FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas running back Braylen Russell apparently reversed field yet again on Sunday evening by seemingly announcing he was re-entering the NCAA transfer portal.
The rising sophomore from Benton had entered the portal last Tuesday but withdrew his name later that day.
On Sunday evening, Russell posted a somewhat cryptic message that read, “Thank you Arkansas! It’s time to do what’s best for me and my family, #0 out.”
A UA spokesperson said as of Sunday evening Russell’s name was not in the portal, but multiple online outlets are reporting he plans to do that. The portal opened on Dec. 9 and will close on Dec. 28.
Russell, a 6-1, 253-pounder and former 4-star prospect, was one of the top freshman signees for the Razorbacks during the 2023-24 recruiting cycle. He rushed for 304 yards and 2 touchdowns on 47 carries. Russell averaged 6.5 yards per carry, the highest among Razorbacks with two or more attempts.
If Russell enters he would become the 24th known scholarship Razorback to enter the portal.
Arkansas players with known landing spots to this point are the trio of tight end Luke Hasz, offensive lineman Patrick Kutas and cornerback Jaylon Braxton, all to Ole Miss, and linebackers Brad Spence (Texas) and Kaden Henley (Harding).
In other Arkansas football news this weekend, offensive lineman Brooks Edmonson was placed on scholarship by Coach Sam Pittman. Edmonson, a 6-4, 313-pound redshirt sophomore from Bryant, was notified of his scholarship by Pittman during an exit interview on Dec. 5.
Edmonson has played in 11 games, primarily on special teams, but he has also worked some snaps at center in place of Addison Nichols. With Nichols and interior starters Kutas and Josh Braun all in the portal, Edmonson has a shot at more playing time in the Liberty Bowl against Texas Tech on Dec. 27 in Memphis.
Edmonson and tight end Maddox Lassiter of Warren have both received scholarships since the end of the regular season for the Razorbacks (6-6).