Football
Gilmore sets commitment date after impressive Arkansas official visit
Top 2026 offensive tackle, details his Arkansas visit and sets July 3 as his commitment date
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Prosper, Texas, standout Bryce Gilmore, one of the nation’s top offensive tackle prospects for the class of 2026, has set July 3 as his commitment date after an official visit to Arkansas.
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound four-star lineman, ranked No. 15 among offensive tackles and No. 26 in Texas by 247Sports, is focused on a top-six list that includes Arkansas, Arizona State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Texas Tech, and Vanderbilt.
Gilmore’s trip to Fayetteville left a strong impression, particularly regarding the Razorbacks’ coaching staff and the family-like atmosphere within the offensive line group.
“Coach [Sam] Pittman and his whole coaching staff brings such high energy here,” Gilmore said. “They are all about me. Pittman and offensive line coach [Eric] Mateos are one of the best, if not the best, duo to be coaching the offensive line.”
Eric Mateos, entering his second season at Arkansas after successful stints at BYU, Baylor, Texas State, and LSU, has quickly earned a reputation as a rising star in the coaching ranks.
Mateos helped Arkansas address pass protection issues by bringing in key transfers and developing versatile linemen like E’Marion Harris.
Despite improvements, the Razorbacks allowed 36 sacks in 2024, ranking No. 12 in the SEC and No. 114 nationally—a slight uptick from the previous season’s 47 sacks.
Gilmore, who holds 40 total offers from programs such as Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, and USC, repeatedly mentioned Arkansas’ “family atmosphere and culture within the offensive line room” as a major draw.
During his visit, he was hosted by Georgia Tech transfer left tackle Corey Robinson, who posted a 91.2 pass-blocking grade in 2024—tops among Power Four Conference linemen and No. 4 nationally.
“Something that sticked out to me was the culture of the offensive line room,” Gilmore said. “Corey [Robinson], their starting left tackle was my host. We learned a lot about his past [at Georgia Tech and Kansas] while answering everything we asked. It was great.”
Gilmore’s recruitment has been highly competitive. He has already taken official visits to Arizona State and Arkansas, with trips to Texas Tech, Penn State, and Ole Miss scheduled for June.
His commitment, set for his birthday on July 3, will be a significant addition to whichever program lands him.
The Razorbacks, under Pittman and Mateos, are making a strong push to improve their offensive line, which has seen notable turnover with three starters departing after the 2024 season.
If Gilmore commits to Arkansas, he would join a class looking to break into the top 25 nationally and help solidify the Razorbacks’ future up front.
Gilmore is praised for his long arms, strong base, and quickness off the line, excelling both in pass protection and as a run blocker.
His athleticism is enhanced by his background in basketball, and his football IQ is bolstered by NFL bloodlines—his father, Bryan Gilmore, played wide receiver in the league from 2000–2007.
