Good News for Arkansas: Razorbacks Make Strong Early Moves as Contact Period Opens with Rising Juniors

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As one recruiting class nears capacity, another is just getting underway. On Sunday, college coaches received the go-ahead to officially contact athletes entering their junior year of high school.

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman and his staff continue to cast a wide recruiting net, showing a strong national presence that stretches far beyond the region.

4-star QB Kamden Lopati – West Valley City, Utah
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Lopati is regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in his class.

In his sophomore season, he completed over 67% of his passes for 3,050 yards and 25 touchdowns, while also adding 647 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.

Ranked No. 291 overall in the 2027 class, Kamden Lopati sits at No. 21 among quarterbacks nationally and is the No. 3 prospect in the state of Utah, per 247Sports.

Lopati pairs a strong arm and quick release with above-average mobility, making him a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. His skill set has already attracted attention from top programs, earning him 15 scholarship offers. Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington are among the schools showing early interest.

4-star TE Korz Loken – Iola, Wisconsin
At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Loken is an athletic tight end who made a significant impact as a sophomore, hauling in 425 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His size and playmaking ability make him a valuable weapon in the passing game.

Although Arkansas has yet to extend an offer to Korz Loken, the 4-star tight end has been in contact with the Razorbacks this week — a promising sign in his recruitment.

Loken currently holds offers from several Power Five programs, including Auburn, Florida State, Notre Dame, Kansas, Purdue, Iowa State, and Indiana, among others.

3-star OL Tristen Dare – Southlake, Texas
Dare, another rising junior who has yet to receive an offer from Arkansas, has also been in communication with the Razorbacks this week. The 2027 offensive lineman is beginning to gain traction in recruiting circles as interest continues to build around him.

The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Tristen Dare projects as an interior offensive lineman at the college level. His recruiting stock is already rising, with offers from a wide array of Power Five programs, including Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Kansas State, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Washington, among others.

Dare is ranked as the No. 425 overall prospect in the 2027 class, No. 24 among interior offensive linemen, and No. 52 in the state of Texas, according to 247Sports.

RB Mikel Stephen – Madison, Mississippi
Though Stephen does not yet have an official recruiting ranking, his offer list tells the story of a high-upside athlete. The Mississippi native has already picked up offers from Ole Miss, Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, and Oklahoma — a who’s who of national contenders.

Stephen also brings elite strength to the table for a young back: he squats 385 pounds, deadlifts over 450, and benches 275 pounds, showcasing a college-ready frame and power potential.

RB Mikel Stephen – Madison, Mississippi
At 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, Mikel Stephen brings a physical, downhill running style to the field. He’s decisive with his cuts and possesses the burst to accelerate past defenders in the open field.

While he doesn’t yet have an official recruiting ranking, Stephen’s offer list speaks volumes. He holds early offers from Ole Miss, Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. His weight-room numbers are equally impressive, boasting a 385-pound squat, 450+ deadlift, and a 275-pound bench press, highlighting his power and explosiveness.

4-star OL Demarrion Johnson – Tyler, Texas
At 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, Johnson is a dominant presence along the offensive line and is projected to play offensive tackle at the next level.

The Razorbacks will face stiff competition in his recruitment, as Johnson holds offers from powerhouse programs including Alabama, Arkansas, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas, and Texas Tech.

According to 247Sports, he’s ranked as the No. 136 overall player in the country, the No. 12 offensive tackle, and No. 25 in Texas for the class of 2027.

4-star OL Albert Simien – Lake Charles, Louisiana
Although Arkansas hasn’t extended an offer yet, Albert Simien is attracting attention from a long list of top programs. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound interior lineman already holds offers from LSU, Florida, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Houston, Notre Dame, and Tulane.

Simien is ranked as the No. 38 overall prospect, No. 2 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 5 player in Louisiana, per 247Sports.

ATH Trey Stewart – Little Rock, Arkansas
A versatile in-state athlete, Trey Stewart has drawn early attention since the contact period opened, hearing from Arkansas, Kennesaw State, Sacramento State, Charlotte, Tulsa, Arizona State, Miami, and Louisville.

At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Stewart is a true multi-position threat, capable of contributing at running back, wide receiver, or defensive back at the next level. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him a player to watch in Arkansas’ 2027 recruiting class.

ATH Trey Stewart – Little Rock, Arkansas
Trey Stewart continues to build momentum as one of the top multi-position prospects in the region. As a sophomore, he rushed for 522 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 13 receptions for 107 yards on offense. On the defensive side, he stood out in the secondary, recording 22 tackles, three pass breakups, two sacks, and two interceptions.

Rated a high 3-star prospect by Rivals, Stewart is ranked No. 22 nationally among athletes in the 2027 class. With strong in-state ties and two-way versatility, he remains a key target for Arkansas and other programs across the country.

DL D’ante Seals – Trussville, Alabama
Seals is emerging as one of the more sought-after edge rushers in the 2027 class. The Trussville, Alabama native has picked up offers from Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and a growing list of others.

Known for his explosiveness off the edge and disruptive play style, Seals is a high-upside defensive lineman whose recruitment is heating up early in the cycle.

DL D’ante Seals – Trussville, Alabama
At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, D’ante Seals brings a dynamic skill set to the edge. He’s known for his relentless motor, explosive first step, and long arms, which allow him to generate consistent pressure off the edge using refined technique.

Heading into his junior year, Seals is rated a 4-star prospect by Rivals. He’s ranked as the No. 12 defensive end nationally and the No. 14 overall player in Alabama for the 2027 class.

With offers from Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and others, Seals is quickly becoming one of the most coveted pass rushers in the country.

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