FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas football received a major boost to its 2026 recruiting class on Friday when standout tight end Jaivion Martin, one of the nation’s top prospects at his position, officially committed to the Razorbacks.
Martin, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 245 pounds, hails from Pflugerville, Texas. He chose Arkansas over a competitive list of programs including Arizona, California, Texas Tech, Oregon State, and Maryland. His decision comes after a March visit to Fayetteville that left a lasting impression on both him and his family.
During his trip, Martin got an in-depth look at the Razorback program and was particularly impressed by the welcoming environment created by head coach Sam Pittman and tight ends coach Morgan Turner. What stood out most, he said, was the genuine connection he felt during his time on campus—not just with football, but with the people involved.
“The best parts about the visit to me were being with Coach Turner and him showing us around the facility—not just the football side, but the academic center too,” Martin shared. “Another great moment was when my family and I had the chance to sit down with Coach Pittman. We didn’t just talk football—we talked about life, how things are going. It felt real.”
Martin is a consensus three-star prospect across major recruiting platforms, but his highest ranking comes from ESPN, which places him as the No. 7 tight end in the country and the No. 48 overall recruit in the state of Texas. His commitment marks the 14th addition to Arkansas’s rapidly growing 2026 class.
As a junior at Weiss High School, Martin put together an impressive season. He caught 51 passes for 804 yards and found the end zone 11 times, showcasing a combination of size, speed, and hands that make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His production on the field has drawn attention from college scouts across the country and earned him accolades as one of the most promising tight end prospects in his class.
Martin’s blend of physical tools and football IQ makes him a valuable addition to Arkansas’ offensive plans for the future. At 6-4 and 245 pounds, he offers the kind of versatility needed in the modern SEC—capable of lining up in-line as a traditional tight end or splitting out wide to create mismatches in the passing game.
His commitment is also a testament to the recruiting efforts of tight ends coach Morgan Turner, who has been instrumental in identifying and developing talent at the position. Turner, who came to Arkansas from Stanford where he coached multiple NFL-caliber tight ends, continues to build a pipeline of high-upside players to Fayetteville. His emphasis on fundamentals and player development has resonated with recruits like Martin, who are looking to prepare themselves for the next level.
The Razorbacks have emphasized the importance of building a well-rounded class for 2026, and Martin fits that mold both athletically and academically. During his visit, he toured Arkansas’ academic facilities, including the student-athlete academic support center, which helped reinforce his belief that Arkansas offers a balanced environment where players can thrive both on and off the field.
Coach Sam Pittman, known for his approachable demeanor and emphasis on building strong relationships with his players, also played a key role in Martin’s decision. The personal touch during his visit—the conversations about life beyond football—stood out in a recruiting landscape often dominated by highlight reels and statistics.
Looking ahead, Martin has already scheduled a return visit to Arkansas for an official recruiting trip from June 13-15. That weekend will give him a chance to solidify bonds with future teammates and coaching staff, while also getting a more detailed preview of life as a Razorback.
With Martin’s commitment, Arkansas is continuing to position itself as a destination for top-tier offensive talent. The tight end role has become a more prominent part of the Razorbacks’ offense in recent years, and Martin could be a key piece in that evolution.
His addition not only gives Arkansas another skilled pass-catcher but also adds depth to a position that demands physicality, discipline, and flexibility. As the Razorbacks continue to refine their offensive identity, having a player like Martin in the fold gives the team a valuable weapon to stretch the field and control the middle.
Martin’s recruitment also reflects a broader trend in Arkansas’ strategy—targeting recruits who align with the program’s culture and values. Character, work ethic, and coachability have become central themes in the players Pittman and his staff pursue, and Martin appears to embody those qualities.
The commitment was reported by Richard Davenport, a long-time recruiting analyst for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and WholeHogSports. Davenport has been covering Razorback recruiting since 2007 and is a regular voice on several statewide sports radio programs, including “The Morning Rush” and “Out of Bounds.”
As Arkansas continues to build out its 2026 class, Martin’s pledge represents more than just a high-profile win on the recruiting trail—it’s a sign that the Razorbacks are gaining momentum and credibility with top recruits nationwide.
While there is still over a year to go before Martin can officially sign with Arkansas, his early commitment gives the Razorbacks a foundation to build upon as they pursue more elite talent. It also gives Arkansas fans a glimpse of what the future could look like—a potent offensive unit stocked with athletic, dynamic playmakers ready to compete in the SEC.
Martin’s story is still being written, but for now, it begins in Fayetteville, where a promising tight end from Texas is ready to make his mark in Razorback red.
