Arkansas enters 2026 with a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator, and major offensive turnover after a 2-10 overall and 0-8 SEC campaign in 2025. Ryan Silverfield takes over as Arkansas’ head coach following that season, and Tim Cramsey joins the staff as offensive coordinator after previously coaching at Memphis. KJ Jackson returns at quarterback, while AJ Hill joins the program as a Memphis transfer after previously playing under Silverfield and Cramsey. Arkansas must replace leading rusher Mike Washington after he left for the NFL, while Braylen Russell returns and Sutton Smith and Jasper Parker join the backfield as transfers from Memphis and Michigan. Cam Settles has also emerged as a contributor in the running-back rotation. CJ Brown returns to the receiving corps, while Chris Marshall and Jamari Hawkins join as transfers from Boise State and Memphis. Tight end Jaden Platt also returns. The offensive line returns Caden Kitler and Kobe Branham after both served as full-time starters last season, while the group will feature several new starters in 2026.

Arkansas enters 2026 with major defensive turnover after losing its top five tacklers and returning only three of its top eleven from last season. Quincy Rhodes Jr. returns at defensive end, Bradley Shaw returns at linebacker, and Miguel Mitchell returns in the secondary. La’khi Roland joins the secondary as a transfer from Maryland, while Christian Harrison comes from Cincinnati, Khmori House from North Carolina, and Carter Stoutmire from Colorado.

Arkansas enters 2026 with a new coaching staff and considerable personnel turnover on both sides of the ball, including special teams. Chad Lunsford takes over as special teams coordinator, Max Gilbert joins the program as a placekicker from Tennessee, Gavin Rush takes over at punter, and Sutton Smith brings experience in the kickoff- and punt-return game after transferring from Memphis.