Underclassmen Playmakers Emerge on Arkansas Recruiting Radar

Arkansas impresses a group of talented young prospects across multiple positions

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and action, using bold colors to represent the energy and potential of Arkansas' emerging underclassmen prospects.Arkansas' recruiting pipeline of young playmakers could shape the program's future success on the gridiron.Fayetteville Today

While much of the attention centered on current cycle prospects, Arkansas quietly made an impression on a group of underclassmen who could shape future recruiting classes. The list is headlined by game-changing athletes on both sides of the football and special teams, including running backs, a long snapper, and a versatile two-way player.

Why it matters

Identifying and securing commitments from elite underclassmen is crucial for building a strong, sustainable football program. Arkansas is making inroads with several promising young talents who could become cornerstones of future Razorback teams.

The details

The underclassmen who visited Arkansas and impressed the coaching staff include running back Asa Barnes, long snapper Brayden Dolan, running back Santana Roberson, wide receiver Chase Slater, offensive lineman Henry Angeley, and athlete Riley Lewis. These prospects, ranging from the 2028 to 2029 classes, hold offers from top programs across the country and are being actively recruited by the Razorbacks.

  • Asa Barnes visited Arkansas on April 17, 2026.
  • Brayden Dolan was offered by Arkansas in January 2026 and visited on April 18, 2026.
  • Santana Roberson received his 10th Division I offer from Arkansas on April 19, 2026.
  • Chase Slater visited Arkansas on April 17, 2026.
  • Henry Angeley visited Arkansas on April 18, 2026.
  • Riley Lewis visited Arkansas on April 14, 2026.

The players

Asa Barnes

A consensus 3-star running back with offers from Alabama, Kentucky, USC, and others. He is a versatile weapon out of the backfield, recording 1,208 yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground and 567 yards and 6 touchdowns through the air.

Brayden Dolan

A 2028 long snapper prospect who was offered by Arkansas in January 2026. He had a positive visit, spending time with the Razorbacks' special teams coaches.

Santana Roberson

A 2029 running back who received his 10th Division I offer from Arkansas during his visit. The 5-foot-9, 173-pound prospect also holds offers from Oregon, Purdue, and others.

Chase Slater

An impressive 2028 wide receiver from Bryant, Arkansas, who already holds offers from Kansas, UTSA, and Kentucky State. He has the size at 6-foot-6, 180 pounds to be a problem at the next level.

Henry Angeley

A 2028 offensive lineman from Ponder, Texas, who holds offers from Louisiana Tech and Tulsa. He also has interest from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and North Texas.

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What they’re saying

“The visit was really really good. At first, I pictured Arkansas as some run down country town but it wasn't. Then, getting around the facilities, they are top notch not to mention getting to hangout with [running backs coach] David Johnson and coach [Ryan Silverfield].”

— Asa Barnes, Running Back

“My visit went well yesterday I really had some time to see everything and personally sat down with Coach Silverfield in his office and just chat. I spent a lot of the day with assistant special teams coach [Dakota] Tillman, special teams coordinator [Chad] Lunsford, and assistant special teams coach [Andy] Rinehart just learning about how they do things and watching the specialists.”

— Brayden Dolan, 2028 Long Snapper

What’s next

The Razorbacks will continue to monitor the progress of these underclassmen and work to secure commitments from them as they move through the recruiting process.

The takeaway

Arkansas is making a concerted effort to identify and recruit top young talent, building a pipeline of future playmakers that could sustain the program's success for years to come. These underclassmen visits demonstrate the Razorbacks' ability to impress prospects and position themselves as a destination of choice for elite high school talent.