Petrino Makes Rising Junior Quarterback in Texas Priority

Grant Smith planning visit 'soon' to Razorbacks and has intriguing options

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It didn’t take long for one of the top signal callers around the country to look Arkansas’ way. That was bound to happen when Sam Pittman hired Bobby Petrino to call plays in 2024.

2026 Spring, Texas, quarterback Grant Smith plans to visit the Razorbacks fairly often. Smith tells allHogs he will visit for the Razorbacks spring game April 13.

The appeal of playing in a Petrino system is a huge selling point for Smith. Petrino’s previous success with the likes of Ryan Mallett, Lamar Jackson and others can give the Hogs an edge in Smith’s recruitment.

“I’m a big fan,” Smith said. “He is one of the best offensive minds in the game with an amazing track record of developing quarterbacks.

The 6-3, 206-pound passer holds offers from Arkansas, Texas A&M, Baylor and TCU. Although Smith has yet to be ranked by a recruiting service, Prep Redzone considers him a blooming prospect worthy of a 4-star ranking following the spring evaluation period.

Recruiting analyst legend Tom Lemming shared his evaluation of Smith early in the new year.

"[Smith] has excellent arm strength, pinpoint accuracy," Lemming said. "He can make all the throws and run himself out of trouble."

Grand Oaks High School plays in the highly competitive 6A conference which gives Smith a college-lite experience. His Grizzlies finished 3-7 in 2023 with Smith completing 77-of-142 attempts for a team-high 944 yards. He scored five touchdowns but also tosses six interceptions.

According to his highlights, Smith is capable of throwing passes with high velocity. He allows his receivers plenty of room to reel throws in. With ability to scramble effectively, it allows him to buy time while capably throwing on the run.

The Razorbacks have also prioritized Greenwood quarterback Kane Archer for the 2026 class. Arkansas could certainly bring in two passers in the cycle. Both players possess high ceilings and a situation worth keeping an eye on throughout the next couple of years. 

HOGS FEED:

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• What are fans, media saying after Arkansas’ loss to Kentucky?

• Razorbacks put up good fight with emergence of offense finally but not enough against Kentucky

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