Arkansas

Missouri football preseason preview: Has Arkansas improved over the offseason?

Published

1 year ago

July 16, 2024

Missouri football preseason preview: Has Arkansas improved over the offseason?

The Battle Line game may end up drawing the line.

Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz, quarterback Brady Cook, wide receiver Luther Burden III and defensive tackle Kristian Williams will speak Tuesday at SEC media days in Dallas. Later this month, they’ll report for fall camp with the rest of their MU teammates. Then, in just 44 days, Mizzou will kick off its 2024 season at home against Murray State on Thursday, Aug. 29.

This season teases a potential Missouri run at the expanded, 12-team College Football Playoff. If MU does the necessary work — meaning a maximum of two regular-season losses — there’s a chance all that stands between the Tigers and a nod from the CFP committee is a win against Arkansas on Nov. 30 on Faurot Field.

Mizzou ran the Hogs out of their own stadium last year, and there’s since been more than a few changes in Fayetteville, Arkansas … and perhaps more to come. Mizzou-Arkansas is set for Saturday, Nov. 30, in Columbia, which will be the second time the game hasn’t been played on Black Friday since 2014.

Here’s what to know about Arkansas’ offseason, including key additions and losses, coaching changes and playmakers to watch when the Razorbacks visit Columbia to close the regular season:

Who are the opposing names to know when Missouri football hosts Arkansas?

Quarterback: Taylen Green is the newcomer at QB in Fayetteville, transferring in from Boise State to replace UCF-bound KJ Jefferson. Green, who stands at 6 foot 6, is a dual-threat quarterback who has rushed for 19 total touchdowns and an average of more than 500 yards per season over the past couple years as the Broncos’ No. 1. He has completed 59.4% of his career pass attempts and threw for 1,752 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season.

Offensive playmakers: Ja’Quinden Jackson was Arkansas’ marquee grab out of the portal this offseason, transferring in from Utah after rushing for 797 yards and four touchdowns in 2023.

Wide receiver Andrew Armstrong is back after a productive 764-yard, five-touchdown season in an otherwise ineffective UA pass-catching corps. Another in-house talent, redshirt senior Tyrone Broden, had a standout spring for the Razorbacks, per local reporting from the Southwest Times Record, and appears set for an uptick in reps in 2024.

Defensive playmakers: Jaylon Braxton returns after a standout freshman campaign at cornerback in 2023, when he notched eight pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble that he recovered. He’ll lead a secondary that is a little light on returning reps.

Edge rusher Landon Jackson is the clear leader along the defensive line for the Razorbacks, with 13.5 tackles for loss, including 6.5 sacks, on his statline from last season. Albany transfer Anton Juncaj, who notched 21.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks at the FCS level last season, ought to bolster that room, too.

What did the offseason look like for Razorbacks?

Key additions: Taylen Green (QB); Ja’Quinden Jackson (RB); Fernando Carmona (LT); Anton Juncaj (EDGE); Anthony Switzer (S); Xavien Sorey (LB)

Key losses: KJ Jefferson (QB); Raheim Sanders (RB); Chris Paul Jr. (LB); Dwight McGlothern (CB); Cam Little (PK); Trajan Jeffcoat (DE); Jaheim Thomas (LB); Jaylon Braxton (CB); Alfahiym Walcott (DB)

Key coaching changes: Bobby Petrino (OC, Texas A&M)

The Arkansas offense’s progression will be worth keeping an eye on with Bobby Petrino, somewhat surprisingly, back coaching in Fayetteville, this time as the Hogs’ offensive coordinator.

After last year’s regular-season mauling by Mizzou, which capped a 4-8 campaign, it was somewhat of a surprise to see the Arkansas coaching staff stay largely in-tact. Another poor year, and that more than likely won’t be the case. For now, Sam Pittman is still Arkansas’ coach. Whether that’s the case when Mizzou hosts the Razorbacks is firmly in the ‘to-be-determined’ category.

It was a busy offseason for Arkansas, with 21 total players transferring in and 34 heading the other way.

The Razorbacks lost their two leading linebackers, Chris Paul Jr. and Jaheim Thomas, to Ole Miss and Wisconsin, respectively. Georgia reserve Xavien Sorey transferred in, providing a much-needed boost to the room.

Arkansas also lost a lot of production at defensive back with three players receiving NFL offers, with the cornerback position looking particularly light on quality depth heading into 2024.

Early forecast for Mizzou vs. Arkansas

This was Missouri’s easiest game on the schedule last season. The Tigers had their starters out by the beginning of the fourth quarter, with a 41-point cushion already built on the road and a New Year’s Six Bowl clinched.

Will there be a repeat?

It’s tough to see the Razorbacks’ offense being as stale as it was last season — Arkansas ranked second-last in the SEC last season in total offense, leading to the firing of then-OC Dan Enos — with Petrino now on board.

Arkansas has plenty of holes to fill on a defense that allowed the third-most points per game (27.9) in the conference last season, and there will be a lot of wait-and-see involved as to how it plugs some bigger gaps.

Mizzou will likely be a favorite, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the coaching situation in Fayetteville. A potential interim might make the regular-season finale a de-facto tryout for 2025 in what will be MU’s last chance to impress the CFP committee.

More: Missouri football preseason preview: Is Mississippi State a threat to MU in late November?

More: Three transfers who could help define Missouri football’s success in 2024 season

Source link

Click to comment

Arkansas

Arkansas Court of Appeals | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

11 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas Court of Appeals | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

The Arkansas Court of Appeals released opinions Wednesday. The court’s ruling and the names of the cases are reprinted here. The full opinions and other court proceedings, including per curiam decisions, orders and submissions, can be found on the internet at arcourts.gov.

PROCEEDINGS OF Jan. 7, 2026

CHIEF JUDGE N. MARK KLAPPENBACH

CR-23-821. Kenneth Steward v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Gladwin and Brown, JJ., agree.

JUDGE ROBERT J. GLADWIN

CR-25-24. Bryce Anderson v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Virden and Harrison, JJ., agree.

JUDGE CASEY R. TUCKER

CV-24-537. Flywheel Energy Production, LLC v. Van Buren County, Arkansas; and Van Buren County Judge Dale James, in His Official Capacity as Van Buren County Judge, from Van Buren County Circuit Court. Reversed and dismissed. Abramson and Harrison, JJ., agree.

JUDGE WENDY SCHOLTENS WOOD

CV-24-209. LRS South, LLC v. Benton County Solid Waste Management District and the Benton County Solid Waste Management District Board, from Benton County Circuit Court. Reversed and remanded. Hixson and Murphy, JJ., agree.

Comments

Source link

Arkansas

Arkansas adds transfer DB, signs Texas lineman for 2026 class

Published

23 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas adds transfer DB, signs Texas lineman for 2026 class

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas continued its offseason roster work by adding a transfer defensive back and securing a future offensive line piece from Texas, addressing both immediate depth and long-term development.

The Razorbacks announced the signing of Georgia State defensive back Tyler Scott, a transfer with multiple years of eligibility remaining, while also landing Carey Clayton, an offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll High School, as part of the 2026 recruiting class.

Scott joins the Hogs after spending the 2025 season at Georgia State, where he appeared in two games and recorded four tackles. He arrives in Fayetteville with three years of eligibility remaining, giving Arkansas flexibility in how he’s developed and used in the secondary.

Before his time at Georgia State, Scott spent two seasons at Auburn. One of those seasons was cut short due to an ACL injury, limiting his opportunity to contribute on the field.

The Razorbacks now provide him with a chance to reset and compete in a defensive back room that continues to evolve.

At 6 feet tall, Scott adds experience to a secondary that has seen significant turnover through the transfer portal. His addition gives the Hogs another option at defensive back as the staff works through spring and fall evaluations.

Clayton strengthens 2026 offensive line class

Arkansas also added a future piece up front with the commitment of Carey Clayton, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll, one of Texas’ most consistent high school programs.

Clayton helped Southlake Carroll complete an undefeated regular season last fall and reach the state semifinals. He enters college football as a consensus three-star prospect, ranked among the top offensive line recruits in Texas.

In addition to Arkansas, Clayton held offers from Air Force, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, UAB and UTEP. He ultimately chose the Razorbacks, becoming the 16th commitment in the Hogs’ 2026 recruiting class.

Clayton is ranked around No. 251 nationally and No. 141 in Texas. While not among the highest-rated prospects in the class, his high school experience and physical development make him a long-term project for Arkansas’ offensive line.

Hogs continue roster building

The additions of Scott and Clayton reflect the Hogs’ continued focus on roster balance. Scott becomes the 23rd transfer portal addition this offseason, reinforcing a secondary that has emphasized competition and depth.

Clayton’s commitment adds to a growing 2026 class that prioritizes size and developmental upside, particularly along the offensive line.

Arkansas has steadily worked to build future depth in the trenches while supplementing current needs through the portal.

While neither move is designed to generate immediate headlines, both fit into a broader plan aimed at improving roster stability.

Scott offers experience and flexibility in the defensive backfield, while Clayton provides a long-term option at a position that often requires patience.

As the Razorbacks move through the offseason, these additions help establish depth at key positions and give the coaching staff more options heading into the coming seasons.

Key takeaways

Arkansas added Georgia State transfer defensive back Tyler Scott, who brings experience and remaining eligibility to the secondary.
The Razorbacks signed 2026 Texas offensive lineman Carey Clayton, adding size and long-term depth up front.
The Hogs continue balancing immediate roster needs with long-term development through recruiting and the portal.

Hogs Feed

Source link

Arkansas

Questions for Hester on prison, kowtowing to Sarah | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Questions for Hester on prison, kowtowing to Sarah | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

John Brummett

jbrummett@arkansasonline.com

John Brummett’s career in news began when he was in high school, as a part-time reporter for the Arkansas Democrat. He moved to the Arkansas Gazette in 1977.

He wrote a political column for the Gazette from 1986 to 1990. He was an editor for the Arkansas Times from 1990 to 1992.

In 1994, his book, “High Wire: From the Back Roads to the Beltway, the Education of Bill Clinton,” was published by Hyperion of New York City. He became a columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 1994. In 2000, he signed a deal with Donrey Media Group, now known as Stephens Media, and wrote for them for 11 years.

He rejoined Democrat-Gazette as a columnist on Oct. 24, 2011.

Source link