Lifelong Hog Fan DB Commits to Arkansas over USC, Michigan, Tennessee and Others

A commit came out-of-the blue Tuesday, as 2026 DB Tay “Boogie” Lockett chose the Hogs. The 6-foot, 175-pound DB from St. John Bosco Highschool (CA.) has an impressive offer list, as he picked Arkansas over Auburn, Georgia, Florida State, USC, Michigan, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Miami, Washington, and others.

https://x.com/lockett_tay/status/1694839633136525686?s=46&t=XX7ZacQK0oEEyrv3FOp6Aw

Lockett becomes the first 2026 commit for Sam Pittman and company, and is the first player to commit to Pittman three years in advance. Lockett brings elite speed and versatility to the Hogs in 2026, as he could potentially play both sides of the field. He’s visited Arkansas twice this year un-officially, once in March and once in April.

The San Diego native may have been raised in California, but most of his family resides in Arkansas. His mom Megan, is originally from Little Rock, so Lockett feels the love from the family’s state. “This place is different, they show nothing but love to me,” he told Richard Davenport of ADG after his last visit.

Tay Lockett (right) as a young child, sporting Hog gear.

Lockett finished last season at San Diego University City Highschool (CA.) with 92 tackles, 7 interceptions, 9 pass breakups, 5 recovered fumbles, and 3 forced fumbles, while adding 9 punt returns for 189 yards. His stellar Freshman season earned him a spot on the Max-Preps Freshman All-American team, an award given to the best Freshmen in all of high school football.

With the addition of Lockett it’s safe to say that the vibes have changed in Fayetteville, and the hires of Travis Williams and Marcus Woodson are paying off.