Mizzou adds 4-star RB Hodges to growing 2026 recruiting class

After gaining major commitments on back-to-back days, Missouri football is sending the message that its 2026 recruiting class is heating up. 

The Tigers got a verbal commitment from 4-star running back Terry "TJ" Hodges on Saturday, the day after 4-star linebacker JJ Bush said he was joining Eli Drinkwitz's program. Hodges is the No. 328 player and No. 18 running back in the country, according to 247sports' composite rankings, as well as the No. 3 player in his home state of Arkansas.

Hodges made an official visit to Mizzou on June 6 and Arkansas on June 13. The recent firing of former Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman could have been a factor in his decision. He chose the Tigers over Louisville, Oklahoma State and Baylor, but held several other offers. 

The night before he made his decision, Hodges rushed for 193 yards on 15 carries and scored two touchdowns to help bring Bryant a 49-21 win over Little Rock Christian Academy in high-school football action. Bryant remains undefeated with a 6-0 record.

Missouri has built a string of elite running backs under Drinkwitz. Tyler Badie and Cody Schrader once led the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards, and Ahmad Hardy has been on a similar trajectory thus far this season. 

Hodges marks the 14th commitment of the Class of 2026 for Mizzou. He is just the second running back in the class, the other being 3-star Maxwell Warner's commitment from June 23.