The Arkansas Razorbacks are constantly at the bottom of the SEC. As far as their preseason outlook goes, it’s towards the bottom of the conference once again.
Head coach Ryan Silverfield is entering his first year as the lead man for the Razorbacks and his first year in the SEC. Silverfield posted a 50-25 record at Memphis to earn a shot in college football’s deepest conference.
If the Razorbacks are going to shock the world and make any sort of major leap, they’ll need some breakout stars. That being said, here are five worthy candidates.
Jahiem Johnson, Cornerback
Also going by the name Joker, Johnson took a huge leap in his sophomore season at Tulane. Jumping from 4 total tackles to 42, from 0 interceptions to 4, and from 2 passes defended to 9. Now transferring to the SEC, the rising junior will look to be one of the best SEC newcomers in 2026.
Johnson is a ball hawk with the perfect frame for a corner, standing 6’0 tall and weighing just under 200 pounds. His frame makes him a matchup problem for both slot and outside receivers.
Khmori House, Safety
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Khmori House (6) celebrates after breaking up a pass play during the spring game. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
One of the few bright spots of the 2025 UNC Tar Heels team. House earned All-ACC honorable mention after leading the team with 81 total tackles in his sophomore campaign. This is now House’s third school in as many years and his biggest jump in competition by far.
Another player in the Razorbacks’ secondary with great physical attributes, standing 6’1 and weighing just over 200 pounds. House thrives as a blitzer and is excellent at making tackles in space.
Defense is the most important piece of football, and having strong talent in the secondary can create mistakes from opposing QBs and upsets for the Razorbacks.
Braylen Russell, Running Back
Oct 11, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Braylen Russell (0) runs the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
A sleeper when it comes to running backs in the SEC. Russell is going to be the focal point of this Arkansas offense and will have a workhorse load with Mike Washington going to the NFL.
On just 55 carries in Russell’s sophomore season, he still posted 286 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. If Russell stays healthy, expect 100+ more carries this year and potentially double the touchdowns.
Chris Marshall, Wide Receiver
Apr 2, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Chris Marshall (6) puts his hands on his hips in between drills during spring practice. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
A big-bodied, downfield threat of a receiver. Chris Marshall is a big play waiting to happen. Marshall’s production leaped in 2025, posting 30 catches for 574 yards and 2 touchdowns. The key stat that shows how effective Marshall can be is his yards per reception.
Marshall’s average was 19.1 yards, with a long of 46 yards. The vertical speed, combined with the 6’3 and 215-pound frame, adds an element to the Razorbacks’ pass game that can change games.
Wyatt Simmons, Linebacker
Razorback Wyatt Simmons 42 blocks a punt as the LSU Tigers take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. November 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium.
Simmons is a redshirt sophomore known for his great instincts and ability to stop the run. Posting 17 tackles and a blocked punt, Simmons showed high potential and grittiness. The blocked punt even led to a touchdown against LSU.
Simmons has the prototypical linebacker build, standing 6’1 and weighing 226 pounds. That frame is important, especially in stopping the run against big downhill rushers in the SEC.
Now heading into his second season in Fayetteville, Simmons will be a leader on this defense and will likely make more splash plays than he did in 2025.
