Arkansas

Ryan Silverfield proved he could build explosive offenses at Memphis, but his Arkansas debut hinges on whether he can fix a defense that was among the nation's worst during a disastrous 2-10 campaign. The Razorbacks' JP+ rating of +4.8 points (#37 nationally) tells the tale of two units: an offense grading at +7.1 (#16) and a defense sitting at -2.4 (#96). The portal worked overtime to reshape this roster, with 43 departures but 41 arrivals adding 109.8 PPA, headlined by receiver Donovan Faupel (33.3 PPA from New Mexico State), Chris Marshall (26.5 PPA from Boise State), and Jamari Hawkins (22.9 PPA from Memphis). Offensive tackle Bryant Williams transferred in from Louisiana to anchor the line, while the new signal-caller will inherit a receiving corps built through aggressive portal recruiting.

JP+ projects 4.8 wins for Arkansas, a modest improvement but one that reflects the challenge of competing in the SEC with a defense this porous. Road games at Texas A&M and Texas loom as potential bloodbaths, while home dates against Missouri, Tulsa, and North Alabama offer chances to build momentum. The offense should have enough firepower to keep the Razorbacks competitive in most games, but until the defense shows dramatic improvement from its current 96th-ranked projection, upset potential remains limited. If Silverfield can coax even average defensive play from his rebuilt unit, Arkansas could surprise and push toward bowl eligibility; if the defense continues to leak points, another long season awaits in Fayetteville.