Missouri trending early with No. 2 recruit in the state of Arkansas

Few programs have had more success running the ball over the past few years than Missouri, which has turned into one of college football’s elite rushing programs. After Cody Schrader led the SEC in rushing in 2023 with more than 1,600 yards and 14 TDs, the Tigers used a two-headed attack in 2024.

The Tigers took a slight step back in terms of total output, but still amassed more than 2,100 yards on the ground. That commitment to the run game has taken hold with both transfers and recruits alike. Missouri landed On3’s No. 1 transfer running back Ahmad Hardy in the portal this winter, and they’re trending early for one of the nation’s best 2026 rushers, too.

On Monday, On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong logged a prediction for the Tigers to land Marked Tree (Ark.) four-star running back T.J. Hodges. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder holds offers from Ole Miss, Arkansas, USC, Auburn and more than a dozen other programs.

He named the Tigers as one of his top schools last month, along with Arkansas, Baylor, Florida State, Louisville, Ole Miss, Oregon and USC.

Tigers making a strong impression on one of Arkansas’ best

“I love everything about Missouri,” he told On3’s Chad Simmons at the time. “The hype, the coaches, the feel and the locker room are great. I know guys that are going there and they love it too.”

The No. 175 overall prospect (No. 2 in Arkansas) in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking has already visited the Tigers, Razorbacks and Rebels for games this season. He plans to commit before his senior season.

“I am graduating early, so I want to commit right before my senior season,” Hodges told Simmons. “I am looking for a place that feels like home. Overall, I want to be at a good program because education is first and play for good coached. Playing time is another thing I am looking for because I want to play early.”

In eight games as a junior, Hodges had an eye-popping 1,796 rushing yards on 158 carries, to go along with 24 total touchdowns. On defense, he added 40 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles and 2 sacks.

The Tigers already have a commitment from the state’s No. 4 prospect, four-star defensive lineman Anthony Kennedy out of Little Rock Maumelle. In 2024, they signed three of the state’s top nine recruits.