Arkansas Has Some Early 2026 Offensive Skills Players to Know
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Deep in the heart of SEC West territory sits the state of Arkansas. Dubbed the “Wonder State”, the nickname is fitting because it’s often a wonder why this state is so overlooked when it comes to football talent. In an…
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Continue ReadingDeep in the heart of SEC West territory sits the state of Arkansas. Dubbed the “Wonder State”, the nickname is fitting because it’s often a wonder why this state is so overlooked when it comes to football talent. In an effort to change that and promote some of the state’s young talent, let’s take a look at five skills guys in the class of 2026 to know right now.
Kane Archer Kane Archer 6'1" | 205 lbs | QB Greenwood Bulldogs | 2026 State AR | Quarterback
There’s really no debate when it comes to who is the top overall prospect in the state for the class of 2026—it’s Kane Archer Kane Archer 6'1" | 205 lbs | QB Greenwood Bulldogs | 2026 State AR . With offers already from Michigan, Missouri and his home-state Arkansas Razor backs, there’s a good chance we’ll be seeing this young man on Saturday afternoons in the future. Archer, who starts for both the Greenwood Bulldogs 8th and 9th grade teams, is already 6-foot and 180 pounds with 9 and 7/8th inch hands—at just 13 years old.
Blair Ken Irvin III Blair Ken Irvin III 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR BENTONVILLE | 2026 State AR | Wide Receiver
When it comes to top wide receiver talent on the middle school level, Irvin III tops the list that I’ve seen to this point. At 5-foot-10 and 135 pounds the Fulbright Junior High student-athlete is a nightmare for defensive backs on this level. He plays a lot stronger than his weight may indicate and his ability to create after the catch is second to none.
Will Carter Will Carter 5'11" | 140 lbs | WR Benton | 2026 State AR | Wide Receiver
Benton Junior High’s Will Carter Will Carter 5'11" | 140 lbs | WR Benton | 2026 State AR looks like a future All-Stater, in my opinion. Watching his film from the beginning of the season it’s clear to me that his trajectory is through the roof. He’s a physical receiver that can not only “Moss” people, but he’s also a threat on bubble screens and other short routes that let him turn and run
Donald James Jr. | Running Back/Linebacker
A physically imposing athlete at 5-10 and 186 pounds, James runs like a bull in a china shop. In addition to his scary size for an 8th grade back, he has speed to boot. He’s a kid that can beat you with his speed to the edge or run you over between the tackles. What’s freaky is that he might be a better linebacker on the next level.
Drew Davis Drew Davis 6'1" | 175 lbs | QB Benton | 2026 State AR | Quarterback
The upside with Davis is the really exciting about him as a prospect. A long, lean righty, he has a very live arm and can make a lot tough throws. He operates out of shot gun on nearly every throw and looks at him sitting in the pocket, reading what the defense shows and executing. Already standing 6-foot and 145 pounds, Drew’s older brother ( Walker Davis Walker Davis 6'3" | 285 lbs | OL Benton | 2023 State AR ) is a 6-foot-4, 265 pound two-way lineman for Benton High School—which tells me he isn’t even close to done growing.