Defensive lineman Ari Slocum commits to Arkansas adding to Razorbacks Top 25 class

Farmerville (La.) Union Parish defensive lineman Ari Slocum announced his commitment to Arkansas on Monday.

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound Slocum chose to play for head coach Sam Pittman and the Razorbacks over an offer list that included Missouri, Houston and Purdue among others.

“I love Fayetteville,” Slocum said. “I think it’s a real nice environment and I love Arkansas in general.”

Defensive line coach Deke Adams was the lead recruiter and he was out to visit Slocum and his famioy on Monday.

“Just Coach Adams telling me he’s ready for me to be a Hawg,” Slocum said. “It’s the best choice for me to commit. Since he offered me to my face I’m going to commit to his face. It’s the right thing to do.

“Coach Adams he told me he’s going to develop me on and off the field. I’m looking forward to that.

Slocum becomes commit No. 9 for Pittman and his staff in the 2026 recruiting cycle, adding to a class previously ranked No. 16 by the On3 Industry.

“When Coach Pittman offered me we shook on it,” Slocum said. “He’s a real genuine guy.”

Arkansas just made Slocum feel the most comfortable.

“Just the way they treated me and my mother,” Slocum said. “I love Fayetteville. I think it’s a real nice environment and I love Arkansas in general.”