The Arkansas Razorbacks’ 2026 recruiting class has taken a blow after quarterback Jayvon Gilmore, the team’s only QB commit, decided to decommit. Gilmore, a three-star prospect out of Gaffney, South Carolina, had been committed since August 2024 but announced his decision to reopen his recruitment via Hayes Fawcett of Rivals.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 195 pounds, Gilmore’s departure leaves a significant void in Arkansas’ future offensive plans. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino now faces the task of finding a new quarterback to lead the 2026 class. Gilmore had previously chosen Arkansas over offers from over 20 schools, including Louisville, NC State, Texas A\&M, and Virginia Tech.
The timing of Gilmore’s decommitment follows reports that he left Gaffney High School, where he was splitting playing time with another quarterback, Banks Bouton. So far this season, he’s thrown for 147 yards and one touchdown on 14-of-28 passing. Last season, he put up strong numbers—2,510 passing yards and 26 touchdowns—while leading Gaffney to a 10-2 record and a deep playoff run.
Gaffney is undergoing changes under new head coach Donnie Littlejohn, who stepped in after Dan Jones’ retirement. The combination of coaching transition and shared quarterback duties may have played a role in Gilmore’s decision to leave both his school and his Arkansas commitment. His next move remains uncertain, especially with new eligibility rules in South Carolina potentially complicating a transfer.
Razorbacks Left Searching for QB
Gilmore is the second recruit to decommit from Arkansas recently, following Texas offensive lineman Bryce Gilmore (no relation), who is now committed to Texas Tech. The Razorbacks’ 2026 class now includes 25 players but is without a quarterback.
Arkansas will now explore options to replace Gilmore, potentially looking at other high school QBs or even turning to the transfer portal. Despite the setback, Gilmore is still regarded as one of South Carolina’s top talents, ranked No. 9 in the state and No. 29 nationally among quarterbacks.
With Gilmore gone, Arkansas shifts its focus to strengthening the rest of its 2026 recruiting class and filling the newly vacant quarterback spot.