Over the last few weeks, the 2026 Arkansas recruiting class has come under scrutiny, but today, it received a much-needed boost. Offensive tackle Bryce Gilmore has committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks.
4-star offensive tackle Bryce Gilmore has committed to Arkansas
At 6-foot-5, 297 pounds, the .9162 rated 4-star prospect is one of the better offensive line prospects in his class. He ranks No. 16 in his position and No. 228 overall, according to 247Sports composite. The recruiting site itself is higher on the Prosper, Texas, product, ranking as the No. 125 OT and No. 186 player overall.
Gilmore broke the news in the opening minutes of the Ultimate College Football Show. When the host asked him what tipped the scales for Arkansas, Gilmore responded, "Firstly, Coach [Eric] Mateos and Coach [Sam] Pittman, knocking their track record with offensive linemen and knowing that I will be developed over there at the University of Arkansas."
"And also just the culture and, like, the environment. When I went there, I truly felt like this was home compared to any other visits I've been on. So, knowing if something bad happens, you know, with the coaching staff, I know that I'll still want to be in Fayetteville regardless."
Right after Gilmore finished speaking, the show flipped over to HawgSports.com's recruiting writer, Danny West. West said that Gilmore is one of the more impressive OT prospects to come to Fayetteville in a while, comparing him to former first-round draft pick and Los Angeles Chargers OT Rashad Slater.
Gilmore's commitment was desperately needed. While the class ranks in the top 15 on 247Sports, it's a gilded ranking. The process of using a thin layer of gold leaf as decoration to add a sense of luxury, gliding is a perfect way to describe the 2026 class. On the surface, it looks great, but once you dive into the makeup of the class, it loses it's value.
With 16 commitments, Arkansas has five more than any team in the SEC, and the average rating is 87.47—third to last in the conference. Even though Arkansas currently ranks No. 4, the class, per player, is toward the bottom of the league. However, before Gilmore's decision, the Hogs were at the bottom of the SEC.
Only one other 4-star prospect has committed to the Razorbacks so far. Edge Colton Yarbrough ranked at the top of Arkansas' class for months as the No. 208 player in the country, but now Gilmore is the top dog of this year's class.