Arkansas continues to lay the foundation for a defensive resurgence, landing a significant transfer portal addition in linebacker Khmori House from North Carolina. The move signals another step in what is shaping up to be an aggressive and intentional rebuild of a Razorback defense that struggled mightily in SEC play last season.
Khmori House: The Key to Arkansas’ Defensive Revival
House arrives in Fayetteville with impressive credentials. According to 247Sports, he is rated as the No. 8 linebacker and the No. 108 overall player in the current transfer portal class. A former standout at Washington, House brings both proven production and valuable high-level experience to the Arkansas linebacker room.
✍️ Welcome to The Diamond State @khmori_house pic.twitter.com/WnndnvTBhX
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) January 7, 2026
During his sophomore season, House recorded 78 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack, showcasing his ability to be a consistent presence in the middle of the field. As a freshman with the Huskies, he added an interception and four pass deflections, highlighting his instincts and versatility in coverage. His time at Washington established him as a reliable, all-around linebacker capable of contributing in multiple facets of the defense.
Leader of a Bill Belichick Led Defense
House then spent the 2025 season at North Carolina, playing under Bill Belichick, a legendary defensive mind whose influence alone adds value to House’s development. While the Tar Heels finished 4–8, the record doesn’t reflect the depth of defensive education House received. That staff featured NFL-caliber coaching throughout, exposing players to complex schemes, advanced preparation habits, and professional-level expectations.
For a linebacker, often considered the “quarterback” of the defense, that experience is invaluable. House was tasked with understanding alignments, making pre-snap adjustments, and communicating responsibilities across the unit. Learning to operate within diverse defensive systems under a coach like Belichick can only accelerate a player’s football IQ and readiness to lead. He must've been tested all season long from this coaching staff in ways he's never been before.
The Fit With Razorbacks Is Easy To See
Now, House brings that knowledge and experience to Arkansas at a critical moment. Under first-year head coach Ryan Silverfield, the Razorbacks are clearly prioritizing defensive talent, depth, and leadership. Just one week into the transfer portal window, Silverfield and his staff have aggressively addressed areas of need, showing strong awareness of what it will take to rebuild quickly in the SEC. Silverfield has his eyes set out to make a weakness into a strength real quick.
House fits that vision perfectly. He offers production, leadership potential, and a professional approach forged under elite coaching. As Arkansas looks to spark a renaissance on defense and move away from being one of the conference’s weakest units, additions like Khmori House could prove foundational to that turnaround.
The message is clear: Arkansas isn’t waiting. The rebuild is underway, and the defense is leading the charge for once in Fayetteville.