4-star LB JJ Bush decommits from Arkansas

Theodore (Ala.) four-star linebacker JJ Bush has decommitted from Arkansas, he told Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett.

He was pledged to the Razorbacks since July 2, but is now back on the board after the Razorbacks fired head coach Sam Pittman on Sunday. At the time of his first decision, Bush chose Arkansas over Missouri, LSU, Tulane and a handful of others.

One of the biggest factors in his initial decision was defensive coordinator Travis Williams, who was fired by interim coach Bobby Petrino on Monday morning.

“Coach Williams is like a dad,” Bush told Rivals’ Chad Simmons earlier this month. “He loves his players. He’s going to coach you hard, but love you hard too. He wants to make you the best you can be.”

Bush is the No. 307 overall prospect and No. 20 LB in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 15 player in Alabama.

Rivals ranks the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder higher than other recruiting services. He checks in as the No. 195 recruit, No. 11 LB and No. 9 player in the Yellowhammer State, per the updated Rivals300.

Multiple schools still in contact with Bush

Even prior to his decommitment, Bush wasn’t fully shut down with his recruiting process. He was considering visits to other schools and did make a trip to Mississippi State earlier this month.

“Everything’s not said and done until the papers are signed,” he told Simmons. “I am going to take visits, keep talking to the different coaches and make sure I make the best decision.”

The Bulldogs, along with LSU, have been pushing the hardest for him.

“Coach Blake Baker is my guy at LSU,” Bush said. “He’s just being himself and we have a great relationship. They’re known for winning, and I want to win. It’s LSU — it’s a great culture. I’ll be back there Sept. 13 for the Florida game.”

Defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler has been leading the charge from Starkviille.

“I’m visiting there this weekend for the Arizona State game. I’ve been there four or five times, so I know what it is like,” he said. “They really got back on me after I committed to Arkansas, and my interest in them is still there. I talk with Coach Hutzler, Coach Williams, and Coach Lebby a lot. Coach Hutzler is known for developing players and winning.”