Arkansas’ top basketball prospect, commits to Razorbacks over LSU, Missouri

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — JJ Andrews, the No. 1 ranked basketball player in Arkansas and a consensus four-star recruit in the 2026 class, has officially committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks, choosing the hometown program over LSU and Missouri.

The 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Little Rock Christian Academy made his decision public on May 15, 2025, in a ceremony at his high school, marking a significant recruiting win for Arkansas coach John Calipari.

Andrews, who weighs 220 pounds, is known for his physical presence, basketball IQ, and efficient scoring ability.

He has earned numerous accolades including Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year, two-time state champion, 16U Peach Jam champion with Brad Beal Elite, and MaxPreps All-American honors.

At the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, he averaged 19.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 65.8% from the field. More recently, at the Nike EYBL Mesa event, Andrews continued to impress by averaging 19.7 points on 71.9% shooting, including 50% from three-point range.

JJ Andrews is the son of Shawn Andrews, a former Arkansas All-American offensive lineman and two-time NFL Pro Bowler who is enshrined in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Despite his father’s legendary football legacy at Arkansas, JJ emphasized that his decision was based on fit and connection rather than legacy alone.

He expressed confidence in the coaching staff, particularly praising assistant coaches Chin Coleman and Ronnie Brewer for their involvement in his recruitment and the program’s professional environment under Calipari.

“I feel like Arkansas is ultimately a great fit for me,” Andrews said. “They operate like professionals every day and I feel like I will be competing against the best of the best every day in practice. I feel like we have a great chance to win a national championship.”

He also highlighted Calipari’s reputation for developing players and preparing them for the next level as a key factor in his choice.

Andrews is ranked No. 32 overall in the 2026 recruiting cycle by On3 Industry Rankings and is the No. 7 shooting guard prospect nationally.

According to 247Sports composite rankings, he is the No. 37 overall player and No. 15 small forward in the country, with a composite rating of 0.9851, making him the top-rated player in Arkansas for his class.

His commitment provides a major boost to Arkansas basketball in John Calipari’s first full recruiting season with the Razorbacks, signaling the program’s growing appeal to top talent.

Analysts note Andrews’s ability to impact the game beyond scoring, with On3’s Jamie Shaw describing him as a player who “has a nose for an extra possession” and significantly influences play even without being the most explosive athlete or shooter on the court.