“Only get to go through this once”: 4-star OL Bear McWhorter shares real reason behind de-commitment from Sam Pittman’s Arkansas

Bear McWhorter, a standout offensive lineman from the class of 2026, announced his decision to de-commit from the Arkansas Razorbacks on Sunday. This news came as a surprise to many, including coach Sam Pittman, since McWhorter had been committed since August 2023. This leaves Arkansas with only one commitment for 2026: four-star defensive back Tay Lockett from Bellflower, California.

McWhorter, a 6-foot-4, 281-pound offensive tackle from Cartersville, Georgia, announced his decision on X and shared the reason behind it.

“De-committing is something that never even crossed my mind last August when I committed to the Razorbacks,” McWhorter wrote. “Even now, my love for the Hogs and Coach Pitt hasn’t changed.

“After lots of thought, prayer and conversations with my family, I realize I only get to go through this process once in my life and have a long way to go before I put pen to paper. With that being said I will be de-committing from Arkansas in order to take more time and rest assure I make the right decision for my future.”

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Per the post, McWhorter is de-committing from the Razorbacks "to take more time" before deciding on his college.

On the flip side, Bear's cousin, Brodie McWhorter, a four-star quarterback from the same high school, committed to West Virginia on June 24. Brodie is actively encouraging Bear to join him, rallying Mountaineer fans on social media to support this idea.

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Will Bear McWhorter stay in Georgia to play for the Bulldogs?

Bear McWhorter has plenty of choices, with 30 offers from schools like Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and Georgia. Since he lives in Georgia, the Bulldogs might be a strong contender.

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Even after his commitment to Arkansas, McWhorter kept visiting other schools, including Tennessee, over the past few months. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel offered him a scholarship early in his freshman year, and McWhorter visited the Vols twice recently, including for a game against UTSA.

Also Read: “It's a make-or-break year” - Anonymous college coach drops verdict on Arkansas HC Sam Pittman’s future with the Razorbacks

Where do you think Bear McWhorter will end up playing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

About the author

Mohammad Asif Ansari is a journalist covering college football and basketball at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Technology and brings four years of experience as an NFL and EdTech writer.

While acknowledging the dominance of professional leagues like the NBA and NFL, Asif is drawn to the raw energy and unpredictability of college sports, particularly football and basketball.

Jalen Hurts stands out as Asif's all-time favorite college player, celebrated for his remarkable success on the football field and impressive leadership skills.

In his reporting, Asif seeks to capture the essence of college athletics, delving into the human stories behind the game. From the trials and triumphs of student-athletes to the strategic genius of coaches like Nick Saban, he strives to paint a vivid picture of the college sports landscape.

Asif ensures that his reporting is both informative and ethically sound, meticulously verifying sources and facts to provide readers with reliable and trustworthy content.

When not writing, Asif practices basic MMA, hones his biking skills and expands his language proficiency in Urdu and Arabic.

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Edited by R. Elahi