FAYETTEVILLE — The 2022 regular season is complete, but things aren’t slowing down for Arkansas football as it awaits its postseason destination.
In fact, it’s just the opposite. A four-day stretch of exit meetings begin Monday and a week later, the transfer portal opens up. Head coach Sam Pittman has already told reporters to get rested up Sunday because things are about to get crazy.
“That’ll be a blow-up day, now,” Pittman said. “It’s going to be the transfer portal, who’s going to come back, you have seniors (making decisions)… There’s going to be a lot of action going on — and it’s not just here. It’s everywhere in the country.”
The Razorbacks just finished off a 6-6 regular season and will find out their bowl selection in about a week, but the team could look very different between now and when that game is played — much less next season.
In addition to the portal opening up Dec. 5, Arkansas has several players who could conceivably declare for the NFL Draft and choose to opt out of the bowl game. There are also 11 scholarship players, and one notable walk-on, who must decide whether or not to return as super seniors in 2023. The early signing period is Dec. 21-23, so the Razorbacks must hang on to their recruiting class for a few more weeks before it becomes official.
However, most of the attention will be on the players who choose to transfer out. Myles Slusher and a few reserves have already left and there will undoubtedly be others.
“Without a doubt, there’ll be some portal action and all that kind of stuff — us and everybody else in the country,” Pittman said after the loss to Missouri. “Then you just have to figure it out. It’s there for a reason and you just have to figure out, obviously, who wants to stay with the program and who wants to transfer out. They have their own reasons. We’ll visit with them and try to keep the ones that we need to keep.”
Last offseason saw key players like Greg Brooks Jr. and Joe Foucha leave, but most of the departures were players with limited to no playing experience. The Razorbacks have already seen major contributors leave in back-to-back weeks in Warren Thompson and Slusher, so now the focus is on whether or not more will join them.
When asked if he was concerned about other key players leaving, Pittman seemed to indicate that’s just the nature of college football in the transfer portal era.
“A lot goes on in the transfer portal, guys,” Pittman said. “It’s more than just playing time or not playing time. There’s a lot (that) goes on with it. You know, somebody gets ahold of them… A lot goes on about the transfer portal.”
With that in mind, Best of Arkansas Sports is going to keep a close eye on all of that roster movement and track how Arkansas goes about filling out its 85 scholarships below…
CURRENT 2023 SCHOLARSHIP COUNT: 85
**NOTE: Players are classified as if the 2020 season counted like normal. However, those who were active during that season have been granted an extra year. For example, Brady Latham and Beaux Limmer are listed as redshirt seniors, but they could technically choose to return in 2024.**
^committed to Arkansas in the 2023 class (high school and transfers)
*walk-on
Quarterback
The most important position in football will also be the most interesting to follow for Arkansas this offseason.
Whether or not KJ Jefferson decides to return for his traditional senior season with the Razorbacks is easily the most pressing offseason question for head coach Sam Pittman. He is the engine that makes the offense go and, with one more season, would have a chance to break all of Arkansas’ career passing records.
“I haven’t given any thought to it just yet,” Jefferson said when asked about the decision leading up to the regular-season finale. “I’m worried about Missouri and going out and making sure we get that win and keeping that trophy here. So I’m not worried about the future. I’m in the present right now.”
How this season has unfolded makes getting Jefferson back even more important for the Razorbacks because backups Malik Hornsby and Cade Fortin haven’t exactly instilled a lot of confidence that they can be the guy. Unlike Jefferson, who had a huge game against Missouri in a spot start for Feleipe Franks back in 2020, neither of them really took advantage of the opportunity.
Hornsby came off the bench and had some flashes against Mississippi State, but he’s still wildly inconsistent as a passer. He’s incredibly athletic and fast (although Mike Irwin criticizes his ability to maneuver on the field), so there’s a chance he develops into an SEC-caliber starting passer — but there’s a reason the Razorbacks experimented with him at wide receiver and gave Fortin the nod in the first game Jefferson missed. It’s also important to remember that Hornsby has already flirted with the transfer portal once and it wouldn’t be all that surprising if he does again.
Fortin is technically a walk-on, but he — and Kade Renfro — actually began their careers as scholarship quarterbacks at Power Five schools. However, Fortin is already a fifth-year senior and Renfro is coming off two torn ACLs in the past year.
Outside of Jefferson and Hornsby, the only true scholarship quarterback set to be on the 2023 roster is four-star commitment Malachi Singleton — and the Razorbacks are having to hold off a strong push for a flip by UCF head coach Gus Malzahn.
UPDATE (Nov. 28): In an unsurprising move, Malik Hornsby has officially announced his intention to enter the transfer portal for a second straight offseason.
UPDATE (Dec. 2): KJ Jefferson ended any speculation about his future by revealing he was returning to Arkansas for his senior season.
UPDATE (Dec. 10): Arkansas has landed another player out of the transfer portal, as Morrilton native Jacolby Criswell — who spent the last three seasons at North Carolina — announced his commitment Saturday night.
UPDATE (Jan. 30): Not only is Cade Fortin returning as a super senior in 2023, but he has been placed on scholarship. Click here for our analysis of the news.
UPDATE (May 25): Walk-on Kade Renfro, who began his career on scholarship at Ole Miss, has been dismissed from the team amid allegations of sexual assault.
Projected 2023 Roster (4 on scholarship)
- Cade Fortin — super senior
- KJ Jefferson — redshirt senior
- ^Jacolby Criswell — redshirt junior
- ^Malachi Singleton — freshman
- *Rykar Acebo — redshirt freshman
Leaving the Razorbacks
- Malik Hornsby — entered the transfer portal (again)
- *Kade Renfro — dismissed from team
Running Back
Arguably no position on the Arkansas football roster is deeper than running back. When Isaiah Augustave arrives on campus, and assuming no one transfers out, the Razorbacks will have four four-star players in the room — and that doesn’t even include Dominique Johnson, who ended the 2021 season as the starter.
Rocket Sanders has enjoyed a breakout sophomore season that has drawn comparisons to Darren McFadden, while AJ Green and Rashod Dubinion have handled the backup duties. Perhaps the biggest question is how Johnson will rebound from tearing his ACL twice in less than a year.
Arkansas is so deep that its other two running backs, Javion Hunt and James Jointer Jr., decided to leave the team before the end of the season. Of course, it wouldn’t be surprising if someone else transfers out. After all, Trelon Smith was the top rusher among running backs last year and transferred to UTSA in the offseason.
Projected 2023 Roster (5 on scholarship)
- Dominique Johnson — redshirt junior
- Rocket Sanders — junior
- AJ Green — junior
- Rashod Dubinion — sophomore
- ^Isaiah Augustave — freshman
- *Preston Crawford — redshirt junior
- *Jezreel Bachert — redshirt freshman
- *^Emmanuel Crawford — freshman (preferred walk-on)
Leaving the Razorbacks
- Javion Hunt — left the team in September, entered the transfer portal
- James Jointer Jr. — entered the transfer portal
- *Dennis Daniels — out of eligibility
Tight End
The Razorbacks were once so thin at tight end that they experimented with converted linebackers, running backs, wide receivers and defensive ends at the position. One of those actually panned out, as Trey Knox has handled starting duties all year.
Knox’s top backup this season has been Nathan Bax. Both of them could technically return as super seniors next season, but they could also try their hand at the NFL and/or move on.
Something that might influence those decisions is the fact that Arkansas is bringing in a trio of four-star tight ends, not to mention Ty Washington being a redshirt freshman. Those youngsters could potentially influence decisions of guys like Sutherland and Outley, who have yet to see the field, much like they might have influenced Hudson Henry — who appears to be moving on after participating in Senior Night festivities as a redshirt junior. (Henry has yet to officially announce anything.)
UPDATE (Nov. 28): After not appearing in a game during his two seasons with the Razorbacks, Erin Outley has announced he’s entering the transfer portal. Considering the incoming talent at the position and his spot on the depth chart, it’s not a particularly surprising move.
UPDATE (Dec. 12): Trey Knox has decided he’ll use his super senior season, but will do so elsewhere. He entered the transfer portal Monday afternoon.
UPDATE (Dec. 18): Four-star commit Jaden Hamm has backed off his pledge to the Razorbacks. Here’s our analysis of his decision.
UPDATE (Jan. 5): Collin Sutherland announced via Instagram that he is medically retiring from football.
UPDATE (Jan. 15): Four-star commit Shamar Easter confirmed he is signing with Arkansas next month. Here’s our analysis of what that means for the Razorbacks.
UPDATE (Feb. 1): Nathan Bax will return as a sixth-year super senior, according to a UA spokesperson. Here’s our analysis of what that means for the Razorbacks.
UPDATE (April 23): North Texas transfer Var’Keyes Gumms committed to Arkansas. Click here for our breakdown of what he brings to the table for the Razorbacks.
UPDATE (May 2): Just nine days after committing, Var’Keyes Gumms backed off his pledge before taking an official visit to California.
UPDATE (May 7): Guess what? Var’Keyes Gumms is back on board.
UPDATE (May 12): Francis Sherman, a former walk-on who earned a scholarship at Louisville, has committed to Arkansas. Click here for our breakdown of what he brings to the table for the Razorbacks.
Projected 2023 Roster (6 on scholarship)
- Nathan Bax — sixth-year super senior
- ^Francis Sherman — redshirt senior
- ^Var’Keyes Gumms — redshirt sophomore
- Ty Washington — redshirt freshman
- ^Shamar Easter — freshman
- ^Luke Hasz — freshman
- *AJ Matthews — redshirt senior
- *Zach Lee — redshirt junior
- *Hunter Talley — redshirt freshman
- *^Maddox Lassiter — freshman (preferred walk-on)
Leaving the Razorbacks
- Dax Courtney — medically retired before fall camp
- Trey Knox — entered the transfer portal instead of returning as super senior or declaring for NFL Draft
- Hudson Henry — hasn’t announced anything, but went through Senior Night festivities as a redshirt junior
- Erin Outley — entered the transfer portal
- Collin Sutherland — medically retired
- ^Jaden Hamm — decommitted from 2023 class
Wide Receiver
The two transfers Arkansas landed out of the portal last offseason have proven to be vital pickups, as Matt Landers and Jadon Haselwood have been it’s top targets this year. Unfortunately for the Razorbacks, it appears they’ll both be one-year mercenaries. Landers is out of eligibility and Haselwood has already accepted an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl, indicating he is entering the NFL Draft — but Pittman has said he’ll try to get him back.
Assuming both do move on, that would leave Ketron Jackson Jr. as the most experienced receiver on the team and Bryce Stephens as the only other receiver with somewhat significant playing time. Jaedon Wilson has played a handful of snaps, but everyone else is really young.
Sam Mbake and Isaiah Sategna could push for a starting spot in their second season in the program and the incoming freshmen — Davion Dozier and Micah Tease — could also get on the field early.
It wouldn’t be surprising, though, to see Arkansas follow its same plan as last year and add a receiver or two through the portal. Another thing to keep an eye on is what Quincey McAdoo decides to do. His strong play would indicate him staying on defense, but Pittman said he’s talked about wanting to try playing both ways.
UPDATE (Nov. 28): As expected, Jadon Haselwood has officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and appears to be opting out of the bowl game. Here is our analysis of the impact of his decision.
UPDATE (Dec. 5): The most surprising transfer yet is Ketron Jackson Jr., as multiple reports have come out that he’s entered his name into the portal.
UPDATE (Dec. 11): Texas A&M-Commerce transfer Andrew Armstrong has committed to the Razorbacks. He has two years of eligibility remaining because of the bonus year.
UPDATE (Dec. 19): Four-star commit Micah Tease has backed off his pledge to Arkansas. Click here for our analysis of what it means for Arkansas and where we think he ends up.
UPDATE (Jan. 7): Marlon Crockett, who starred at Searcy and Cabot High, has committed to Arkansas as a transfer from Memphis. However, he doesn’t impact the scholarship numbers because he’s a walk-on.
UPDATE (Jan. 10): Coveted wide receiver transfer Isaac TeSlaa announced his commitment to the Razorbacks late Tuesday night. Click here for our analysis of what it means for Arkansas.
UPDATE (Jan. 15): Arkansas has landed yet another wide receiver from the transfer portal, this time it’s Tyrone Broden from Bowling Green. Click here for our analysis of the 6-foot-7 receiver.
UPDATE (April 19): Converted quarterback Landon Rogers has entered the transfer portal after spending two seasons with the Razorbacks.
UPDATE (June 4): Arkansas added a late high school signee to its 2023 class, landing speedy wide receiver Dazmin James from North Carolina. It’s quite the story about how he popped up on the Razorbacks’ radar.
Projected 2023 Roster (9 on scholarship)
- ^Andrew Armstrong — redshirt senior
- ^Tyrone Broden — redshirt senior
- ^Isaac TeSlaa — redshirt junior
- Bryce Stephens — redshirt sophomore
- Jaedon Wilson — redshirt sophomore
- Sam Mbake — sophomore
- Isaiah Sategna — redshirt freshman
- ^Davion Dozier — freshman
- ^Dazmin James — freshman
- *Chris Harris — redshirt junior
- *Reid Touchstone — redshirt junior
- *^Marlon Crockett — redshirt sophomore (preferred walk-on)
- *Kamron Bibby — redshirt freshman
- *Kalil Girault — redshirt freshman
- *^Kaylon Morris — freshman (preferred walk-on)
Leaving the Razorbacks
- Jadon Haselwood — accepted invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl, declared for 2023 NFL Draft
- Matt Landers — out of eligibility
- Ketron Jackson Jr. — entered the transfer portal
- Jaquayln Crawford — entered the transfer portal during fall camp
- Warren Thompson — quit the team with two games left in the regular season, entered the transfer portal
- Landon Rogers — entered the transfer portal
- ^Micah Tease — decommitted from 2023 class
- *Harper Cole — moving on from football
Offensive Line
There’s a chance Arkansas’ offensive line looks much different in 2023 after relative stability during the first three seasons of the Sam Pittman era. Right tackle Dalton Wagner is out of eligibility, center Ricky Stromberg is expected to enter the NFL Draft instead of returning as a super senior and left tackle Luke Jones must make a decision himself regarding his extra year of eligibility.
If Stromberg and Jones don’t come back, both starting guards — Beaux Limmer and Brady Latham — would be candidates to slide over one spot and become the starting center and left tackle, respectively. Ty’Kieast Crawford figures to move into the starting lineup, too, because he’s been the sixth lineman this season.
Beyond them, second-year players like Patrick Kutas, E’Marion Harris and Andrew Chamblee could push for starting jobs. Chamblee and Devon Manuel have split backup left tackle duties this year, while Kutas has spent time at all three interior spots and Harris is a guard.
Another thing to keep an eye on in the coming weeks is the status of Jalen St. John, who has been suspended indefinitely following his arrest last week. He would be another guy capable of pushing for a starting spot if he’s still on the team.
UPDATE (Nov. 29): Center Ricky Stromberg has declared for the NFL Draft, a move he was expected to make rather than returning to Arkansas for his super senior season.
UPDATE (Dec. 5): Florida transfer Josh Braun has announced his commitment to the Razorbacks. Click here to read about where he fits in on the offensive line next season.
UPDATE (Dec. 16): Sam Pittman announced that starting left tackle Luke Jones will not return for a super senior season in 2023. He will, however, play in the Liberty Bowl.
UPDATE (Dec. 19): Jalen St. John has entered the transfer portal. His status with the program had been up in the air because of a felony theft arrest. Click here for our analysis of what his departure means for Arkansas.
UPDATE (Dec. 21): Marcus Henderson has entered the transfer portal. He is Arkansas’ 21st scholarship player to do so since fall camp. Click here for our analysis of what it means for the Razorbacks.
UPDATE (May 20): Arkansas has landed a commitment from JUCO lineman Amaury Wiggins from Coffeyville C.C.
UPDATE (Aug. 10): The scholarship that opened up because of AJ Brathwaite’s departure has been awarded to walk-on Josh Street.
Projected 2023 Roster (16 on scholarship)
- Brady Latham — redshirt senior
- Beaux Limmer — redshirt senior
- Ty’Kieast Crawford — senior
- ^Josh Braun — redshirt junior
- ^Amaury Wiggins — junior
- Cole Carson — redshirt sophomore
- Devon Manuel — redshirt sophomore
- Josh Street — redshirt sophomore
- Terry Wells — redshirt sophomore
- Patrick Kutas — sophomore
- Andrew Chamblee — redshirt freshman
- E’Marion Harris — redshirt freshman
- Eli Henderson — redshirt freshman
- ^Luke Brown — freshman
- ^Paris Patterson — freshman
- ^Joey Su’a — freshman
- *Payton Simpson — redshirt junior
- *Josh Street — redshirt sophomore
- *^Tommy Varhall — redshirt sophomore (preferred walk-on, transfer)
- *Brock Burns — redshirt freshman
- *Brooks Edmonson — redshirt freshman
- *Kai Hamilton — redshirt freshman
- *^Aaron Smith — freshman (preferred walk-on)
Leaving the Razorbacks
- Luke Jones — will not return as a super senior
- Jalen St. John — entered the transfer portal
- Marcus Henderson — entered the transfer portal
- Ricky Stromberg — declared for NFL Draft rather than return as a super senior
- Dalton Wagner — out of eligibility
Defensive Line
Perhaps no position could be bolstered by super seniors more than the defensive line, as three significant contributors — Jordan Domineck, Isaiah Nichols and Zach Williams — have the option to return. Of that group, Domineck probably has the best chance at the NFL Draft.
They are three of eight defensive linemen who played at least 250 defensive snaps during the regular season. Only one of those eight, Terry Hampton, is out of eligibility and can’t come back. His loss could be negated by Taurean Carter returning from injury or Nico Davillier taking on a larger role in his second season in the program.
The other half are all players with remaining eligibility: Eric Gregory, Jashaud Stewart, Landon Jackson and Cameron Ball. That’s a pretty solid core for the defensive line, assuming none of them leave.
UPDATE (Nov. 29): After three seasons with the Razorbacks, Eric Thomas Jr. has announced he plans to enter the transfer portal. He played sparingly as a defensive end, but carved out a role on special teams and did not redshirt during his time at Arkansas.
UPDATE (Nov. 30): Walk-on Randall Dennis Jr. has announced he plans to enter the transfer portal. He spent just one season with the Razorbacks.
UPDATE (Dec. 1): Arkansas finally got a bit of good news Thursday morning when Jordan Domineck announced he would return and play for the Razorbacks again in 2023, using his extra year of eligibility. That is big for Arkansas for multiple reasons.
UPDATE (Dec. 17): A spokesperson for the UA confirmed that Isaiah Nichols plans to enter the portal instead of returning to Arkansas for a super senior season. He also won’t play in the Liberty Bowl.
UPDATE (Dec. 18): Three-star commit Stephen Johnson has flipped to Auburn. Here’s our analysis of his decision.
UPDATE (Dec. 21): Arkansas got a pleasant surprise on the first day of the early signing period, as Pitt transfer defensive end John Morgan III signed with the Razorbacks. Click here for a closer look at what they’re getting in the super senior.
UPDATE (Jan. 2): Despite previously announced he planned to return as a super senior, defensive end Jordan Domineck has entered the transfer portal.
UPDATE (Jan. 22): The Razorbacks have seemingly found their replacement for Domineck, landing former Missouri defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat from the transfer portal. Click here for our breakdown of his commitment.
UPDATE (Feb. 1): Zach Williams will return as a super senior, according to a UA spokesperson. Here’s our analysis of what that means for the Razorbacks.
UPDATE (April 12): Arkansas has landed former Maryland defensive tackle Anthony “Tank” Booker from the transfer portal. Click here for our breakdown of his commitment.
UPDATE (May 13): Arkansas has landed former Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Keivie Rose from the transfer portal. Click here for our breakdown of his commitment.
Projected 2023 Roster (16 on scholarship)
- ^John Morgan III — sixth-year super senior
- ^Trajan Jeffcoat — sixth-year super senior
- Zach Williams — super senior
- ^Anthony Booker — redshirt senior
- Taurean Carter — redshirt senior
- Eric Gregory — redshirt senior
- Marcus Miller — redshirt senior
- ^Keivie Rose — redshirt senior
- Jashaud Stewart — senior
- Landon Jackson — junior
- Cameron Ball — redshirt sophomore
- Nico Davillier — sophomore
- JJ Hollingsworth — redshirt freshman
- ^Ian Geffrard — freshman
- ^Kaleb James — freshman
- ^Quincy Rhodes Jr. — freshman
- *Jon Hill — redshirt sophomore
- *Richard Jameson — redshirt freshman
- *Kyle Thompson — redshirt freshman
Leaving the Razorbacks
- Dorian Gerald — out of eligibility
- Terry Hampton — out of eligibility
- Jordan Domineck — entered the transfer portal despite previously announced his return as a sixth-year super senior
- Taylor Lewis — entered the transfer portal during fall camp
- Isaiah Nichols — entering the transfer portal instead of returning as a sixth-year super senior
- Eric Thomas Jr. — entered the transfer portal
- ^Stephen Johnson — decommitted from 2023 class (flipped to Auburn)
- *Randall Dennis Jr. — entered the transfer portal
- *Roy Patterson — not on spring roster
Linebacker
The Bumper Pool era has finally come to an end. The Razorbacks’ all-time leading tackler has had hip surgery and will miss the bowl game. Because of Pool’s injury, Chris Paul Jr. has gotten plenty of reps this season and started in his absence against Missouri.
There’s a good chance he’ll be the leader of the linebacker room next year because Drew Sanders — who has proven to be a huge pickup from the portal — will likely enter the NFL Draft. That would open the door for Jordan Crook to move into the starting lineup as a sophomore.
Arkansas has typically used a three-man rotation at linebacker, so if Sanders leaves, the question then becomes who will be the third player. Former walk-on Jackson Woodard is certainly an option, as is Mani Powell, but one of the incoming freshmen could push for playing time and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Razorbacks pursue another transfer.
UPDATE (Dec. 6): As expected, Drew Sanders has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and will not play in the Liberty Bowl. Click here for our analysis of what it means for the Razorbacks, including who appears to be next in line.
UPDATE (Dec. 22): The Razorbacks made another surprise addition on the second day of the early signing period, announcing it had signed South Florida transfer linebacker Antonio Grier. He flipped from UCF, following defensive coordinator Travis Williams to Fayetteville.
UPDATE (Dec. 30): Former walk-on Jackson Woodard has announced he intends to enter the transfer portal.
UPDATE (Jan. 7): Antonio Grier Jr. has reaffirmed his commitment to the Razorbacks.
UPDATE (May 1): Cincinnati transfer Jaheim Thomas has committed to Arkansas football. Click here for a breakdown of what he brings to the Razorbacks.
Projected 2023 Roster (9 on scholarship)
- ^Antonio Grier — sixth-year super senior
- ^Jaheim Thomas — redshirt sophomore
- Chris Paul Jr. — redshirt sophomore
- Jordan Crook — sophomore
- Mani Powell — sophomore
- Kaden Henley — redshirt freshman
- ^Carson Dean — freshman
- ^Alex Sanford — freshman
- ^Brad Spence — freshman
- *Brooks Both — redshirt junior
- *Mason Schueck — redshirt freshman
- *^Donovan Whitten — freshman (preferred walk-on)
Leaving the Razorbacks
- Marco Avant — medically retired
- Bumper Pool — out of eligibility
- Drew Sanders — declared for the NFL Draft
- Jackson Woodard — entered the transfer portal
Secondary
One key defensive back has already made his intentions known, as Myles Slusher quit the team the day after Arkansas beat Ole Miss. That is just the first of many dominoes set to fall in the secondary.
There are three players — Simeon Blair, LaDarrius Bishop and Trent Gordon — who could return as super seniors. Blair and Bishop would make sense to bring back, but the Razorbacks must decide if they also want Gordon to come back for another year.
There are also NFL decisions to be made. After a solid first season with the Razorbacks, Dwight McGlothern could declare for the draft as a junior. Much like last season, Jalen Catalon has a decision to make after undergoing shoulder surgery and it sounds like that could be coming sooner rather than later.
“I would suppose here after the game, he’ll put something out about his return or his not return,” Pittman said during the week leading up to the Missouri game. “I don’t want to steal his thunder on either one of those things, but we’re in a really good place with Jalen. … I’ve obviously had the conversation with him, and I’ll let him tell y’all when he’s ready to tell y’all what his decision is going to be, whether he comes back or declares for the league.”
As mentioned in the wide receiver section, Quincey McAdoo also has a decision to make regarding his position. We’ve left him in the secondary for now, but he has expressed interest in playing on offense, too.
It’s also worth noting that the Razorbacks are set to bring in six defensive backs in the 2023 recruiting class, so it wouldn’t be surprising if that means other guys opt to transfer out.
UPDATE (Nov. 28): After three seasons of limited playing time, Jacorrei Turner has announced he intends to enter the portal. He spent much of the 2022 season listed as the fourth-team nickel back on the depth chart and didn’t get any defensive snaps despite numerous injuries in the secondary.
UPDATE (Nov. 29): The rumors about Khari Johnson leading up to the Missouri game proved to be true, as he’s announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. He is the second significant member of the secondary to make such an announcement, following Myles Slusher.
UPDATE (Dec. 7): Lightly used cornerback Keuan Parker has entered the transfer portal. He was a redshirt freshman this season and, despite numerous injuries in the secondary and being listed as a second-team cornerback, played sparingly.
UPDATE (Dec. 8): After participating in Senior Day festivities as a redshirt junior, safety Zach Zimos has announced he’s entering the portal to use his two remaining years of eligibility elsewhere. He didn’t play much during his time with the Razorbacks, which unfortunately included a torn ACL during the 2021 season.
UPDATE (Dec. 16): In a surprising move, safety Jalen Catalon has decided to enter the transfer portal instead of returning to Arkansas as a traditional fifth-year senior or declare for the NFL Draft. Click here for our analysis of his decision.
UPDATE (Dec. 23): Trent Gordon has been declared academically ineligible for the Liberty Bowl and has left the team.
UPDATE (Dec. 30): Rather than return to Arkansas as a sixth-year super senior, safety Simeon Blair has entered the transfer portal. He is the second team captain to enter the portal this offseason. Click here for our analysis of his decision.
UPDATE (Jan. 6): After taking an official visit to Fayetteville, former Baylor cornerback Lorando Johnson committed to Arkansas. Click here for our analysis of his decision.
UPDATE (Jan. 8): Just a couple days after his former teammate committed, Alfahiym Walcott decided to also make the Baylor-to-Arkansas move. Click here for our analysis of his decision.
UPDATE (Jan. 11): Freshman defensive back Anthony Brown has entered the transfer portal.
UPDATE (Jan. 18): Dwight McGlothern announced via Twitter than he plans to return to Arkansas for one more year rather than declare for the NFL Draft.
UPDATE (Feb. 1): LaDarrius Bishop will return as a sixth-year super senior, according to a UA spokesperson. Here’s our analysis of what that means for the Razorbacks.
UPDATE (March 7): Former five-star recruit Jaheim Singletary has announced he’ll transfer to Arkansas. He spent just one season at Georgia and appeared in only three games, meaning he redshirted and has four years to play with the Razorbacks. Singletary will be a summer arrival.
UPDATE (May 13): The Razorbacks flipped Western Kentucky transfer and Florida International commit AJ Brathwaite Jr. during his official visit.
UPDATE (May 16): Butler C.C. cornerback Chris Rhodes has committed to Arkansas, but as a preferred walk-on.
UPDATE (May 17): The Razorbacks pulled off another flip, getting TCU transfer Kee’yon Stewart to change his commitment from Michigan State to Arkansas. Click here for our analysis of his decision.
UPDATE (Aug. 10): Less than one week into fall camp, Western Kentucky transfer AJ Brathwaite Jr. has left the team. Here is our story analyzing the news.
Projected 2023 Roster (17 on scholarship)
- LaDarrius Bishop — sixth-year super senior
- ^Alfahiym Walcott — super senior
- Malik Chavis — redshirt senior
- Hudson Clark — redshirt senior
- ^Kee’yon Stewart — redshirt senior
- Dwight McGlothern — senior
- ^Lorando Johnson — redshirt junior
- Jayden Johnson — junior
- Quincey McAdoo — sophomore
- Jaylen Lewis — redshirt freshman
- ^Jaheim Singletary — redshirt freshman
- ^Jaylon Braxton — freshman
- ^Christian Ford — freshman
- ^Dylan Hasz — freshman
- ^RJ Johnson — freshman
- ^TJ Metcalf — freshman
- ^Dallas Young — freshman
- *Courtney Snelling — redshirt senior
- *Devoncy Maloy — redshirt senior
- *Sladen Webb — redshirt junior
- *^Chris Rhodes — redshirt sophomore (preferred walk-on)
- *Ethan Joseph — redshirt freshman
- *Aidan McCowan — redshirt freshman
- *Jace Petty — redshirt freshman
- *Landon Phipps — redshirt freshman
- *John Paul Pickens — redshirt freshman
- *Braylon Watson — redshirt freshman
- *^Jabrae Shaw — freshman (preferred walk-on)
Leaving the Razorbacks
- Latavious Brini — out of eligibility
- Simeon Blair — entered the transfer portal instead of returning as a sixth-year super senior
- ^AJ Brathwaite Jr. — transfer portal signee who left less than one week into fall camp
- Anthony Brown — entered the transfer portal
- Jalen Catalon — entered the transfer portal instead of returning or declaring for the NFL Draft
- Trent Gordon — academically ineligible and left the team, could have returned as a super senior
- Chase Lowery — left the team in September, entered the transfer portal
- Khari Johnson — entered the transfer portal
- Keuan Parker — entered the transfer portal
- Myles Slusher — left the team before the Missouri game, entered the transfer portal
- Jacorrei Turner — entered the transfer portal
- Zach Zimos — entered the transfer portal
- *McKinley Williams — not on spring roster, could have returned as a sixth-year super senior
- *Drew Winn — not on spring roster
Special Teams
Cam Little enters the bowl game as Arkansas’ most accurate field goal kicker of all-time and will be just a junior in 2023. Eli Stein earned the starting long snapper job as a true freshman and held it until suffering a finger injury in the penultimate game of the regular season. Those two guys give the Razorbacks a good returning core in special teams.
The biggest question surrounding this group is whether or not Reid Bauer decides to use his extra year of eligibility at Arkansas. If he doesn’t, Max Fletcher would likely take over full-time punting duties. If he does, there could be another battle for the job — which has never scared Bauer away before — but it’d also mean a second straight year with two punters on scholarship.
It’s also worth noting that kickoff specialist Jake Bates, a walk-on, is out of eligibility. Little could add those duties next year, but Arkansas seems to like having separate players for those roles. That could open the door for walk-on Blake Ford or maybe the Razorbacks find another player like Bates through the portal.
UPDATE (Nov. 29): Rather than return to Arkansas as a sixth-year super senior, punter Reid Bauer will enter the transfer portal and use his extra year of eligibility elsewhere.
UPDATE (Nov. 30): Walk-on long snapper Francisco Castro has announced he plans to enter the transfer portal. It’s not a surprising move considering he was the third-team guy this year and the starter – Eli Stein – was a true freshman.
UPDATE (Dec. 1): Walk-on punter Patrick Foley has announced he plans to enter the transfer portal after two seasons with the Razorbacks. Even with Bauer leaving, he probably wouldn’t have been higher than second-string because of Fletcher. His departure leaves Arkansas with only one true punter (Fletcher) for the bowl game, but Cam Little could also punt if needed.
UPDATE (May 15): The Razorbacks have added another kicker/punter to the mix by adding Tyler Larco, a transfer from UT-Martin, where he was a two-time second-team All-OVC selection. He is a preferred walk-on.
Projected 2023 Roster (3 on scholarship)
- K/P Cam Little — junior
- P Max Fletcher — sophomore
- LS Eli Stein — sophomore
- *^K/P Tyler Larco — redshirt senior (preferred walk-on, transfer)
- *^P Owen Lawson — redshirt junior (preferred walk-on, JUCO)
- *^K/P Devin Bale — junior (preferred walk-on, transfer)
- *^LS Ashton Ngo — junior (preferred walk-on, JUCO)
- *K Blake Ford — redshirt freshman
- *K Alex Hurtz — redshirt freshman (new walk-on)
- *LS Briggs Magee — redshirt freshman
- *^LS Max Schmidly — freshman (preferred walk-on)
Leaving the Razorbacks
- P Reid Bauer — entered the transfer portal to use his extra year of eligibility
- *K Jake Bates — out of eligibility
- *LS Francisco Castro — entered the transfer portal
- *P Patrick Foley — entered the transfer portal
- *LS John Oehrlein — entered the transfer portal
***
Here is our ranking of the most important potential super seniors for Arkansas football and whether or not we think they’ll be back in 2023:
***
Here’s a look at how previous Arkansas football transfers have fared at their new schools:
***
More coverage of the Arkansas football roster from BoAS…
