Mass Exodus of Arkansas Power Five Talent

Originally posted on Arkansas Razorbacks on SI
By Kent Smith | Last updated Dec 20, 2023 2:11 PM ET

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Razorbacks put together a solid signing day. However, at least until the new recruits start producing on the field, all Hog fans seem to be talking about is the in-state players who are leaving the state.

Sam Pittman and company only landed two of the Top 5 players and four of the Top 10, all of which went to either SEC or Big Ten schools . The list of Power Five players went 12 deep this year. Here's where they ended up.

Coming off the 2021 season, Arkansas signed eight of the Top 11 players in the state, which shows how much things have changed. As for Eli Drinkwitz at Missouri, he has picked up four of the state's top players the past two years, three of which came from Pine Bluff.

#1
Courtney Crutchfield, WR
^{Pine Bluff HS}

BREAKING 4-star WR Courtney Crutchfield has committed to Missouri

Crutchfield ranks No. 93 NATL. (No. 20 WR) in the 2024 class‼️

More from @ChadSimmons_: https://t.co/a6Bxg92O9L pic.twitter.com/xJvtlEhdIW
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) December 19, 2023

#2
Charleston Collins, DL
^{Little Rock Mills HS}

Charles Entertainment Collins

Welcome home, @Charleston_C10 pic.twitter.com/fLiTDenIq1
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) December 20, 2023

#3
Walker White, QB
^{Little Rock Christian Academy}

December 20th LRCA Warrior Arena!
9am Officially Signing…Open to Everyone @AuburnFootball @Nextupsportsnu @EricCohu @coachboshears @lrcawarriors @CoachHughFreeze pic.twitter.com/7fYmKqep8Y
— Walker White (@walker_white5) December 19, 2023

#4
Braylen Russell, RB
^{Benton HS}

I will be signing my National letter of intent December 20 @ 5:30pm CT GO HOGS! pic.twitter.com/SmjNdOSOdN
— Braylen Russell (@BraylenRussell) December 14, 2023

#5
Drake Lindsey, QB
^{Benton HS}

52 touchdowns this season!?@Drakelindsey5 let's ROW‍♂️#RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/DB0uMsac3W
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) December 20, 2023

#6
CJ Brown, RB
^{Bentonville HS}

What can Brown do for you?

Welcome home, @cjbrown2024 pic.twitter.com/U8kihVefiF
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) December 20, 2023

#7
Austyn Dendy, ATH
^{Pine Bluff HS}

Versatile athlete out of Arkansas coming to Missouri @AustynDendy

✅ SIGNED: Austyn Dendy

6’1 200 lbs
Defensive Back
Pine Bluff, AR#Chase2Dre4ms | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/qCM4ORaYiq
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) December 20, 2023

#8
Wyatt Simmons, LB
^{Harding Academy}

Wyatt? WHY NOT

Welcome home, @Wyatt_Simmons10 pic.twitter.com/aoScnvwYgK
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) December 20, 2023

#9
Bryan Huff, LB
^{Valley View HS}

Newest addition to LBU @brianhuff23

✅ SIGNED: Brian Huff

6’2 224 lbs
Linebacker
Jonesboro, AR#Chase2Dre4ms | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/oAW5GbEdue
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) December 20, 2023