Arkansas lands quarterback recruit Joaquin Kavouklis

After sorting through more than a dozen scholarship offers, Joaquin Kavouklis has gone public with a verbal commitment to Arkansas.

The Lakeland (Fla.) High School quarterback announced the news on Thursday, marking a full-circle moment for Sam Pittman and his coaching staff.

“Arkansas was the first to offer me so we’ve had this relationship going for a very long time,” Kavouklis told Rivals. “It came down to the coaching staff and the relationship I had with them. It also came down to who I will be getting developed by.

“You don’t have a lot of opportunities to be coached by offensive geniuses like coach (Bobby) Petrino. The amount of knowledge Coach Petrino knows and the guys that he has produced was a key factor in my commitment.”

The class of 2027 passer chose the Razorbacks over finalists Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, each of which he revisited this spring.

The SEC allure over the ACC options also played a part in Kavouklis’ pick.

“It means a lot to me and my family as well,” he said. “Playing in the biggest conference isn’t for everyone. But I know I’m ready and prepared to play at that level because of the competition I’ve been playing with. I’ve played a national schedule my freshman year (at Clearwater International Academy) and now heading into my second national schedule going against the best teams in the country.”

Fit, timing each pointed to Fayetteville

Petrino’s long recruitment of his newest quarterback commitment came with a specific role in mind. Kavouklis relishes competition and trusts his accurate right arm.

“They see me coming into their program as a pocket passer that can make every throw on field,” he said. “Also having an amazing ability to scan the field and deliver the ball at the highest level in college football.”

Still new to storied Lakeland High School, the program’s new passer wanted to get through this part of the process ahead of the 2025 season.

“When it feels right and looks right — it’s usually right,” Kavouklis said. “Arkansas is a great program with a strong tradition of athletics and academics. Waiting for another right fit would be just wasting time.

“The coaching staff has made me feel wanted and that feeling is what every student athlete should feel. It was a no brainer for me to play the sport I love there. Go Hogs!”

Kavouklis set several passing records at Tarpon Springs (Fla.) High School in 2024, including yards (2,404) and touchdowns (21) in 11 games of action.