Arkansas Razorbacks are going to battle with one of their biggest rivals over a four-star recruit that every team would love to have

Arkansas is in a battle for 2026 RB TJ Hodges

When you go through some of the biggest rivalries that the Razorbacks have, the Missouri Tigers would be somewhere on that list. It's not at the top, not like the college football world wants it to be by making it a trophy game at the end of every season. But the two teams certainly don't like one another, that's for sure.

Now, the Hogs are trying to nab a four-star RB, and trying to keep their Battleline Trophy rival from getting him.

TJ Hodges is a four-star running back from the class of 2026 at Marked Tree High School in Marked Tree, Arkansas, a smaller area that not many know about, but that doesn't mean that the kid can't ball. And, being from the state, certainly gives the Hogs an advantage.

He's 6'1" and 180-ish pounds, he’s ranked No. 14 running back, No. 2 in Arkansas, and No. 175 overall by On3. In his junior year, he rushed for 1,796 yards and 22 touchdowns on 158 carries, averaging over 11 yards per carry, and caught 13 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Yes, those are real numbers.

Defensively, he had 38 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, four forced fumbles, and a pass breakup. He also competes in track, qualifying for the Arkansas 5A State Meet in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and relays. Hodges has eight schools in his final list, with Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Missouri as the top contenders. Ole Miss leads with a 67.2% chance of landing him, per On3, due to their offense matching his versatile skills. But, as of late, Rivals is reporting that Arkansas and Missouri are in a battle for him. 

Missouri is also a strong contender to land him, as they have hosted him for an official visit in June 2025 and an unofficial visit in November 2024. He plans to commit soon, and his speed, elusiveness, and ability to play running back, slot, or defense make him a valuable recruit, especially for a school like Arkansas, which could use a bit of everything. But, he will likely be an RB at the college level.