Wayne Pinnock, a four-time All-American in the long jump during his two years at the University of Arkansas, announced on Saturday that he will turn professional, foregoing his final year of collegiate eligibility.
Pinnock, who won the 2024 NCAA Indoor title, competed at the JAAA/Puma National Junior and Senior Championships on the same day in Kingston and revealed that he has signed a professional contract with Puma.
“I’d like to thank the University of Arkansas, the coaches, trainers, academic advisors, and the entire support staff for an amazing career as a Razorback,” Pinnock said in a statement released by Arkansas.
Excited for this new opportunity
“I couldn’t have asked for a better environment. My family supporting me all these years has also meant the world to me. I couldn’t do this without them. With that, I’m excited for this new opportunity and this next chapter of life as a professional athlete.”
Pinnock, 23, capped his first year at Arkansas by earning the silver medal in the long jump at the World Championships last summer in Budapest after transferring from Tennessee. He followed Travis Geopfert to Arkansas when Geopfert left Tennessee for his second stint as a Razorbacks assistant coach.
Pinnock won two NCAA titles at Tennessee and was a combined seven-time All-American for both the Volunteers and Razorbacks. Additionally, he secured two SEC titles while at Arkansas, with his career-best mark being 28 feet, 1/4 inch last year in the qualifying round at the World Championships.
“Wayne is one of the very best all-time in both Arkansas and NCAA history,” Geopfert said in a news release. “His consistency at the highest level is something very few have achieved. I couldn’t be more proud of his time at Arkansas. He’s been awesome to coach as a student-athlete and I’m proud to help him continue to develop into one of the premier jumpers in the world. Both he and his family deserve this tremendous opportunity. It’s just the beginning for this young man, who has a lot of great things ahead.”
Plans to continue attending classes and training in Fayetteville
Despite his transition to professional athletics, Pinnock plans to continue attending classes and training in Fayetteville. “While I won’t have a Razorback on my chest I’ll remain at Arkansas to train and to finish my degree,” Pinnock said. “I’m thankful for the past and excited for the future.”
During his tenure with the Razorbacks, Pinnock scored 41 points at SEC meets and 27 at NCAA meets, contributing significantly to the team’s successes, including winning the 2023 NCAA Indoor title, finishing second nationally twice, and sweeping four conference championships.
“Wayne was a team player and scored a lot of SEC and NCAA points,” Arkansas Coach Chris Bucknam said in a news release. “I’m very proud of what he’s accomplished on and off the track. He understands the importance of finishing his degree while taking advantage of a life-changing opportunity. We support him in this game-changing moment in his life and appreciate his amazing career as a Razorback.”
