Prep Hoops 2026 Small Forwards to Watch this Season - Prep Hoops (2024)

Prep Hoops Arkansas has recently updated the 2026 prospect rankings. With each update, we are able to highlight prospects to keep an eye on throughout the season. In this article, our focus is the small forward position. The state of Arkansas is loaded with talented prospects in the class of 2026.

RJ Young RJ Young 6'3" | SF Bryant | 2026 State AR has had an impressive summer up to this point. Young continues to raise his game on both ends of the floor. He is a forward that has a smooth jump shot. Young hits the jumper with impressive consistency. He has no trouble making the extra pass and setting his teammates up for points. Young does an excellent job of driving through the lane and finishing above the rim. He stays active on the defensive end of the floor. Young has no trouble forcing turnovers and he runs the floor well. He is a player to watch out for this upcoming season.

Jaylen Graham Jaylen Graham 6'4" | SF Lonoke | 2026 State AR is a player that can fill up the stat sheet quickly. He gets his game going on the offensive end of the floor quickly. Graham has impressive range on the offensive end of the floor. Meanwhile, he will get in the paint and battle for rebounds. Graham stays active on the defensive end of the floor. He can force turnovers and play tight defense against multiple positions. Graham is a player to watch out for over the next couple of seasons for Lonoke.

The Fayetteville forward has tremendous versatility on both ends of the floor. Sims is a player that can play multiple positions. He will play in the paint and battle for rebounds on both the offensive and defensive end of the court. Sims hits the jumper with good consistency. He will drive through the lane and finish above the rim. Sims is an unselfish player and will look to make the extra pass. He plays well on the defensive end of the floor and will force turnovers. Sims’ ability to guard multiple positions will give opposing ball handlers fits. Sims is a player to watch out for over the next couple of seasons for Fayetteville.

RL Johnson RL Johnson 6'0" | SF Marion | 2026 State AR is an impressive athlete. Whether it be on the gridiron or the hardwood. Johnson uses his speed well to drive through the lane and finish above the rim. He has the jump shot needed to hit from anywhere on the floor with consistency. Meanwhile, Johnson is a player that can play tight defense. He forces opposing players to work on the offensive end of the floor. Johnson is a player to watch on the hardwood as well as on the gridiron.