Arkansas

Ryan Silverfield proved he could build winners at Memphis, but transforming Arkansas from a 2-10 disaster requires fixing the nation's 95th-ranked defense while maintaining an offense that grades out 19th nationally at +5.5 points per game. The Razorbacks attacked the transfer portal aggressively, adding 41 newcomers 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) to replace departed wideouts Andy Jean and Krosse Johnson. Silverfield also landed offensive tackle Bryant Williams from Louisiana as part of a massive roster reconstruction that saw 43 players depart but brought in over 100 points of added production value.

JP+ projects 4.3 wins for Arkansas in 2026, with the gap between elite offensive potential and defensive fragility creating wild variance in possible outcomes. The new signal-caller inherits a loaded skill position group and improved protection, but coverage attrition on defense creates structural uncertainty that could derail Silverfield's first season in Fayetteville despite his proven track record. If the defensive personnel upgrades click quickly and the quarterback competition produces competent play, this roster has enough offensive firepower to surprise in the brutal SEC. If not, another long season awaits as Silverfield begins his rebuilding project.