Football
Razorbacks target top talent as Sam Pittman hosts crucial recruiting weekend
Hogs enter a key recruiting weekend hosting top prospects eager to shape Arkansas football’s future.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas is in the midst of a pivotal stretch as coach Sam Pittman and his staff host a wave of high-priority prospects for official visits.
Coming off a string of recent commitments, the Razorbacks aim to keep its recruiting momentum alive, with several top targets arriving in Fayetteville from June 13-15.
Among the headliners is Maumelle edge rusher Jordan Harris, a consensus four-star recruit with offers from Missouri and SMU, but Hogs’ Crystal Ball predictions are trending in the Razorbacks’ favor.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Harris impressed coaches at a Razorback lineman camp last summer and has since become one of the state’s most coveted defensive prospects.
“Jordan’s got the size, the physicality,” Pittman said last week. “He loves the state of Arkansas, the university, great parents. But I’ll tell you, he’s got the size and the upside to make an early impact.”
Another key visitor is Cantonment, Fla., Tate wide receiver Elijah Tate, who has caught the eyes of recruiters across the Southeast.
The 6-foot-3 playmaker finished his junior year with 42 receptions, 584 yards, and 10 touchdowns, helping Tate High School reach Florida’s 6A playoffs. While Michigan State and Minnesota remain in contention, the Razorbacks’ recent push has reportedly put the Hogs in a strong position.
This weekend’s visitor list is deep, reflecting the staff’s commitment to both in-state and regional talent.
Alongside Harris and Tate, the Razorbacks are set to host running back TJ Hodges, wide receivers Robert Haynes IV and Xavier Okwufulueze, tight end Jaivion Martin, offensive lineman Ashley Walker, defensive linemen Carnell Jackson and Anthony Kennedy Jr., and defensive backs Keivay Foster, Braeden Presley, and Isaiah Washington.
The upcoming visits are especially crucial as the Hogs look to solidify its position in the SEC’s recruiting rankings.
The Razorbacks currently hold the largest commitment total in the conference for the month, fueled by a blend of local and out-of-state pledges.
“I really like this team,” Pittman remarked at a recent press conference. “I’m not trying to win media days. I’m just going to tell you how I feel. I really like where we’re headed.”
Recruiting is a constantly shifting landscape, and Arkansas’ staff has already made several tactical adjustments.
For example, with in-state four-star defensive tackle Anthony Kennedy Jr. scheduled to visit, the Hogs may reschedule D-tackle commitment Carnell Jackson’s official to next week, allowing the staff to focus on Kennedy.
Meanwhile, receiver Xavier Stinson will reportedly visit UCLA instead, and previously scheduled offensive linemen Mataalii Benjamin and Daniel McMorris have committed elsewhere.
Despite these changes, the Razorbacks are holding steady with four offensive line commitments, a group Pittman described as “a foundation for the future.”
Recruiting insiders have also upped their confidence in the Hogs’ chances with Carthage (Texas) receiver Keymian Henderson, who visited last weekend.
As the Hogs move toward the final two weekends of official visits, the focus remains on building a class that can compete in the SEC’s unforgiving environment.
“It’s about getting the right kids in here, guys who want to be Razorbacks and who want to be part of something bigger than themselves,” Pittman said.
With official visits underway and several blue-chip prospects in play, the next few weeks could prove decisive for Arkansas’ 2025 recruiting class.
