Arkansas' 2026 recruiting class is adding a much-needed boost. Yesterday, reports surfaced that Arkansas was pulling a scholarship offer for a blue-chip legacy prospect, but today, it gained the commitment of another 4-star linebacker, J.J. Bush.
Arkansas football lands 4-star J.J. Bush
At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Bush is rated a 3-star according to 247Sports Composite, but the site's own rating system has him as a 4-star. On3 Sport concurs, giving Bush the 4-star label, too. In contrast, Rivals and ESPN lower his composite score, rating him a 3-star.
The Theodore High School product was a multi-sport athlete and played both ways in football, but linebacker was where he obviously stood out. In 2024, he recorded 69 tackles, six sacks, an interception, and a humble 22 tackles for loss. Here's what 247Sports' Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins has to say about the Alabama native:
"[Bush] embraces contact and is a spirited face-up tackler that wants to strike ball carriers. Has gotten on-ball looks in passing situations and has proven to be dangerous on the blitz as he can dip and rip his way to the quarterback. Better in zone coverage than he is man coverage at this stage, but has the speed and length to in theory shadow attached or detached weapons... has a chance to emerge as an impact player for a Power Four program with his frame, physicality, and overall energy."
Arkansas fought hard for Bush, swiping him away from other SEC teams. His final four teams included LSU, Missouri, and Cincinnati in addition to Arkansas. His offer list included 24 schools, including Florida, Miami, Michigan, Ole Miss, and Colorado.
Bush's commitment comes one year to the day that defensive coordinator Travis Williams pulled off one of the most surprising recruiting jobs of the 2025 class with Tavion Wallace. Williams was videoed running up and down the hall way of the Razorbacks' football facility in celebration. He was just as ecstatic after Bush's commitment.
HUGE! 🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗🐗 pic.twitter.com/NzYKUdI0r2
— Coach T-Will (@T_WILL4REAL) July 2, 2025
With Bush's commitment, the Razorbacks' 2026 class rises to No. 22 in the nation and grows the number of commits to 25.