Arkansas adds Greenwood standout Grant Karnes to Class of 2025

FAYETTEVILLE — Greenwood Class of 2025 wide receiver Grant Karnes has committed to Arkansas as a preferred walk-on.

Karnes, 6-1, 195, has been the key wide receiver for Greenwood’s talented quarterback Kane Archer while helping the Bulldogs to multiple state championships. Karnes was offered the PWO spot following his showing at a summer camp on June 13 in Fayetteville. Greenwood Coach Chris Young feels the Hogs are getting a good one.

“It’s a great get for Arkansas and a great opportunity for Grant,” Young said. “I think it’s a win-win for both of them. They’re going to get a guy as a preferred walk-on who is ready to contribute immediately in the kicking game. I think after spending some time there he will be able to play wide receiver.”

As a senior, Karnes caught 80 passes for 1,302 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also had 13 kickoff returns for 371 yards and a touchdown. He returned one punt for 11 yards.

“He has got incredible hands,” Young said. “I think he dropped two passes. He led the state of Arkansas in receiving yards in all classifications. He played in four consecutive state championship games.”

Karnes was originally committed to Wichita State to play baseball. However, he opted to choose the gridiron.

“He’s a three-sport athlete,” Young said. “He turned down a baseball scholarship because he wanted to play for the Razorbacks. I think they are getting a tremendous athlete. He led us in tackles on the kickoff team as a wide receiver his junior season. He’s willing to do whatever is necessary to win. He’s a great blocker on the edge without the ball.”

In 2023, Karnes ran for a touchdown and caught 72 passes for 990 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also had 18 tackles as Young noted on special teams. He returned 11 kickoffs for 396 yards and two touchdowns. He returned a punt three yards.

As a sophomore in 2022, Karnes rushed 8 times for 41 yards. He caught 96 passes for1,297 yards and 16 touchdowns. He added 13 tackles on defense. In special teams, he returned 17 kickoffs for 472 yards and a touchdown.

At Arkansas, he will play wide receiver for Ronnie Fouch in Bobby Petrino’s offense. Click here for his commitment on X.