Arkansas Razorbacks land one of the best 2026 recruits in the country over blue-blood program
The Arkansas Razorbacks saw more players leave in the transfer portal than just bout any other school in the country. And, that’s what happens when you have a bad year paired with high expectations — players want a fresh start elsewhere, and that’s fine.
The Razorbacks aren’t letting that affect their recruiting. Guys who want to be on The Hill will be on The Hill. And, the guys who don’t well, they aren’t begging them to stay. The Hogs need guys that will buy into what they are selling — even though it may be hard to see what the vision is at this moment. It seems like it’s winning the Liberty Bowl every year is the vision, but that’s neither here nor there.
But whatever they are doing seems to be working. They just landed one of the best players in the country at his position for their 2026 class, which currently ranks 24th in the country.
Hogs land 2026 recruit Jalon Copeland
Jalon Copeland is a top cornerback prospect from the class of 2026, playing for Valdosta High School in Valdosta, Georgia. At 6’1” and about 175-185 pounds, he’s got good size and speed for the position. In his junior year, he recorded 21 tackles, eight pass deflections, and two interceptions over nine games, showing he can make plays and shut down receivers. He’s strong in both press and off-man coverage, with quick feet and good instincts.
Copeland, a three-star recruit, has over 30 scholarship offers from big schools like Arkansas, Penn State, Louisville, and Michigan State. On Saturday, he committed to Arkansas, saying he liked the coaching staff’s support and felt at home there. The Razorbacks see him as a guy who could play right away.
From a football-hotbed state like Georgia, Copeland holds his own against tough competition. And, he’s got room to grow and could climb higher in the rankings. He’s a key piece of Arkansas’ 2026 recruiting class, which already has 10 commits, and they’re counting on him to strengthen their defense.
