The University of Arkansas has set its sights on one of the nation’s most exciting young talents, Javian Osborne, a 2026 running back from Forney, Texas, who is quickly becoming a household name in recruiting circles. On Nov. 11, Arkansas running backs coach Kolby Smith extended a scholarship offer to Osborne, making it clear that the Hogs are eager to land the highly sought-after 4-star prospect.
At 5-9 and 195 pounds, Osborne is making waves as one of the top running back prospects in the country, ranking as the No. 5 running back nationally by both ESPN and On3.com. His impressive high school stats speak for themselves—after rushing for 2,231 yards and 41 touchdowns on 290 carries as a sophomore, he’s now built on that success with 1,227 yards and 25 touchdowns in just 10 games this season.
But while Osborne’s on-field production is elite, it’s the off-field attention—especially from top-tier programs like Texas, Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia—that is truly fueling his recruitment. With 39 scholarship offers already in hand, Arkansas is just one of many major programs looking to bring him into their fold.
Building a Relationship with Coach Kolby Smith
For Osborne, the connection with Arkansas has been growing steadily, thanks in large part to Coach Kolby Smith, a former NFL running back and the current running backs coach at Arkansas. Smith, who previously spent time coaching in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, brings a wealth of experience to the table, and that experience hasn’t gone unnoticed by the talented Texan.
“He was a running backs coach in the NFL,” Osborne said. “That’s definitely one thing to look at. Anytime you have a coach that’s been in the NFL, it’s big time because it’s professional level.” For Osborne, the opportunity to learn from someone with that kind of experience is an exciting prospect as he looks to further develop his game.
Coach Smith has been actively engaged in Osborne’s recruitment, recently visiting Forney to watch Osborne play and discussing Arkansas’ offensive system with him. “He was showing me a couple of plays that Arkansas runs on offense and showing me the different terminology with the running backs and what they use,” Osborne shared. The ongoing communication has been positive, and Osborne is clearly intrigued by the program’s approach to developing players at his position.
A Natural Leader, On and Off the Field
Off the field, Osborne is just as impressive. A team captain at Forney, he’s known for his leadership and work ethic, both of which have earned him respect among coaches and teammates. Osborne attributes much of his confidence and drive to his faith. “My confidence comes from the Lord, my Lord Jesus Christ,” he said, reflecting a mindset that goes beyond just football. “Everything plays itself out, but my confidence is high in the Lord. When I put the work in when nobody is watching, that’s what I strive on. That’s what builds my confidence.”
In the classroom, Osborne also excels. He currently holds a 3.85 GPA, with hopes of finishing the semester with a perfect 4.0. He takes pride in balancing academics with athletics, an attitude that will serve him well as he prepares for the next level. Osborne intends to major in kinesiology and has aspirations of becoming a physical therapist, which speaks to his commitment to both his studies and future career development.
What’s Next for Osborne?
Looking ahead, Osborne plans to visit Arkansas’ campus in Fayetteville to get a feel for the program. The trip is likely to be a pivotal moment in his recruitment as he continues to evaluate his options.
For now, however, the Hogs seem to have made a strong impression. Kolby Smith’s recruitment pitch, combined with Osborne’s high-level production and character, makes Arkansas an intriguing option. With elite offers from across the country and a strong early bond with the Arkansas staff, it will be fascinating to see where Osborne’s recruitment ultimately lands him.
Javian Osborne is quickly becoming one of the most coveted recruits in the class of 2026, and with Arkansas in the mix, the Hogs are clearly making a strong case to land this future star. As the recruitment process unfolds, one thing is certain: this young running back is just getting started.
