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2026 linebacker Jordan Avinger decommits from Arkansas

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(Photo via Jordan Avinger/Twitter)

Orangeburg-Wilkinson (S.C.) three-star linebacker Jordan Avinger has decommitted from Arkansas, he announced on Sunday.

He had been pledged to the Razorbacks since August 1, when he chose them over North Carolina, East Carolina, West Virginia and a handful of other offers. However, with the firing of head coach Sam Pittman and major changes coming to the rest of the coaching staff, he has decided to reopen his recruitment.

“Coach Pittman and Coach Smith, I want to thank you both for the opportunity and everything you’ve done for me. 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-pounder is the No. 1346 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. 120 linebacker and No. 23 recruit in South Carolina.

His decommitment is the 11th in the past month for Arkansas since Pittman was given his walking papers.

New Razorbacks staff will have a lot of work to do

Once Pittman’s firing was reported, the floodgates opened. Three-star wide receiver Keymian Henderson decommitted soon after the news came out on Sunday. The next day, four-star linebacker JJ Bush and three-star linebacker Caleb Gordon exited as well.

Safety Adam Auston and defensive lineman Carnell Jackson backed off their pledges on Tuesday, offensive linemen Ari Slocum and Ben Mubenga decommitted on Wednesday, and they were followed by three-star defensive Cameron McGee a few days later.

After all of those departures, the class now ranks No. 57 nationally and No. 15 in the SEC, per the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Two blue-chippers — wide receiver Dequane Prevo and EDGE Colton Yarbrough — remain, but they are certainly going to be sought-after by other programs looking to make a late-season recruiting splash.

The Razorbacks still have 15 commitments despite the defections, but eight of them rank outside the top 1,000 players nationally. Along with replacing what is expected to be a significant transfer portal exodus, Arkansas’ new staff will also have to work hard to rebuild their class before National Signing Day the first week of December.