FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas lost another football commitment Sunday when 2026 running back Jordan Avinger announced he has reopened his recruitment.
Avinger, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound prospect from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in South Carolina, posted on social media that he is decommitting from the Razorbacks.
“I have reopened my recruitment! Thank you Arkansas!” Avinger wrote on X.
He originally committed to Arkansas on Aug. 1 but becomes the latest player to withdraw his pledge following the firing of head coach Sam Pittman last week. The move leaves Arkansas with 15 commitments in its 2026 class, according to 247Sports.
I have reopened my recruitment! Thank you Arkansas! @CartersTheory @OWHSFootball @Hayesfawcett3 @247recruiting @Rivals @adamgorney @On3sports pic.twitter.com/IhG06JdLPs
— ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Jordan “SLASH” Avinger (@JordanAvinger10) October 5, 2025
Decommitment adds to recruiting uncertainty
Avinger’s departure continues a recent string of recruiting setbacks for Arkansas. Several verbal commits have backed away or reopened their recruitment since Pittman’s dismissal, leaving interim head coach Bobby Petrino and athletics director Hunter Yurachek facing additional challenges in maintaining the program’s recruiting base.
According to 247Sports, Avinger was recruited primarily by running backs coach Kolby Smith, who remains on staff in an interim role. Smith’s uncertain status has contributed to instability among offensive recruits.
Arkansas’ 2026 class has dropped in the national rankings, now standing 33rd overall and 11th in the Southeastern Conference, per the 247Sports Composite. On3 ranks the Razorbacks’ class No. 31 nationally, while ESPN lists it at No. 32.
Coaching changes and player decisions
The Razorbacks’ coaching transition has affected both the current roster and future commitments. Pittman was dismissed after a 2-3 start, including losses to Ole Miss, Memphis and Notre Dame. Bobby Petrino was elevated from offensive coordinator to interim head coach and is expected to be considered for the full-time position.
“Recruiting always reflects stability at the top,” said a recruiting analyst quoted by Best of Arkansas Sports. “When the head coach changes, every commit rethinks their situation.”
Avinger had also received scholarship offers from East Carolina, South Florida and Georgia State. His combination of size and speed drew attention from Power Four and Group of Five programs across the Southeast.
On3 ranked Avinger as a three-star prospect and the No. 48 running back nationally in the 2026 class. ESPN also listed him as a three-star recruit and among the top 20 players in South Carolina.
Razorbacks look to stabilize 2026 class
Arkansas will now focus on reinforcing its 2026 recruiting class, which has seen several key prospects reconsider their pledges. Wide receiver Keymian Henderson and quarterback Jayvon Gilmore both reopened their recruitments in September, and offensive lineman Bryce Gilmore also recently decommitted.
Petrino and Yurachek are expected to continue recruiting efforts while the school searches for a permanent head coach. The Razorbacks’ next hire will likely determine whether more prospects stay or leave.
As for Avinger, his next step remains undecided. He has not announced a new commitment or official visit plans, but programs in the American Athletic Conference and ACC are expected to remain in contact.
Key takeaways
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Jordan Avinger, a 2026 running back, decommitted from Arkansas on Sunday after the firing of head coach Sam Pittman.
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The Razorbacks’ 2026 class now ranks No. 33 nationally by 247Sports, No. 31 by On3 and No. 32 by ESPN.
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Interim head coach Bobby Petrino and athletic director Hunter Yurachek face growing pressure to stabilize recruiting during the coaching transition.
