Arkansas High School Football Top 25 Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is Colton Edwards' Top 25, updated prospects ranking in classes 2026-2028 in Arkansas. As the football season kicks off this month, we look at the top prospects currently in the Natural State. (As always, players develop, grow, and change positions as that can or will adjust the rankings in the future).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["202575"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6893805b10ffe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='202575' first='Kane' last='Archer'] can do it all. He is a strong-arm, pro-style quarterback with a high-level football IQ and good processing skills. He demonstrates good pocket mobility, both inside and outside, allowing him to extend plays and throw accurately on the run. Within the pocket, he is agile and exhibits good hip fluidity while keeping his eyes downfield. He effectively processes blitzes and coverages before the snap and shows strong pocket awareness. He can diagnose and anticipate where the pocket may break down, enabling him to evade pressure. Archer showcases very good ball placement and anticipation at all field levels. The UCF commit will be fun to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - 10 1/8" Hands</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/KaneArcher9/status/1951665721374548378","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KaneArcher9/status/1951665721374548378 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["207186"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6893805b11083"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='207186' first='Evan' last='Goodwin'], the SMU commit is one of the top offensive linemen in the country. He has the potential to play on Sundays. He possesses an impressive combination of power, strength—both upper and lower body—and athleticism at the tackle position, allowing him to win one-on-one battles in any situation. He demonstrates very good initial quickness off the line of scrimmage, maintaining good pad level along with strong lower body power and quick foot movement. This enables him to establish inside leverage, utilizing effective hand placement, strength, and timing to disrupt defenders, push opposing players back, or create running lanes by moving them out of gaps. Goodwin shows good technique in reach and zone blocks, with impressive reach and arm length. His quickness is accentuated in all pass sets as well. He maintains a very strong anchor in pass protection, showcasing control through robust lower body and core strength, as well as effective hand placement. He is also aware of potential stunts, which highlights his high football IQ. He can mirror defenders effectively due to his lateral agility, balance, and strong base.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - ESPN 300</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/goodwin2026/status/1951332945756590232","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/goodwin2026/status/1951332945756590232 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1244451"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6893805b110d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1244451' first='Hank' last='Hendrix'] will be one of the best quarterbacks to ever come out of Arkansas once his high school career is done. He'll be joining the ranks of Tyler Wilson, [player_tooltip player_id='202575' first='Kane' last='Archer'], and so much more. He's a true pro-style quarterback with good arm strength and velocity through the hips. Hendrix displays good mechanics and footwork within the pocket, where he showcases his synergy with his feet and release point. Hendrix showcases very good ball placement at all levels of the field with the anticipation needed off-breaks and over the middle. The rising quarterback can quickly progress through his reads, attacking both zone and man coverage efficiently. Overall, he demonstrates very good decision-making and decisiveness post-snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 10+ G5/P4 Offers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/HankHendrix_3/status/1934311170984345714","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HankHendrix_3/status/1934311170984345714 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1163928"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6893805b1111b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1163928' first='Hakim' last='Frampton'] is one of the most highly athletic prospects in the state. Frampton is a skilled defensive back known for his fluid movement and good read-and-react abilities in the secondary. His hip flexibility and foot quickness enable him to change direction swiftly and stay inside the hip pocket off breaks. Additionally, his awareness allows him to effectively challenge catches and force PBUs at the catch point. He's dangerous as a return man and after the catch. Don't miss out on this prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.4+ 40</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/hakimframpton/status/1948147766103781827","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/hakimframpton/status/1948147766103781827 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["413517"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6893805b11161"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='413517' first='Anthony' last='Kennedy'], the Miami commit, is a force in the trenches. He showcases a good burst off the line at the snap, using good hand placement, pad level, and lower body strength to bull rush and apply pressure to the quarterback. Kennedy also excels against base blocks, quickly shedding them to make plays in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage. He is agile and can sidestep offensive linemen or extend his reach effectively. His athleticism and power enable him to be versatile along the defensive line, positioning himself from the 1-tech to the 5-tech.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – Multi-Sport Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Anthonydk2026/status/1952408023449628947","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Anthonydk2026/status/1952408023449628947 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6-25:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. 2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1155131' first='TJ' last='Hodges'] (Bryant)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. 2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1241685' first='Champ' last='Davis'] (Greenwood)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. 2026 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1216596' first='Danny' last='Beale'] (Cross County)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. 2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1415593' first='Bradley' last='Sturdivant'] (Sheridan)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. 2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1195384' first='Jakore' last='Smith'] (Bryant)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11. 2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='980889' first='Dequane' last='Prevo'] (Bentonville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12. 2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='283584' first='Braxton' last='Lindsey'] (Rogers)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>13. 2026 DB [player_tooltip player_id='466187' first='Kyndrick' last='Williams'] (Fayetteville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>14. 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1532731' first='Trey' last='Stewart'] (Little Rock Central)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>15. 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1195565' first='Isaiah' last='Stephens'] (Sheridan)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16. 2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='401196' first='Kamauri' last='Austin'] (Bryant)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>17. 2026 OL [player_tooltip player_id='918048' first='Tucker' last='Young'] (Lakeside)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>18. 2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1509016' first='Kambrien' last='Blackmon'] (Conway)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>19. 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='441618' first='Jeremiah' last='Dent'] (Marion)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>20. 2027 DB [player_tooltip player_id='403107' first='Aaron' last='Austin III'] (Bryant)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>21. 2026 OL [player_tooltip player_id='364854' first='Cody' last='Taylor'] (Greenwood)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>22. 2028 WR [player_tooltip player_id='256895' first='Chase' last='Hancock'] (Pulaski Academy)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>23. 2028 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1136507' first='Kentz' last='Brown'] (Dumas)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>24. 2028 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1323417' first='Elijah' last='Moody'] (Little Rock Mills)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>25. 2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1317669' first='Mason' last='Ball'] (Jacksonville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mentions:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1554630' first='Matthew' last='Nelson'] (Bryant), ATH [player_tooltip player_id='824762' first='Brody' last='Jones'] (Fayetteville), WR [player_tooltip player_id='402179' first='Luey' last='Jaime'] (Hot Springs), RB [player_tooltip player_id='401206' first='Nikel' last='Lewis'] (Hamburg), WR [player_tooltip player_id='1026808' first='Jamir' last='Lee'] (North Little Rock), WR [player_tooltip player_id='1136552' first='Braylyn' last='Brown'] (Joe T. Robinson), RB [player_tooltip player_id='1142032' first='Rico' last='Ward'] (Marion), QB [player_tooltip player_id='594778' first='Slade' last='Norwood'] (Farmington), WR [player_tooltip player_id='1603755' first='Caileb' last='Matthews'] (Conway), WR [player_tooltip player_id='401183' first='Catavion' last='Taylor'] (Fayetteville). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1637114,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/ColtonEdwardsHeader.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1637114" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Sofia Jordan</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->