by! @RazorbackFB pic.twitter.com/ojxockaiQx
— Zyan “z7evenn” Gibson (@ZyanGibson) January 23, 2025
OL Kaden Moody, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Junior lineman Kaden Moody has received a lot of attention this offseason from Arkansas, Big 12 and American Athletic programs. The 6-foot-6, 300 pound prospect allowed zero sacks in 2024 as a team captain.
Moody was one of the many 2026 prospects who braved the snowy roadways to make it to Fayetteville for its first Junior Day of the offseason Jan. 11.
Appreciate all of the schools that have been visiting me recently truly means a lot building relationships with you coaches!@KU_Football @CowboyFB @TexasTechFB @TCUFootball @BYUfootball @UCLAFootball @RazorbackFB @KStateFB @MemphisFB pic.twitter.com/zSeJQ2dII4
— Kaden “Big Mood” Moody (@Kad3nMoody) January 24, 2025
DE Jamarion Matthews, Harvest, Alabama
Junior defensive end Jamarion Matthews received a visit from Razorbacks coaches this week. The 6-foot-2, 240 pound edge rusher holds 19 scholarship offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Ole Miss, Penn State and many others.
Matthews was very productive this season with 57 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 17 sacks and 15 hurries and one forced fumble. He finished 2024 ranked No. 81 nationally and No. 7 in Alabama for sacks.
Thank you @CoachSamPittman @CoachDekeAdams @CoachSFountain from @RazorbackFB for stopping by and having a great conversation with me and my mother I can’t wait to get up there in Fairfield some time during the spring‼️ pic.twitter.com/jiLHEceHXL
— Jamarion “Juice” Matthews (@marion_matt26) January 24, 2025
QB Jack Spaeder, Coconut Creek, Florida
Coconut Creek, Florida sophomore quarterback Jack Spaeder is off to a solid start in his prep career passing for 2,787 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions during his first two season. The 6-foot-3, 185 pound passer possesses 10-inch hands and rocket arm with multiple launch angles.
While other schools appear to have expressed interest in Spaeder, Arkansas is his first FBS offer. He plays in Florida’s second-highest classification and led his Monarch High School team to a 7-4 overall record with a trip to the playoffs.
Sophomore varsity season highlights. 14 TD, 1813 py, 2 rush TD, 180 rush. 62%cr. 6A football. #2027@BozemanQBs @MHS_Knights_FB @LawrenceBl83397 @TomLoy247 @JohnGarcia_Jr @Andrew_Ivins @ChadSimmons_ @JerryRecruiting @JoeFrisaro @FernandezAndreC @Andrew_Ivins @LemmingReport… pic.twitter.com/jDchGhHmt0
— Jack Spaeder (@JTheqb) December 2, 2024
QB Joseph Allen, Melbourne, Florida
Another sophomore quarterback to keep an eye on is Joseph Allen of Melbourne, Florida who was offered by offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino this week after a workout. He started as a true freshman last season and has proven to be a prolific passer with 4,550 yards and 55 touchdowns early on in his high school career.
He possesses a powerful arm featured in the video below. Allen currently holds 14 scholarship offers including Arkansas, Syracuse, Kentucky, UCF and Purdue.
One of my throws during last nights first round playoff game. @EauGallieHC @gallojack5 @JaylenLatson1 @mannylherisse @QNHall_Uno_JTG @Danian_74 @cphat0421 @baylintrujillo @JonSantucci @CenFLAPreps @Andy_Villamarzo @DanLaForestFB pic.twitter.com/ErLyOuTmzz
— Joseph Allen2027 (@JosephAllenQBSG) November 16, 2024
ATH Jacob Eberhart, St. Louis, Missouri
Arkansas, Oregon, Iowa State and Ole Miss are some of the latest schools to jump into the recruitment of Missouri athlete Jacob Eberhart. The 6-foot-3, 200 pound Kirkwood High School product is one of St. Louis’ top players with ability to play either offense or defense.
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Arkansas #AGTG @RazorbackFB pic.twitter.com/JYafio9Zhx
— Jacob Eberhart (BTG) (@jacobhart505) January 22, 2025
OL Ashley Walker, Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood, Florida 2026 offensive lineman Ashley Walker is one of the latest junior prospects to see his recruitment explode with offers of late. The 6-foot-7, 290 pound tackle was first offered by Georgia followed by Arkansas, Ole Miss, Kentucky, USF and UCF.
After a great conversation with @FishbackMiles I am blessed and honored to receive an offer from the University of Arkansas @RazorbackFB #AGTG@Dameon8 @CMLions_Sports @Nadeboyz @JalanSowell @ONEWAYINC1 @samspiegs @adamgorney @BrandonHuffman @ChadSimmons_ @TomLoy247 pic.twitter.com/5rdrj6SSln
— Ashley Walker (@AshleyFb2026) January 22, 2025
TE Razhzario Edwards, Sacramento, California
2027 prospect Rahzario Edwards became one of the best receivers in the country this season. The 6-foot-6, 215 pound pass catcher out of Sacramento can play tight end or wide receiver at the next level.
Edwards caught 48 passes for 900 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore with offers coming from Florida, Oregon, USC, Arkansas, Cal and Texas A&M since the season came to a close.
Couple of clips from Fridays game against Jesuit — Rahzario(Zo)Edwards (@zoedwards_18) November 17, 2024
135 Rec yards
6 receptions
1 touchdown @coachJoJohnson @CReedGHS @streetsavvyGMG pic.twitter.com/PIvHni3XoX
RB Virgil Lemons, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Football powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas sophomore running back Virgil Lemons is a bulldozer and Arkansas is one of his latest suitors. The 5-foot-9, 170 pound prospect runs low to the ground and possesses good balance after contact and very quick once in the open field.
STA has taken a 14-0 lead over Miami
Columbus after the @8degrees1 TD.2:22 left in the first. pic.twitter.com/eAXwSb6Ozm
— Luke Chaney (@lukechaney247) September 6, 2024
Along with the Razorbacks, other programs to offer Lemons are West Virginia, Missouri, Purdue, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and many others. He totaled 202 yards and three touchdowns in a loaded backfield this season.
ATH Aiden Evans, Lewisville, Texas
2027 athlete Aiden Evans attends the same high school current Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green is from which opens up the Razorbacks chances drastically. Evans can play multiple positions on offense and defense following a breakout season with 48 tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumble, seven pass breakups and three total touchdowns on the way to earning a top-10 ranking among Texas sophomores.
Thank you Lord. pic.twitter.com/4zfDuzPhBT
— Aiden “A3” Evans (@Ace4Six) September 28, 2024
DE Ronelle Johnson, Blue Springs, Missouri
Blue Springs, Missouri standout 4-star defensive end Ronelle Johnson earned an offer from Arkansas this week which is No. 8 for the junior. The 6-foot-4, 245 edge rusher reports a 345 pound bench and 580 pound squat in the weight room.
#AGTG After a great visit and talk with @CoachMateos i am blessed to have received an offer from the University of Arkansas!! 🐗 @RazorbackFB @CoachDekeAdams @JJPaul53 @CoachSimcox @JPRockMO @MidwestFootbal1 pic.twitter.com/BHS1uwrJzG
— Ronelle Johnson (@RonelleJohnson_) January 22, 2025
Johnson finished 2024 with over 60 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles and one safety. Along with Arkansas, he currently holds offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska and Oregon.
WR Aljour Miles, Kaufman, Texas
Three-star wideout Aljour Miles earned his second scholarship offer from and SEC program when Arkansas called Wednesday. The 6-foot-2, 200 pound pass catcher already has 23 offers and should receive more after catching 60 passes for 1,114 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior.
After a great conversation with Coach @RonnieFouch , I am blessed to receive an offer from the University of Arkansas. @drobalwayzopen @KaufFootball_TX @DanielStantz @RazorbackFB @ParkerThune pic.twitter.com/XD4Zkl7zK6
— Aljour Miles II (@AljourMilesII) January 22, 2025
DL Mark Matthews, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Another St. Thomas Aquinas prospect to watch is 2027 defensive lineman Mark Matthews who is expected to reach 5-star status before his prep career is over, according to national analyst Tom Lemming. The 6-foot-6, 270 pound sophomore has a total of 15 offers including Auburn, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, Miami and West Virginia.
Mark Matthews 6’5″ 270 DT/DE has the potential to become a 5*. great frame, excels at stuffing the Run, moves well laterally and shows a great first step. Class of 2027 and is an exceptional athlete.@mark95matthews impressive in person and on film. National recruit pic.twitter.com/LZho1nWZQU
— Tom Lemming (@LemmingReport) February 27, 2024
Matthews also excells on the hardwood and recorded two tackles and one sack in limited defensive reps. He did play at offensive tackle where he punished defenders with four pancake blocks.
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Arkansas
Arkansas State to face Missouri State in first ever X-Box Bowl
The first-ever X-Box Bowl is expected to be played in Frisco, Texas. It’s an early bowl game, which will feature Arkansas State vs. Missouri State.
Missouri State was 7-5 this season in Conference USA. They’re heading into the X-Box Bowl having lost three of their last five games, including the final game of the season against USC. Arkansas State was 6-6 this season in the Sun Belt. While the Red Wolves are coming off a win over SE Missouri to end the season, they had lost four straight games before that.
Here’s everything you need to know to buy Arkansas State vs. Missouri State tickets in the X-Box Bowl:
How to buy X-Box Bowl tickets to see Arkansas State vs. Missouri State
Arkansas State vs. Missouri State game information
- When: Thursday, December 18
- Where: The Ford Center at The Star Frisco in Frisco, Texas
- What time: 9 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN2 – Stream on Fubo
- Tickets: Starting at $54
Arkansas
Acuff scores 18 points to lead No. 25 Arkansas over Fresno State 82-58
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — – Darius Acuff Jr. scored 18 points to lead No. 25 Arkansas to an 82-58 win over Fresno State on Saturday at Simmons Bank Arena.
Arkansas (7-2) followed up its victory over No. 6 Louisville with a second straight win.
The Razorbacks blew open the game with a 22-6 run to open the second half and led by as many as 32 points. They outscored Fresno State 26-11 in transition and went 11 for 30 (36.7%) from 3-point range compared to the Bulldogs’ 4 for 26 (15.4%).
Meleek Thomas and DJ Wagner each scored 12 points while Karter Knox contributed 11.
Jac Mani and Wilson Jacques each scored 12 points for Fresno State (6-4).
Big picture
Fresno State has lost back-to-back games after a four-game winning streak.
Arkansas, coming off its 89-80 home win over Louisville in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Wednesday, has won six of its last seven games.
Up next
Fresno State will remain on the road for a matchup against Cal State-Northridge on Dec. 10.
Arkansas will face No. 19 Texas Tech on Dec. 13 on a neutral court in Dallas.
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