FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas got another boost Wednesday night as highly sought-after safety commit Tay Lockett declared he’s closing his recruitment for good.
“I’m shutting it down and sticking with Arkansas,” Lockett told Hogs on SI. “What made it final was just how solid everything felt even after all the noise. I took my visits, I listened, I stayed open, but no matter what came my way, my heart never left Arkansas.”
Lockett’s announcement follows a summer of official visits to Arkansas, UCLA, and Oregon. Both Big Ten programs made efforts to sway him and keep him closer to home in California, but his loyalty to the Razorbacks stayed unwavering.
Like many recruits outside Arkansas, all have been impressed by the coaching staff’s consistency throughout the recruiting process. Even parents are reassured, confident that their sons will be well taken care of as long as they remain in the program.
Relationships still play a crucial role in recruiting, and Arkansas’ connection with Lockett stood the test of time—even after he received 41 Division I offers.
“The coaching staff never changed up, the love stayed real, and it felt like home every time I was there,” Lockett said. “I wanted to be sure I wasn’t just moving off hype or outside pressure, and after everything, it still felt right and even stronger than before.”
The 6-foot, 175-pound defensive back has enjoyed a standout high school career in California, amassing 248 tackles, 14 interceptions, five forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries over the past three seasons.
While his on-field production speaks volumes, Lockett is equally confident in co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson and defensive coach Nick Perry’s ability to prepare him for the next level.
“It’s where I see myself developing into the player I know I can be, where my family will be in the stands, and where I can chase a legacy,” Lockett said. “I want to be the first Jim Thorpe Award winner in school history. I’m ready to lock in and work for it.”
As a recruit, Lockett is viewed as a consensus 3-star prospect—ranked No. 647 overall in the 2026 class, No. 53 among safeties, and No. 54 among athletes in California, according to 247Sports.
Arkansas’ 2026 recruiting class of 25 players currently ranks No. 8 in the SEC and No. 22 nationally, per 247Sports.
From a numbers perspective, Arkansas is trending ahead of its traditional recruiting approach, assembling a balanced class with a mix of 4-star talents and high-to-midrange 3-star prospects expected to provide key depth.
“Number-wise, we are ahead of pace,” Pittman said. “Our [coaches] have gone out and done a good job there. It depends on what you want to do.
“We’re probably about 50/50 with other teams in how they’re using their freshmen, but at the same time, that’s your cornerstone. I’ve been really pleased with our recruiting department and our coaches because we are ahead of schedule compared to where we’ve been over the last two or three years.”
Arkansas 2026 Commit List
- 4-star OL Bryce Gilmore, Prosper, Texas
- 4-star DE Colton Yarbrough, Durant, Oklahoma
- 4-star LB JJ Bush, Theodore, Alabama
- 4-star WR Dequane Prevo, Bentonville
- 4-star OL Ben Mubenga, Buford, Georgia
- 3-star QB Jayvon Gilmore, Gaffney, South Carolina
- 3-star S Adam Auston, Lawton, Oklahoma
- 3-star TE Jaivion Martin, Pflugerville, Texas
- 3-star DL Ari Slocum, Farmerville, Louisiana
- 3-star S Tay Lockett, San Diego, California
- 3-star S Keivay Foster, Muscle Shoals, Alabama
- 3-star DB Victor Lincoln, Lancaster, Texas
- 3-star S Daylen Green, Havana, Florida
- 3-star DB Jalon Copeland, Valdosta, Georgia
- 3-star WR Robert Haynes, Missouri City, Texas
- 3-star DB Kyndrick Williams, Fayetteville
- 3-star OL Hugh Smith, Missouri City, Texas
- 3-star TE Kade Bush, Chanhassen, Minnesota
- 3-star OL Tucker Young, Hot Springs
- 3-star DL Carnell Jackson, Auburn, Alabama
- 3-star WR Blair Irvin III, Bentonville
- 3-star DL Cameron McGee, Loganville, Georgia
- 3-star LB Caleb Gordon, Gastonia, North Carolina
- 3-star OL Ashley Walker, Hollywood, Florida
- 3-star ATH Ashton Dawson, Shreveport, Louisiana
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