Frank Ragnow will strap on the shoulder pads for Arkansas, not the Gophers, next season.

Ragnow, a three-star offensive lineman recruit, announced his decision Friday afternoon at Chanhassen High School.

Ragnow was the third-best recruit in the state, according to Rivals.com, and was a priority on Minnesota’s recruiting board this season. He had 17 offers from all across the nation but in the end it came down to three schools: Arkansas, Florida State, and the Gophers. 

A chance to play in the SEC was too much to pass up.

“It’s the best competition and that’s where I want to go,” Ragnow said. 

Ragnow said he texted Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill right before he announced his committment Friday. He then turned off his phone. 

“I love Coach Kill and I love that whole program,” the 6-foot-6-inch, 290-pound lineman said. “They were my first offer … and I know they’re going to be a successful program.

“I love them to death, but I just feel like Arkansas is a better fit for me.”

At Arkansas Ragnow will play under former Wisconsin head coach Brett Bielema, a head coach known for producing NFL-caliber linemen.

Ragnow, an offensive tackle for most of his football career, said Bielema wants him to play center with the Razorbacks. He added that coaches have not ruled out the possibility of him starting next season. 

While Ragnow had a smile on his face for most of the 30-minute ceremony, he admitted he’s excited to exit the limelight for now.

“It’s a relief,” Ragnow said. “I just want to go back to being a normal kid again. It’s been fun and all … but then again I’m ready to be a kid again and just enjoy the rest of my senior year of high school.”