The Arkansas Razorbacks start fall practice next week in preparation for the 2026 season, but they got a nice pickup for the 2027 class on Wednesday when catcher Alex Odud announced his commitment to Arkansas on X.

I am blessed and honored to officially announce my commitment to play Division 1 baseball at the University of Arkansas. Dream come true! @Chiefsstylebas1 @VictusVandals pic.twitter.com/kCWrKCDUxK

— Alex Odud (@AlexOdud24) August 26, 2025

Odud is the third known commitment for the 2027 class following pitchers Kam Smith and Lukas Stirewall pledges earlier this month. Odud isn’t ranked by Perfect Game yet, but he will be by the time scouts see his game.

JERSEY BOY

Dave Van Horn hasn’t recruited New Jersey too often in his tenure at Arkansas, but he has recruited nationwide and Odud is a prime example that talented kids will play for the best programs in the nation no matter where they live.

Odud told HawgSports.com he has a family friend in Fayetteville and that is how he fell in love with the program and the area. He recently came down for a prospect camp and went from unknown to future Razorback.

“Before the camp, I don’t really think the coaches knew who I was, so I caught them off guard when I showed up at the camp,” Odud said.

CATCHER FIRST

Odud plays for Cherokee High School in Marlton (N.J.) and played with older players this past summer on the Victus Vandals 2026 team. Coach Frank Nicolosi gave Odud the opportunity to play up and get some valuable experience playing a national schedule.

He had a good summer at the plate with a couple of long balls. Odud has a balanced load at the plate and quick hands through the ball. He displayed good pull side power for a home run at a PBR event in July.

2027 C Alex Odud (Cherokee HS, NJ)

Impressive day for the ‘27 grad. Shows off the pull side ? w/ a solo ? & an RBI single. Physical, strong lower half & moves well behind the plate. A catcher to follow this summer?@AlexOdud24 | @Chiefsstylebas1 | @PrepBaseballNJ |… pic.twitter.com/7R75fhcWR1

— Nate Goranson (@NathanGoranson) May 11, 2025

As far as strengths behind the plate, Odud knows more called strikes means he is doing his job. “I definitely pride myself on the ability to steal strikes for my pitchers,” Odud said. “I build a bond with them, so they feel confident while throwing to me.”

Odud wants to improve his arm strength and become a better all-around player before getting to Fayetteville. He is 5-11 and 185 pounds, so the foundation is there.

COMPETITION

Arkansas beat out North Carolina and Coastal Carolina for his services. At the end of the day, once Odud stepped on campus, he knew he wanted to be a Razorback. He fell in love with the Ozark Mountains and knew this is where he needed to play college baseball.

“Arkansas’s facilities are just on another level,” Odud said. “It is a place I could see myself developing as a ball player and as a person.”

Odud hopes to add his name to the list of Razorback greats that have come before him, and he knows the work is just beginning. It doesn’t matter where you live or what you are ranked when you step on campus as a Freshman. If you show up ready to work, the coaching staff will give you every opportunity to get on the field.