Top 3 landing spots for four-star RB TJ Hodges to the Class of 2026 ft. Ole Miss

Four-star running back TJ Hodges is one of the most promising juniors in the nation. The standout prospect from Marked Tree High School in Arkansas has the dual-threat ability as a running back who can operate out of the backfield or line up in the slot.

This season, Hodges tallied 1,796 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on just 158 carries, averaging over 11 yards per carry, while catching 13 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns. In defense, he made his mark with 38 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, four forced fumbles and a pass breakup.

Hodges is ranked as the No. 14 running back in the 2026 class, the No. 2 recruit in Arkansas and the No. 175 prospect in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He also competes in track and field, where he qualified for the Arkansas 5A State Track Meet in multiple events, including the 100m, 200m, long jump, 4x100m relay and 4x200m relay.

TJ Hodges revealed his top eight schools on Saturday, which featured Oregon, Missouri, USC, Arkansas, Baylor, Ole Miss, Florida and Louisville. Let's see which three programs have the most potential to secure his commitment.

Top 3 schools vying for TJ Hodges' commitment

#3. Missouri

Missouri is the latest program to offer TJ Hodges on Nov. 13. He unofficially visited the school on Nov. 30 for its game against Arkansas. The Tigers won 28-21.

On Saturday, Missouri landed its first commitment in the 2026 class in four-star defensive lineman Anthony Kennedy, who chose the Tigers over SMU, Arkansas, Georgia and Texas. The Tigers are also considered frontrunners for Jackson Cantwell, the nation’s No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class.

#2. Arkansas

As Hodges’ home-state school, Arkansas has been actively pursuing the four-star running back since offering him a scholarship on May 16. The Razorbacks have a 5.3% chance of securing his commitment, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, but they remain in the race due to proximity and familiarity.

Arkansas has eight committed players in the 2026 class, ranking No. 16 in the nation and No. 8 in the Southeastern Conference. The cycle features wide receiver Dequane Prevo, edge rusher Colton Yarbrough, quarterback Jayvon Gilmore, cornerback Jack Duckworth and Tucker Young, as well as three safety prospects in Kyndrick Williams, Adam Auston and Tay Lockett.

#1. Ole Miss

Ole Miss is leading the race in TJ Hodges' recruitment with a 67.2% chance of securing his commitment. The Rebels offered Hodges on April 6 and have remained a consistent presence in his recruitment. Lane Kiffin’s offensive-minded approach could be a strong fit for Hodges’ skill set.

Ole Miss' 2026 class received its only commitment from three-star athlete Zion Legree last month. However, the Rebels are in contention for multiple prospects, including quarterback Luke Fahey, defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy, edge rusher Jamarion Matthews, interior offensive lineman Jakobe Green and offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda, among others.