Razorbacks Strengthen Secondary with Another Georgia Talent for 2026
Arkansas Coaches Focus on Defensive Backfield Rebuild
Jacob Davis | March 16, 2025
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Razorbacks continue to revamp their secondary, securing a commitment from three-star cornerback Jalon Copeland out of Valdosta, Georgia.
Copeland, a standout in the football-rich town of Valdosta, wrapped up his junior season with 21 tackles, eight pass breakups, and two interceptions. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defensive back took an unofficial visit to Arkansas, where he connected with his primary recruiter, secondary coach Marcus Woodson, and toured the facilities before deciding to join the Razorbacks.
Ranked No. 650 nationally, No. 60 among cornerbacks, and No. 67 in Georgia for the 2026 class, Copeland boasts an impressive offer list of 40 programs, including Georgia Tech, Boston College, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan State, Nebraska, Vanderbilt, and Penn State.
With this latest addition, Arkansas’ 10-man recruiting class climbed to No. 9 in the 247Sports composite national rankings for 2026 and No. 3 in the SEC. The Razorbacks join USC, Kansas, Clemson, Illinois, and Louisville as one of six FBS programs with double-digit commitments.
The coaching staff has prioritized strengthening the secondary, securing commitments from five versatile defensive backs. Defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson, and first-year defensive backs coach Nick Perry are focused on bolstering a unit that has struggled, ranking last in the SEC in pass defense twice in the past three seasons.
Arkansas 2026 Recruiting Class:
- 4-star DE Colton Yarbrough
- 4-star WR Dequane Prevo
- 3-star QB Jayvon Gilmore
- 3-star DB Adam Auston
- 3-star DB Jalon Copeland
- 3-star DL Ari Slocum
- 3-star DB Tay Lockett
- 3-star DB Kyndrick Williams
- 3-star OL Tucker Young
- 3-star DB Jack Duckworth