🏈 Arkansas Razorbacks — 2025 Season Preview

📍 Conference: SEC🏟️ Home Field: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium👔 Head Coach: Bobby Petrino

📝 Preseason Overview

Arkansas enters the 2025 season ranked No. 39 nationally and is in full rebuild mode under Bobby Petrino’s leadership. Senior QB Taylen Green is the lone returning offensive starter, but Petrino believes Green is primed to thrive in his second year running this offense. The Razorbacks have completely retooled their roster with a mix of transfers, promising underclassmen, and standout special teams play.

🔥 Key Offensive Players

• Taylen Green (QB): Experienced leader and dual-threat playmaker with a better grasp of Petrino’s playbook, expected to lead the charge.

• Mike Washington Jr. (RB): Explosive transfer from New Mexico State who stood out in spring camp; joins a deep backfield with Braylen Russell, Rodney Hill, and AJ Green.

• Offensive Line Shuffle: Tackles Fernando Carmona and E’Marion Harris move inside while transfers Corey Robinson II (GT), Caden Kitler (UCF), and Shaq McRoy (Oregon) fill key spots.

• Receivers on the Rise: Returners CJ Brown, Monte Harrison and transfers O’Mega Blake, Ismael Cisse, Raylen Sharpe, Kam Shanks, Courtney Crutchfield highlight a revamped WR corps. Freshmen Antonio Jordan and Jace Brown will push for reps.

• Tight End Depth: Transfers Rohan Jones (Montana State) and Jaden Platt (Texas A&M) join Andreas Paaske and Maddox Lassiter.

🔒 Defensive Standouts

• Front Seven: Returning starters Cameron Ball (DL), Stephen Dix Jr. (LB), and Xavian Sorey Jr. (LB) anchor a defense mixing 3-3 and 4-2 looks. Transfers David Oke (ACU), Justus Boone (Florida), Phillip Lee (Troy), and Ken Talley (MSU) add depth.

• Breakout Candidate: Sophomore LB Bradley Shaw has high upside; Trent Whalen (Southern Utah) expected to rotate in.

• Secondary Leaders: Corners Jaheim Singletary and Selman Bridges, nickelback Larry Worth III, and safeties Miguel Mitchell, Caleb Wooden, Quentavius Scandrett, Ahkhari Johnson, Shakur Smalls (Maine) create competition and depth.

🏆 Special Teams

• Devin Bale (P): One of the nation’s top punters.

• Scott Starzyk (K): Freshman phenom kicker, highly recruited.

• Return Game: Kam Shanks brings elite return ability (2 punt TDs at UAB), with Rodney Hill as primary kickoff returner.

📈 Strengths & Challenges

Strengths:

• Quarterback experience with Taylen Green.

• Heavy transfer additions add depth and athleticism.

• Special teams could be among the SEC’s best.

Challenges:

• Chemistry on an offensive line full of new faces.

• WR room is talented but unproven.

• Adjusting to defensive scheme changes under Travis Williams.

🏆 Season Outlook

Arkansas is in roster overhaul mode, but Petrino’s offensive expertise and Green’s leadership provide optimism. With strong special teams and a tough front seven, the Hogs could be a dark horse bowl contender if their new offensive pieces click early.