2026 defensive lineman Carnell Jackson decommits from Arkansas

Auburn (Ala.) three-star defensive lineman Carnell Jackson Jr. is latest prospect to decommit from Arkansas after the firing of head coach Sam Pittman on Sunday.

Jackson had been pledged to the Razorbacks since April, when he chose them over offers from Troy, UAB, Georgia State, and others.

“I want to thank the entire football staff at the University of Arkansas for offering me the opportunity to play,” he told Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman. “However, following the recent coaching changes, I have decided to explore my options and have officially decommitted from the University of Arkansas. My recruitment is 100% open.”

Jackson is the eighth decommitment for the Razorbacks in the past three weeks and the fifth since Pittman’s firing on Sunday. Four-star linebacker JJ Bush, one of the class’s crown jewels, decommitted on Monday, as did three-star ‘backer Caleb Gordon. Wide receiver Keymian Henderson backed off his pledge in the hours after the news broke, and three-star safety Adam Auston decommitted earlier Tuesday.

Razorbacks’ class continues to shrink

In total, 11 different prospects have decommitted from Arkansas this cycle, one of the highest numbers in the entire country.

The 6-foot-2, 315-pounder is the No. 1425 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 140 defensive lineman and No. 52 player in Alabama.

Per Spiegelman, Houston, Kansas State and Vanderbilt are three programs who have already been in contact and are working to set up official visits this fall for Jackson.

This story will be updated with more information.