Arkansas Secures Nation’s No. 1 Recruiting Class for the First Time in Program History
The Razorbacks Rewrite the Record Books With Five Star Carius Curne.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — June 27, 2025 — In a historic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, the University of Arkansas Razorbacks have officially secured the No. 1 overall recruiting class in the nation — a first in the storied but often underdog-laden history of the program.
At the heart of this monumental achievement stands Carius Curne, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class, whose commitment to Arkansas has not only elevated the team’s national profile but also served as a magnetic force, drawing in a constellation of other top-tier prospects.
This recruiting class marks a watershed moment for Razorback football — one that fans, alumni, and analysts are calling a “changing of the guard” in the SEC and a bold declaration that Arkansas is no longer chasing greatness; it’s commanding it.
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Carius Curne: The Crown Jewel of the Class
A 6’5”, 245-pound edge rusher from Little Rock’s Parkview Magnet High School, Carius Curne has been a household name in recruiting circles for the past two years. Blessed with elite athleticism, a high football IQ, and a motor that never quits, Curne has drawn comparisons to NFL legends like Von Miller and Myles Garrett.
His commitment to Arkansas — over national powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas — stunned many but delighted Razorback faithful.
“I didn’t just want to join a legacy,” Curne said at his commitment ceremony. “I wanted to build one — here, at home, in Arkansas.”
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A Recruiting Class for the Ages
Curne headlines a class that features:
Seven five-star recruits, including No. 1-rated quarterback Devin Ware from California and game-breaking wide receiver Malachi Stokes from Florida
Twelve four-star recruits from across the country, including top offensive linemen, defensive backs, and skill players
Two top-three position group rankings — No. 1 defensive class and No. 2 offensive class in the nation
This marks the first time Arkansas has landed multiple five-stars in a single class, let alone seven. According to 247Sports and Rivals, the Razorbacks finished ahead of traditional recruiting giants such as Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan.
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The Pittman Effect: Vision, Culture, and Swagger
Much of the credit for this historic feat goes to Head Coach Sam Pittman, whose blend of old-school toughness, genuine player relationships, and cutting-edge recruiting strategy has transformed the program’s culture.
“Coach Pittman made us believe we could build something legendary here,” said quarterback commit Devin Ware. “He’s not selling hype — he’s selling truth. And this class bought in.”
Behind the scenes, Arkansas’s upgraded facilities, revamped NIL strategy, and expanded national recruiting staff have all played pivotal roles. The “Arkansas Reimagined” campaign — launched in 2023 — set the foundation, but it’s the 2025 class that brought the vision to life.
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Ripple Effects Across College Football
Recruiting insiders are already calling this a seismic shift that could change the balance of power in the SEC West. With the departure of Nick Saban from Alabama and coaching turnover at LSU and Auburn, Arkansas has positioned itself not just as a rising program, but as an emerging juggernaut.
“Carius Curne to Arkansas may be the biggest individual commitment since Trevor Lawrence went to Clemson,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “This class isn’t a fluke — it’s a foundation.”
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What’s Next for the Hogs?
Expectations are sky-high. The 2025 class arrives with the hope of leading Arkansas to its first SEC Championship — and potentially a College Football Playoff berth — since the program joined the conference in 1992.
For now, fans in Fayetteville are soaking in the moment — celebrating the realization of a dream long thought out of reach.
“From being overlooked to being number one,” said Pittman with a smile, “this is just the beginning.”
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🏈 Welcome to a New Era of Razorback Football.
And it all starts with Carius Curne.
