NFL
landBy: Randall Slifer
The Arkansas Razorbacks are filled with transfers throughout their roster. The new regime is building the team through the transfer portal. The defensive side had 26 transfers. The offensive side has 17 transfers. There is some continuity from last year on the offensive line, which is most important when building through the transfer portal. Let’s talk about the transfers that will make a heavy impact on the offense this year for the Arkansas Razorbacks:
5.) WR Donovan Faupel – New Mexico State to Arkansas
2025 stats: 61 receptions, 651 yards, 7 touchdowns
Arkansas dipped into New Mexico State players once again and locked in Donovan Faupel. Last year, they acquired Mike Washington Jr from New Mexico State. That turned out to be one of the best transfers of the year. At 6’1, 201 lb, Faupel is a wide receiver who can work inside and outside with gadget-like capabilities.
Faupel brings a lot to the table. He was involved in screens and quick slants, as well as getting open in the intermediate against zone coverages. What he may be most useful for Arkansas is his red-zone threat. Faupel caught 7 touchdowns, and the majority came in the red zone. If Faupel can be an important piece of ensuring Arkansas scores 7 instead of 3, then the NFL can talk to him about heading to the big leagues.
4.) OT Bryant Williams – Louisiana Lafayette to Arkansas
Bryant Williams was a surprising transfer grab, as he was sure to be heading to Florida State. A mammoth of a human, at 6’7, 335 lb, Bryant Williams was the #6-rated tackle in the transfer portal. Williams did not give up a sack in 2025 and was part of an offensive line that rushed for 183 yards a game.
Arkansas has two new tackles, and Bryant Williams will be in line to start at right tackle. For the Arkansas Razorbacks to eye a couple of wins in their schedule, both tackles will need to perform at a higher level than their previous year. I expect Bryant Williams to take this opportunity and start preparing for the NFL.
3.) RB Sutton Smith – Memphis to Arkansas
2025 stats: 102 rushes, 675 yards, 7 TDs, 1 Fumble
Sutton Smith is heading to Arkansas with Silverfield in a dynamic running back room. The transfer will split snaps with Braylen Russell and Cam Settles. At 5’9, 196 lb, he is a speedy back who can shoot through gaps for explosive runs. He can separate his lower and upper halves while running to get through small crevices, and he does not go down easily, with 3.22 yards after contact.
Sutton Smith played at 185 pounds last year at Memphis. Gaining 10 pounds will allow him to be just as fast, but will improve his interior rushing to ensure he can pick up the tough 3 yards when Arkansas needs him. One huge bonus is his special teams capabilities. Sutton Smith was Memphis’ punt and kick returner. He averaged 30 yards per kick return and ran one back for a 99-yard touchdown. Sutton Smith will have multiple jobs as a new transfer to the Arkansas Razorbacks.
2.) LG Malachi Breland – Memphis to Arkansas
Malachi Breland is one of the most important transfers coming from Memphis. The left guard will help the Arkansas returners get familiar with Silverfield’s offensive line demands. Breland is a monster of a left guard at 6’5, 334 lb, and he has surprisingly light feet. He is a great zone blocker, and he ensures he is chipping guys off their mark while finding his guy to block. Breland only allowed 1 sack in 2025.
Breland’s blocking and pass blocking go hand in hand. His light feet let him pull across the line and open up gaps. His high IQ in zone blocking allows him to locate defenders while running and lock in without missing. The offensive line will need to play like a 5-man unit, and Breland is the glue to ensure that happens this year.
1.) WR Chris Marshall – Boise State to Arkansas
2025 stats: 30 catches, 574 yards, 2 touchdowns
Chris Marshall will need to be the top wide receiver transfer in this class. At 6’3 “, 213 lb, Chris Marshall can do a lot as an outside X receiver. He has impressive speed for his size and can create separation with an initial burst. He has a long stride, which lets him maintain early separation on long go routes.
Marshall has a really nice slant-and-go, and he has some good moves at his route stem. He can find soft spots in zone coverages and gains as many yards as he can, with 7 yards after the catch per reception. At his size, he is also a good blocker in the run game. Chris Marshall will be looking for an NFL job, and Arkansas will let him prove he is a top dog in the SEC.
