Coach Sam Pittman and his staff have long favored 4-star defensive end Colton Yarbrough. The pursuit paid off, as Yarbrough chose Arkansas over Georgia, LSU, Colorado, and Oklahoma State on Saturday evening.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pound edge rusher has over 30 offers. Arkansas stayed constant with Yarbrough, showing him “the love” from the start.
“I really like the consistency of [Arkansas’] recruiting of me,” Yarbrough disclosed. “They showed me love. I admire how [Arkansas] has developed Landon Jackson. That has had a significant impact on how I perceive them, and they regard me as the same type of player.”
Yarbrough is ranked by 247sports as the No. 147 prospect in the US, the No. 17 defensive end, and the No. 1 prospect in Oklahoma. He can play any defensive line technique and drop back to linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
His speed, 82-inch wingspan, and fast twitch after snap allow him to get into the backfield quickly. Closing speed while playing as a stand-up end or linebacker makes him the most versatile edge rusher in the 2026 cycle.
Defensive line coach Deke Adams has been one of the most consistent recruiters and evaluators on the staff, whether it’s for high schoolers or transfer students. His units frequently create a large number of tackles for loss, and sacks add an enormous amount of pressure that is ideal for a Bobby Petrino offensive.
2024 Arkansas Recruiting ClassÂ
4-star DE Colton Yarbrough
4-star S Tay Lockett
3-star OL Tucker Young
3-star QB Jayvon Gilmore
