Arkansas
REPORT: In-state 4-star running back down to Arkansas, Missouri
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The race is on to land one of Arkansas’ top uncommitted prospects as 4-star running back TJ Hodges is down to two teams, according to Rivals.
Both Arkansas and Missouri have maintained consistent contact with Hodges throughout his recruitment even after he transferred from Marked Tree to 7A powerhouse Bryant this summer.
Arkansas and Missouri are battling at the top for 4-star RB TJ Hodges, and he tells @samspiegs that a decision is coming soon🐗🐯
“It’s a tight race.”
Read: https://t.co/gLtQmX9Z6I pic.twitter.com/YbCyPSEMcO — Rivals (@Rivals) July 11, 2025
Hodges, an electric 4-star prospect, was very productive during the 2024 season with 158 carries for 1796 rushing yards 22 touchdowns in Arkansas’ Class 2A classifcation at Marked Tree.
He also totaled 13 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns along with time on defense recording 38 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, four forced fumbles and one pass breakup.
While those numbers are posted against the state’s smallest classification, it doesn’t take long to pull up Hodges’ tape and notice how much of a difference maker he can be in college.
The 6-foot-1, 175 pound running athlete is currently ranked No. 238 overall among 2026 prospects, No. 15 at his position and No. 3 player in Arkansas, according to 247sports.
Over the winter, Hodges was predicted to land at Missouri by On3’s vice president Steve Wiltfong with a 60% confidence rating which continues the trend of Arkansas missing out on the state’s highly rated prospects under coach Sam Pittman.
On3’s @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for Missouri to land 2026 4-star RB TJ Hodges🐯
Read: https://t.co/fd8uwYWe0s pic.twitter.com/ggJzDosrRG
— Rivals (@Rivals) January 20, 2025
The Razorbacks saw three of its best five 2025 prospects choose to leave the state, missed out on six of the top 10 in 2024 and four of the top 11 in 2021.
Things have only gotten worse this year as four of the top five have committed elsewhere. The potential loss of Hodges will be a first in the state during the modern recruiting service era.
Hodges was first offered by UNLV and North Texas followed by Baylor, USC, Purdue, Ole Miss and Auburn from January 2024 through April 2024. The Razorbacks didn’t extend a scholarship offer until May 16, 2024 along with Florida State and Washington.
Missouri coaches began to prioritize its neighboring state once again and offered Hodges mid-November, receiving an unofficial visit two weeks later when Arkansas visited for the Battle Line Rivalry game.
Since Missouri joined the SEC in 2012, the Natural State has extended a helping hand to the Tigers’ surge within the conference. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz now appears poised to steal another prospect from Arkansas.
Among the in-state athletes who have headed north: Damarea Crockett, Jordon Harris, Austyn Dendy, Brian Huff, Drey Norwood, Taylor Powell, Akial Byers and Barrett Banister. Each has played a vital role against the Razorbacks, helping Missouri claim a 12–4 edge in the series.
Marked Tree 2026 RB Terry Hodges
Elite speed & keeps it on cuts, great understanding of angles, patient runner. Game changer. Consensus 4-star. Top-20 RB
Offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Missouri, USC, Ole Miss, Baylor, Florida State. pic.twitter.com/QR0vn9lJ9o
— Jacob Davis (@JacobScottDavis) January 17, 2025
The Razorbacks have seen several 4-star prospects within its borders head elsewhere such as defensive lineman Danny Beale (Oklahoma State), offensive lineman Evan Goodwin (SMU), Jakore Smith (Oklahoma) and Anthony Kennedy (Miami).
“If you look at our state, you know, we just don’t have a populated state,” Pittman said at 2024 SEC Media Days. “We may have anywhere from six to eight kids that can play football in the SEC. At least in our opinion. That doesn’t make us right. But at least in our opinion.”
Overall, the 2026 class has 15 players who have reported at least one offer from an SEC program, which is a particularly strong year for Arkansas high school football.
Arkansas currently sits at No. 8 among SEC teams, No. 25 nationally in 247sports composite recruiting rankings.
Razorbacks 2026 Commit List
4-star OL Bryce Gilmore, Prosper Texas
4-star DE Colton Yarbrough, Durant, Oklahoma
4-star LB JJ Bush, Theodore, Alabama
4-star WR Dequane Prevo, Bentonville
4-star OL Ben Mubenga, Buford, Georgia
3-star QB Jayvon Gilmore, Gaffney, South Carolina
3-star WR Keymian Henderson, Carthage, Texas
3-star S Adam Auston, Lawton, Oklahoma
3-star TE Jaivion Martin, Pflugerville, Texas
3-star DL Ari Slocum, Farmerville, Louisiana
3-star S Tay Lockett, San Diego, California
3-star S Keivay Foster, Muscle Shoals, Alabama
3-star DB Victor Lincoln, Lancaster, Texas
3-star S Daylen Green, Havana, Florida
3-star DB Jalon Copeland, Valdosta, Georgia
3-star WR Robert Haynes, Missouri City, Texas
3-star DB Kyndrick Williams, Fayetteville
3-star OL Hugh Smith, Missouri City, Texas
3-star TE Kade Bush, Chanhassen, Minnesota
3-star OL Tucker Young, Hot Springs
3-star DL Carnell Jackson, Auburn, Alabama
3-star WR Blair Irvin III, Bentonville
3-star DL Cameron McGee, Loganville, Georgia
3-star LB Caleb Gordon, Gastonia, North Carolina
3-star OL Ashley Walker, Hollywood, Florida
3-star ATH Ashton Dawson, Shreveport, Louisiana
Arkansas
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Arkansas
Arkansas Athletics, CommunityAmerica Credit Union launch multi-year partnership including Razorback Stadium naming rights
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Department of Athletics has signed a long-term partnership with CommunityAmerica Credit Union, marking a significant step in the credit union’s growing commitment to Northwest Arkansas. Facilitated by Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium will become CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium beginning with the 2027 football season.
Rooted in more than 85 years of helping individuals and families achieve financial peace of mind and building on a 65-year legacy of service in Arkansas, CommunityAmerica is excited to engage with Razorback fans and support the communities they call home.
“This is so much more than a name on a stadium. It’s about becoming part of the Razorback Nation experience and helping fans, students, student-athletes and the communities we and the university serve,” said Lisa Ginter, Chief Executive Officer of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do and when we evaluate partnerships like this, it starts with what matters most to them. The University of Arkansas is a powerful source of pride and connection for people across the state and in many of our markets. This partnership underscores our long-term commitment to Northwest Arkansas, where we look forward to growing our presence and helping more families achieve financial peace of mind. We’re already deepening our roots with plans for a campus location and several new branches throughout the region.”
The multi-phased partnership extends beyond naming rights and designates CommunityAmerica as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics. CommunityAmerica will also serve as an official sponsor of Arkansas Athletics, supporting student-athletes and fans alike. The comprehensive partnership will also include the rebranding of the SEC Club inside Razorback Stadium as the CommunityAmerica Club, where fans enjoy premium amenities on gameday. As part of the agreement, CommunityAmerica will engage directly with Razorback student-athletes providing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, valuable financial education and programs to help them succeed both on and off the field.
“We are thrilled to welcome CommunityAmerica Credit Union as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics as one piece of a partnership that will benefit our student-athletes, fans and the state of Arkansas for years to come,” said Hunter Yurachek, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas. “Our vision in the Department of Athletics is to be our best and CommunityAmerica’s commitment to excellence as a trusted, people-driven financial institution mirrors that same vision. This partnership is just getting started but its impact will help shape our future.”
Beginning with the 2027 football season, the partnership will expand into its second phase with the naming of CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium and the launch of CommunityAmerica Razorback Checking, Debit and Credit Cards.
With a legacy of serving members across Arkansas and nationwide, CommunityAmerica is ranked among the most trusted and innovative credit unions in the country and among the largest in the Midwest. CommunityAmerica is excited to engage and serve Razorback fans and members more deeply with a variety of financial products and services that align to their passion for the University.
“Our members are proud of where they live and what they stand behind, and for so many in Arkansas and across our shared communities, that means being part of Razorback Nation,” Ginter said. “As we look ahead to launching Razorback-branded products in 2027, we’re excited to offer experiences that celebrate that pride, strengthen relationships and deliver meaningful value for the people and communities we serve.”
“This is a historic partnership featuring an innovative brand with a passion and proven track record of supporting their community, paired with one of the leading college athletics programs in the country,” said Allison Fillmore, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Learfield. “Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties are excited to collaborate with Arkansas Athletics, which will enhance fan and student-athlete experiences for years to come.”
Razorback Sports Properties is the locally based Learfield team that is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Arkansas Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Razorbacks.
About the University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
The University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics pursues its vision to “Be Our Best” while developing 465+ student-athletes into Razorbacks and Champions for Life. As members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Razorbacks consistently compete at the nation’s highest levels while proudly representing the University of Arkansas and the entire state. Arkansas has established itself as one of the most competitive programs in the nation, winning nine NCAA titles and over 50 SEC Championships in recent years.
About CommunityAmerica Credit Union
CommunityAmerica Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution committed to helping members get on a path to thrive and achieve financial peace of mind. Founded in 1940, and with Arkansas roots dating back to 1968, CommunityAmerica has grown to meet the evolving financial needs of its members. With nearly $10 billion in assets and more than 600,000 members, the credit union is ranked among the nation’s 50 largest credit unions. It is the largest credit union in Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, and one of the largest financial institutions with expanding operations in Northwest Arkansas. CommunityAmerica offers a full suite of financial products and services for individuals and businesses, including checking and savings, mortgages, loans, commercial banking, wealth management, retirement planning, and insurance. Federally chartered, CommunityAmerica serves members across multiple markets nationwide with branch locations in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. Learn more at CommunityAmerica.com.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
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