FAYETTEVILLE -- The transfer portal is set to open on Friday and Arkansas' Ryan Silverfield and his staff will look to make a big impact.
At this time, it has been a mixture of some key players announcing plans to return while 11 scholarship players have announced they intend to enter the transfer portal. Among the players coming back are quarterback KJ Jackson, edge Quincy Rhodes Jr., running back Braylen Russell, offensive guard Kobe Branham, linebacker Wyatt Simmons and kicker Scott Starzyk.
Of the 11 confirmed they are leaving defensive tackle Ian Geffrard is the lone returning starter stating he's leaving. Arkansas did make an effort to keep Geffrard, but he's likely leaving. Young players like offensive tackle Shaq McRoy and linebacker Tavion Wallace are also leaving.
Slippery Rock cornerback Kanye Thompson, 6-0, 168, is the first confirmed official visitor. Thompson has been timed at 10.13 in the 100-meter dash. He will arrive Saturday and leaving Sunday. Thompson is expected to commit to the Razorbacks while on his visit.
In 2025, Thompson finished with 60 tackles, 38 solo, 5.5 for loss, three sacks, 10 pass breakups and four forced fumbles.
Some former Memphis players could also make their way to Arkansas. Among them are safety Kamari Wilson, 6-1, 210, running back Sutton Smith, 5-9, 185, quarterback AJ Hill, 6-4, 215, defensive back Chris Bracy, 6-1, 195, and linebacker Everett Roussaw Jr., 6-3, 230.
Former Marion five-star offensive lineman Carius Curne, 6-5, 320, spent his freshman season at LSU, but he has also announced plans to enter the transfer portal on Friday. Arkansas is hoping to land him.
Some other names to know are Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons, 6-0, 186, Oklahoma State offensive tackle Grant Seagren, 6-6, 305, and North Carolina linebacker Khmori House, 6-2, 210. House led North Carolina in tackles in 2025 finishing with 78, including 45 solo.
Arkansas has landed a commitment from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College defensive tackle Antonio Sandal-Bascomb, 6-3, 305. In eight games in 2025, Sandal-Bascomb had 29 tackles, 10 solo, eight for loss and 2.5 sacks. He was originally committed to Memphis.
Photo courtesy of Slippery Rock Communications Office.
