2026 OT Ben Mubenga recommits to Arkansas

Buford (Ga.) three-star offensive tackle Ben Mubenga has committed to Arkansas for the second time.

The 6-foot-5, 275-pounder announced on Tuesday that he’s locking back in with the Razorbacks after decommitting from the program on Oct. 1.

Mubenga is the No. 88 OT and No. 118 player in the Peach State in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He checks in as the No. 1,172 prospect overall.

The likes of Georgia Tech, Florida State and NC State were also in the mix for Mubenga’s pledge in the summer and fall, but he’s opted to re-enter the mix in Fayetteville after the firing of head coach Sam Pittman.

Razorbacks offensive line coach Eric Mateos played a major factor in Mubenga’s recruitment and his continued presence on the staff has helped Arkansas grab the tackle’s pledge once again.

Mubenga has been a key cog in the offense for one of the top high school football programs in the nation. Buford is currently amidst another undefeated state title run and is now the No. 5 team in the nation, according to the Massey Ratings.

Hogs add piece back to 2026 class

When Pittman was fired earlier this fall, a slew of Arkansas’ commits quickly left the class. As the dust has settled and the Hogs continue to close in on naming their new head coach, the SEC program is trying to add some bodies to their pledge list with National Signing Day closing in.

There are now 13 commits in the class and five are offensive linemen. Mubenga flanks Farmerville (La.) Union Parish three-star IOL Ari Slocum, Hot Springs (Ark.) Lakeside three-star IOL Tucker Young, Missouri City (Texas) Ridge Point three-star IOL Hugh Smith and West Palm Beach (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna three-star OT Ashley Walker.

The secondary is also well-represented in the class. Four defensive backs are committed, headlined by Muscle Shoals (Ala.) three-star safety Keivay Foster, Conway (Ark.) three-star safety Tay Lockett and Valdosta (Ga.) three-star cornerback Jalon Copeland.

The class ranks No. 68 nationally, according to the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. That’s still last in the SEC. The full class can be seen here.