FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas senior defensive end Mataio Soli and backup redshirted quarterback Lucas Coley announced they are leaving the Razorbacks via the transfer portal.

“I am officially in the transfer portal and my recruitment is open,” Soli posted on social media.  “Better days ahead.”

The son of former Razorbacks defensive lineman Junior Soli and a highly recruited four-star out of Douglasville, Ga. when signed by Arkansas’ Chad Morris regime, Soli as a 2019 true freshman played in all 12 Razorbacks games and started the last 11 and made 19 tackles, including 1.5 for lost yardage and was credited with two quarterback hurries.

Soli’s playing time decreased with the defensive lineman being used by Coach Sam Pittman in 2020 and 2021.

Soli played nine games with one start in 2020 and made five tackles, .5 for a loss, and was credited with one quarterback hurry.

He made six tackles playing 12 games as a reserve in 2021 with one quarterback sack.

Coley of San Antonio redshirted last year behind starter KJ Jefferson and Malik Hornsby both of whom return.

“First, I would like to say thank you to the University of Arkansas. Thank you to the coaching , nutrition, and academic staff, and especially the welcoming Razorback fan base,” Coley posted on social media.  “I am entering my name into the Transfer Portal within the next hour.”

Coley was rated a 4-star recruit out of Cornerstone Christian in San Antonio.

Hornsby received little playing time last year behind entrenched starter Jefferson and was practicing some at receiver this spring but strictly quarterbacked during last Saturday’s scrimmages.

Cade Fentin, the walk-on quarterback transfer via the University of South Florida, also quarterbacked last Saturday and was praised by Coach Sam Pittman.

Kade Renfro, the walk-on transfer via Ole Miss, meriting Pittman’s praise for his scout team work last fall, is missing spring drills recovering from knee surgery but is expected to compete for a spot during the August preseason.