Arkansas loses commitment from 2026 LB out of South Carolina
By David Wasson
Published:
Facing a 2-3 start to the 2025 season and the dismissal of coach Sam Pittman, the Arkansas Razorbacks have lost another commitment from 2026 3-star linebacker Jordan Avinger.
Avinger posted on his X account that he is reopening his recruitment during his senior season at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, SC – the 11th decommitment from Arkansas within the past month.
“Coach Pittman and Coach Smith, I want to thank you both for the opportunity and everything you’ve done for me,” Avinger posted via the Notes app on his iPhone. “After thinking long and hard about my future, I’ve decided to reopen my recruitment,” he posted in his announcing his decision. “This wasn’t an easy decision, and I have a lot of respect for you both and the Arkansas program. I truly appreciate the time, effort, and belief you’ve shown in me throughout this process.”
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Avinger is the No. 25 recruit in South Carolina by the 247 Composite rankings. He originally committed to the Razorbacks on Aug. 1 over offers from USF, East Carolina and others. After he committed to Pittman and the Hogs, Avinger added offers from West Virginia and North Carolina.
He was recruited to Arkansas by position coach Kolby Smith, who was named the interim offensive coordinator by interim coach Bobby Petrino following Pittman’s firing. Arkansas now ranks 67th in 247’s team rankings for the 2026 recruiting cycle.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
