The Arkansas Razorbacks football enter 2026 in the middle of a new era.
With Ryan Silverfield taking over the program, a massive roster overhaul was expected from the start. But even with change anticipated, replacing star quarterback Taylen Green and starting running back Mike Washington, both off to the NFL with no eligibility remaining, won’t be easy.
That’s especially true considering how productive the Razorbacks were offensively in 2025. Arkansas finished inside the top five nationally in PFSN’s CFB Offensive Impact Grades, operating as one of the most efficient and explosive units in the country. Silverfield and his staff aren’t looking to reinvent the wheel, they’re looking to keep a good thing going.
Here are three offensive transfers who could help Arkansas avoid missing a beat in 2026.
Razorbacks Newcomers Who Will Make the Biggest Impact on Offense
AJ Hill, QB (Memphis)
Let’s start with the most important position on the field.
Former Memphis Tigers football quarterback AJ Hill arrives in Fayetteville with upside and familiarity on his side. The redshirt freshman didn’t see game action during his true freshman season, but that developmental year could prove valuable as he competes for the starting job in 2026.
With Green gone, Arkansas will have a true quarterback battle. Early projections suggest it could come down to Hill and KJ Jackson. While Jackson may hold a slight edge in experience, Hill’s comfort level in Silverfield’s system is significant. He followed his head coach from Memphis, meaning he already understands the terminology, expectations, and offensive structure.
At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Hill brings ideal SEC size to go along with high-level arm talent and athleticism. A former four-star recruit, he has the physical tools to thrive in the conference. The biggest question isn’t talent, it’s timing. If Hill can rise to the occasion quickly, he has the ability to take control of the offense sooner rather than later.
The earlier he settles in, the smoother Arkansas’ transition will be.
Sutton Smith, RB (Memphis)
Continuity matters, especially in the backfield.
Running back Sutton Smith is another key addition from Memphis, and his familiarity with both Silverfield and offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey gives him a built-in advantage. While other transfers adjust to a new playbook, Smith already understands the system’s pace and spacing concepts.
Listed at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, the three-star transfer may be considered undersized, but his production says otherwise. In 12 games last season, Smith rushed for 669 yards and seven touchdowns on 102 carries. He added 20 receptions for 109 yards, while also contributing 155 yards on five kick returns and 125 yards on 15 punt returns. That’s 1,058 all-purpose yards, the definition of a Swiss Army knife.
Smith may not profile as a traditional three-down SEC workhorse, but explosiveness plays in any league. His ability to contribute as a runner, receiver, and returner makes him a versatile chess piece. In an offense that ranked among the nation’s best a year ago, adding dynamic, space-oriented playmakers are essential.
Get him the ball and let him operate.
Bryant Williams, OT (Louisiana)
Not every major addition comes from Memphis.
Former Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football offensive tackle Bryant Williams was one of the most sought-after linemen in the transfer portal, and a huge win for Arkansas. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound tackle was rated a four-star transfer and ranked as the No. 8 offensive tackle available according to 247Sports.
Arkansas’ offensive line was already a strength in 2025, finishing inside the top 3 in PFSN’s CFB OL Team Impact Grades. Maintaining that dominance in the trenches is critical, especially with a new quarterback likely taking over.
Williams projects as a high-upside blindside protector with the length and frame NFL scouts covet. His transition to the SEC will be something to monitor, as the weekly competition jump is real. But if he adjusts quickly, he gives Arkansas stability at one of the most important positions on the field.
Quarterbacks look a lot better when their left tackle is elite.