Track sensation Brandon Arrington Jr. blazed past Noah Lyles’ long-standing 200-meter record with a jaw-dropping time of 20.35 seconds, eclipsing the Olympic gold medalist’s 2016 mark of 20.48 seconds, at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational.
Arrington’s record-shattering run sent shockwaves through the track and field world, drawing immediate comparisons to Lyles, one of the fastest men on the planet. After crossing the finish line, the young star couldn’t help but acknowledge the significance of his achievement—with a playful nod to the reigning sprint king.
“It means a lot. My bad, Noah Lyles. I didn’t mean to do it to you,” Arrington quipped in a post-race interview shared by DyeStat on Instagram.
The lighthearted comment underscored the confidence of a rising star who knows he’s just getting started. Arrington’s elite speed, agility, and athleticism prove he can dominate track and football, making college coaches eager to recruit him.
While Arrington’s track exploits are turning heads, his future on the gridiron is where the real drama unfolds. Ranked No. 13 overall in 2026 and top cornerback nationally, he’s attracting major interest from powerhouse college programs.
Alabama, USC, Penn State, and Oregon are among the heavyweights battling for his commitment. Although Texas A&M leads On3’s model with 83.5%, Arrington maintains his recruitment remains open and no decision is final.
“After my official visits, I am probably going to cut my list down to four schools, then commit to one,” Arrington told On3’s Chad Simmons.
“It’s going to come down to relationships, development, and being in a place where I want to be.”
USC, with its No. 1-ranked 2026 recruiting class, has made a strong early impression. However, Oregon Ducks are emerging as strong contenders, offering Arrington a chance to excel in both football and track competitively.
The Ducks have a rich history of developing elite defensive backs and nurturing dual-sport athletes. Oregon, backed by Nike and a top-tier track program, could give Arrington the ideal stage to excel in both sports.
