Hogs Football
Arkansas’ top DL recruit Danny Beale reopens recruitment after OSU decommit
After backing off his Oklahoma State pledge, Arkansas native Danny Beale is reassessing his future while SEC teams renew their pursuit
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In a twist that injects fresh life into Arkansas’ fractured 2026 recruiting class, four-star defensive tackle Danny Beale Jr. publicly withdrew his commitment to Oklahoma State and reopened his recruitment.
The decommitment comes as both the Razorbacks and Cowboys face leadership uncertainty, giving Arkansas a late path back into the race.
Beale, a 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman from Cross County High, announced his decision on social media, saying that with recent leadership changes and important decisions to be made by the university, he had decided to decommit at this time.
— Danny Beale III🥋 (@DannyBeale57) October 15, 2025
He added that while he was reopening his recruitment, he remained grateful and open to what the future with the program might hold.
He had committed to Oklahoma State on June 25, 2025. But the Cowboys, fresh off the dismissal of longtime head coach Mike Gundy, now face turbulence of their own.
Beale is the top recruit in Arkansas’ home state, ranked No. 120 nationally by 247Sports and No. 83 by ESPN. As the Razorbacks’ 2026 class has seen a wave of decommitments following the firing of head coach Sam Pittman, his decision offers a rare bright spot.
Before officially decommitting, Beale had expressed that he would monitor how Oklahoma State reshaped its program before making a final decision. On the 4th & 5 Show, he said he was going to see who Oklahoma State brought in and make his decision later.
Beale watches Arkansas while weighing his options
When asked about Arkansas, he added that he was paying attention to see who Arkansas brought in, but that was not his main priority at the time.
That posture leaves a narrow window for Arkansas’ yet-to-be-named next head coach to make an impression late in the cycle.
Beale took official visits to multiple SEC programs including Mississippi, Missouri and Mississippi State.
Recruiting analysts have suggested his recruitment could shape up as an SEC duel between Arkansas and Ole Miss.
Still, Arkansas must overcome staff turnover on the defensive side.
Interim coach Bobby Petrino dismissed defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson, and defensive line coach Deke Adams shortly after taking over.
Veteran assistants Chris Wilson and Jay Hayes were hired on an interim basis to stabilize the defense.
Arkansas’ 2026 class had slipped to last in the SEC and dropped to 66th nationally, per 247Sports, amid a rash of decommitments following Pittman’s ouster.
With blue-chip prospects already spoken for, Beale’s return would be a major victory for the next head coach.
Pittman was dismissed following a 56–13 loss to Notre Dame, and Petrino was elevated to interim head coach. Athletic director Hunter Yurachek has begun a national search and indicated Petrino will be a candidate for the permanent role. Analysts caution that rehiring Petrino may be viewed as a backward step.
Coaching changes could reshape Beale’s recruitment
Meanwhile, Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin has surged as a recruiting force, and Missouri under Eli Drinkwitz also looms as a viable threat for Beale’s services.
Beale’s versatility is viewed as impressive. He displays movement ability, pursuit range, and occasional offensive flashes, though he is technically raw and projects best at the interior defensive line.
If Beale continues his “wait-and-see” stance through the fall, whoever ultimately becomes the head coach will have only a brief period to close. A failure to land him would be another blow to a 2026 class already in disarray.
On the other hand, if Arkansas can successfully pitch stability, vision, and staff continuity, Beale offers a chance to salvage a headline recruit and reenergize in-state momentum. His decision may hinge less on geography and more on which program can convincingly project upward trajectory amidst coaching uncertainty.
Beale’s decommitment not only gives Arkansas’ next coach a clear target—it also injects renewed hope into a recruiting cycle long considered lost.
Three key takeaways
- Beale’s decommitment reopens an in-state recruiting path as Arkansas seeks to rebound in a weakened 2026 class.
- Coaching instability complicates matters on both sides: OSU is rebuilding after Gundy’s firing, while Arkansas is reshuffling its defensive coaching staff under Petrino.
- Timing is critical — if Beale delays until late, the next head coach will be under pressure to make a last-minute pitch in a volatile cycle.
