With a new era underway in Fayetteville, the focus for Arkansas Razorbacks football heading into 2026 is crystal clear: fix the defense.
The offense was far from the primary issue a year ago, but inconsistent play, missed tackles, and a lack of takeaways plagued the Razorbacks on the other side of the ball. New head coach Ryan Silverfield made it known from the jump that rebuilding the defense would be priority No. 1. He didn’t just add bodies, he targeted difference-makers.
Here are three transfers who could completely reshape Arkansas’ defense in 2026.
Arkansas newcomers that will make the biggest impact on defense
LB Khmori House (North Carolina)
The former North Carolina Tar Heels football linebacker may end up being the tone-setter of this entire defensive rebuild.
House arrives in Fayetteville as a four-star transfer and the No. 10 rated linebacker in the portal, according to 247Sports. He was one of the most productive defenders on his UNC squad last season, leading the team with 81 tackles over 12 games and earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors.
What stands out even more than the numbers is his leadership. Being named a team captain as a sophomore speaks volumes about both his maturity and his football IQ. At 6-foot, 215 pounds, House is slightly undersized for a traditional SEC linebacker, but his athleticism jumps off the screen. He plays sideline-to-sideline, flies downhill in run support, and has the speed to hold his own in coverage.
If House can add a bit more bulk without sacrificing his explosiveness, he has all the tools to become one of the SEC’s most disruptive linebackers. More importantly for Arkansas, he gives the unit a reliable, high-motor centerpiece to build around.
CB Jahiem Johnson (Tulane)
Arguably the biggest addition of the cycle, the former Tulane Green Wave football cornerback brings something Arkansas desperately lacked last season: ball production.
Johnson was ranked as the No. 9 overall corner in the transfer portal and immediately upgrades the Razorbacks’ secondary. He started all 14 games last season, logging a team-high 834 defensive snaps. He totaled 42 tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and four interceptions, the latter ranking second in the American Conference. He also earned All-AAC Honorable Mention recognition.
He was a key piece of a defense led by Jon Sumrall, helping Tulane capture the AAC Championship and reach the College Football Playoff. That experience in big games matters. Johnson has proven he can hold up under pressure, and his instincts as a ball hawk could dramatically increase Arkansas’ takeaway numbers in 2026.
For a defense that struggled to create momentum-shifting plays, Johnson’s ability to flip the field with a timely interception could be invaluable.
S Christian Harrison (Cincinnati)
Experience and pedigree define the addition of former Cincinnati Bearcats football safety Christian Harrison.
The two-time transfer is looking to finish his college career strong, and Arkansas may be the perfect stage. Harrison started all 12 games he appeared in last season, recording 66 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and one interception. His 66 tackles ranked fifth on the Bearcats’ roster, showcasing both his durability and reliability.
The seven pass breakups highlight his awareness and timing in coverage. He has a natural feel for positioning and isn’t afraid to get aggressive attacking the football.
Harrison is also the son of former NFL standout Rodney Harrison, and that physical, hard-hitting style shows up in his game. He’s comfortable playing downhill, stepping into the box, and delivering punishing hits, something Arkansas’ secondary sorely needed.
Beyond the stats, Harrison brings leadership and a veteran presence to a unit undergoing major change. His versatility and physicality should help stabilize the back end while younger players develop around him.