FAYETTEVILLE -- While a few players have already announced plans to enter the transfer portal numerous others have stated plans to return in 2026.

Quarterback KJ Jackson and edge Quincy Rhodes Jr. got it all started when they were at Ryan Silverfield's initial press conference stating plans to return. Since then many others have also said they will be back.

Among the ones returning are running back Braylen Russell, tight end Maddox Lassiter, wide receiver Jalen Brown, offensive guard Kobe Branham and center Caden Kitler on offense. On defense, the Hogs are also keeping defensive lineman Keiundre Johnson and defensive tackle Kevin Oatis. Both Oatis and Johnson were true freshmen in 2025.

Jackson completed 33 of 54 passes for 441 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2025. He also rushed 11 times for 52 yards and two touchdowns.

Russell missed the final three games with an injury, but still rushed 55 times for 286 yards and five touchdowns. Russell also grabbed four passes for 27 yards. Lassiter rushed one time for a yard and caught a pass for two yards while lining up at fullback and tight end. Brown caught 12 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns before a season-ending injury happened against Notre Dame.

Branham was All-SEC Freshman in 2025 and Kitler was outstanding at center after transferring in from UCF.

Rhodes had 45 tackles, including 27 solo, eight sacks and forced a fumble in 2025. Rhodes returning was huge with some services projecting him as late first- or early second-round pick in NFL Draft. Oatis had two tackles in limited action. Johnson is expected to be key member of the defensive line in 2026 with Rhodes, Oatis and others.