Arkansas’ 2026 recruiting class now includes 12 commitments following Monday’s pledge from Auburn (Ala.) defensive tackle Carnell Jackson. The 6-foot-3, 318-pounder made his decision public after telling HawgSports on Sunday that Arkansas had moved to the top of his list.
Jackson committed shortly after his first unofficial visit to Fayetteville, with plans to return for a 48-hour official visit on June 13. He chose Arkansas and defensive line coach Deke Adams over offers from Memphis, Tulane, UAB, East Carolina, Arkansas State, Ball State, and several others.
Jackson becomes the first defensive tackle from Alabama to commit to the Razorbacks since Darius Philon in 2012. He’s also just the third interior defensive lineman from Alabama to choose Arkansas in the online recruiting rankings era (since 2002).
Rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports, Jackson is ranked as the No. 111 defensive tackle nationally and the 46th-best player in Alabama for the 2026 class.
Arkansas’ 2026 class also includes:
- Jayvon Gilmore, a three-star QB from Gaffney, S.C.
- Dequane Prevo, a three-star WR from Liberty-Eylau (Texarkana, TX)
- Tucker Young, a three-star OL from Hot Springs, Ark.
- Jack Duckworth, a CB from Rockwall, Texas
- Jalon Copeland, a three-star CB from Valdosta, Ga.
- Colton Yarbrough, a four-star edge from Durant, Okla.
- Adam Austin, a three-star safety from MacArthur (Lawton, Okla.)
- Tay Lockett, a three-star safety from University City (San Diego, Calif.)
- Kyndrick Williams, an unranked safety from Fayetteville, Ark.
As recruiting winds down, the Razorbacks are preparing for the upcoming transfer portal window, which opens Wednesday and runs through Friday, April 26. Arkansas is expected to be active as it addresses key roster needs. [Click here to see areas they’re focusing on.]
Current Defensive Tackle Depth (9 Players):
- Cam Ball (RS-Sr)
- Danny Saili (Sr)
- David Oke (Sr, Transfer)
- JJ Hollingsworth (RS-Jr)
- Ian Geffrard (RS-So)
- Kaleb James (RS-So)
- Kevin Oatis (Fr)
- Reginald Vaughn (Fr)
- Caleb Bell (Fr)
Transfers Out: None
While JJ Hollingsworth and David Oke have split time between DT and DE this spring, Arkansas appears to have just four defensive tackles ready for significant SEC action: Ball, Saili, Geffrard, and Oke. Freshman Caleb Bell may be next in line, but ideally, the staff wants five game-ready tackles. Although they’re technically one over the minimum target of seven or eight DTs, the Hogs still likely need to bring in a seasoned veteran from the portal, especially with a clear need at defensive end as well.
Leave a Reply