NFL
By: Randall Slifer
The transfer portal was plentiful for the Razorbacks this off-season. The Arkansas Razorbacks are under a brand-new regime. Ryan Silverfield has started strong, retaining players like Bradley Shaw, Braylen Russell, and especially Quincy Rhodes Jr. When a college football program hires a new head coach, the coach needs to set the culture in his own way. This typically comes with bringing in a lot of transfers so everyone can buy into their culture and process.
On the defensive side, the Arkansas Razorbacks have 26 transfers. Let’s take a look at 5 defensive transfers that I believe will have a big impact on the 2026 season:
5.) CB – La’khi Roland – Maryland to Arkansas
2025 stats: 21 Tackles, 17 Solo, 1 Tackle for loss, 3 INTs, including 1 pick-six
La’khi Roland is fighting for a boundary corner spot, but rotation is important to keep your legs fresh. At 6’2, 195lb, he brings great length and intelligence to the defensive back room. He can play press man and is very good at zone. His high IQ in route recognition is the reason for his three interceptions, and he has a knack for covering the intermediate. Both transfers, Shelton Lewis and Roland, will be fighting for a spot, and I would not be surprised if Roland takes the starting role.
4.) JACK – Steven Soles Jr – Kentucky to Arkansas
2025 stats: 21 Pressures, 6 Sacks, 2 QB Hits, 2 Batted Balls, 2 Forced Fumbles, 4.5 Tackles for loss
Steven Soles Jr will be rotating with the outside linebackers and has earned a starting role over the summer. At 6’2, 237 lb, Soles is an absolute missile rushing the passer. At a 20% pressure rate, Soles racked up 21 pressures and hit the QB 8 times. That is efficiency. He is active in defending the run and will use his whole body to clog gaps. With a starting role in hand, I expect Soles to be as efficient as he was in Kentucky and to produce highly on the opposite side of Quincy Rhodes Jr.
3.) NT – Hunter Osborne – Virginia to Arkansas
2025 stats: 4 Pressures, 1 Sack, 15 Tackles, 2 Tackles for Loss, 7 defensive stops
Hunter Osborne may be one of the most underrated transfer signings on the defense. At 6’4, 313 lb, he is quick on his feet, and his lateral movements are impressive. He can line up as a 0-tech all the way to 4i on the defensive line. Osborne has one of the most active and violent hands, which keeps his jersey clean and allows him to counter and change gaps as the play progresses. He keeps his eyes on the quarterback and is athletic enough to chase him down. The duo of David Oke and Hunter Osborne at the nose tackle position will be vital in opening up Quincy Rhodes and other edges. Both nose tackles can draw double teams, leaving 1-on-1s to hit the quarterbacks.
2.) CB – Joker Johnson – Tulane to Arkansas
2025 stats: 44 Tackles, 12 Solo, 1 Forced Fumble, 64% Reception Rate, 4 INT, 10 PBU
The defensive back room is brand new except for safety Miguel Mitchell. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily, but Arkansas did lose some good corners in Kani Walker and Julian Neal to the draft. Joker Johnson has big expectations coming from Tulane to Arkansas. At 6’0, 195 lb, he has impressive stats, turning the ball over 5 times and breaking up 10 passes.
He may be one of the most patient corners I have watched when the receiver is running his route in the first 5 yards. He does not bite on double moves and has excellent burst to mirror the WR if they turn the stem into a go route. In addition to his burst, he can plant his foot and head down to the line of scrimmage quickly to stop the short passes. He is a good replacement for Julian Neal as the top corner. He should be the top candidate to lead the cornerback room.
1.) STAR – Khmori House – UNC to Arkansas
2025 stats: 18 Pressures, 1 sack, 3 QB Hits, 1 Forced Fumble, 81 Tackles, 46 Solo, 2.5 Tackles for loss
Khmori House can be the top game-changing defensive player outside of Quincy Rhodes Jr. At 6’1, 202 lb, Khmori is a high-motor player who can be used in any role on the field. Khmori played more of a weak-side linebacker role at UNC, and he is moving to a nickel-type role at Arkansas. I believe this will open him up more in terms of his versatility. He will not need to attack the interior of the offensive line, but will consistently come off the edge or scrape the line on outside runs. He has the strength to stack and shed blockers, and has fluid hips to match receivers in the short and intermediate game. Expect Khmori to be involved in many disguised blitzes and rotations to confuse opposing offenses this year. He certainly has the chance to be the best defensive transfer in 2026.
