Although Arkansas football had a miserable 2-10 season in 2015, despite having one of the best and most explosive offenses in the nation under the leadership of one of the greatest minds in football history, Bobby Petrino, the Razorbacks have seven players in the 2026 NFL Draft expected to be selected. Of those seven players, three are quality players from the horrible defense, one of the historically worst, the Hogs put on the field last season.
Even though Arkansas football did not give Razorback Nation much to cheer about, especially as it relates to the final score of each game except two, it can look forward to watching the whole 2026 NFL Draft to see and hear when seven of the Hogs' players are selected, and then celebrate them as they make it to the next level. This article identifies those seven players and provides a brief assessment of each.
Arkansas football 2026 NFL Draft prospects
Taylen Green
NFL teams will not find a more talented and dynamic dual-threat quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft than Taylen Green. Under two seasons of Bobby Petrino’s tutelage, one of the greatest offensive minds in the game's history, he thrived and led an Arkansas Razorbacks offense that was one of the best and most explosive in the nation.
Last season, according to ESPN, Green accounted for 2,714 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, 777 rushing yards, and eight rushing touchdowns, demonstrating authentic and impressive versatility. His production, therefore, offers compelling evidence that NFL offensive coordinators can devise innovative schemes with him as quarterback that can frustrate opposing defensive coordinators.
As the 11 interceptions suggest, however, he must improve his decision-making, as most of them result from inexplicable decisions. Although Green must make a few improvements to experience success as a quarterback at the next level, NFL team executives will inevitably regret passing on him late in the first round or early in the second. Â
Mike Washington Jr.
Although Jeremiyah Love is the running back who receives the most attention, no running back in the draft combines the size, power, and speed that Mike Washington Jr. possesses. He was a critical part of the Arkansas Razorbacks offense.
Last season, according to ESPN, Mike Washington Jr. had 167 carries for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns, and he proved an asset in the passing game with 28 receptions for 226 yards and one touchdown. His game translates beautifully to the NFL. Although NFL teams are right to express some ball security concerns about him, those concerns need deeper contextualization. He played on a team with one of the historically worst defenses, leading him and his fellow offensive teammates to feel they had to score on every possession, which is unreasonable pressure.
Cameron Ball
Although it defies conventional wisdom, Cameron Ball should not have remained in school for his senior season and should have entered the NFL Draft after his junior season, given that before last season, he had progressively increased his production each season.
Last season, Ball’s production declined sharply to half of what it was in his junior season. Also, last season, Ball contributed to Arkansas' defense's problems, as he often failed to stop the run and rarely generated a pass rush against quality opponents.
Even though last season was not his best, his full body of work suggests he can be a quality player who adds depth to any NFL team's defensive line. Ball has excellent NFL size and a personality that will bring significant energy to any locker room.
Fernando Carmona
For NFL teams seeking a physical, experienced, and versatile offensive line, Fernando Carmona is an excellent pick in the later rounds. Last season, he earned second-team All-SEC honors. Carmona must make technical improvements, especially in how he uses his hands.
He never relents on the offensive line, exhibiting a willingness to play aggressively until the final whistle. His ability to perform well at the tackle position makes him a genuine asset, as he can protect a team’s most treasured asset: its quarterback.
Julian Neal
Julian Neal finished last season with 55 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 pass breakups, and had an overall solid season at cornerback. Such production is worthy of serious NFL attention. He offers sound tackling and disruptive play in the passing game. Although he needs more development, expect Neal’s name to be called in one of the later rounds. Â
Xavian Sorey Jr.
Xavian Sorey Jr. offers great energy and relentless effort on every play at outside linebacker. Last season, he had 81 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one interception after leading the team with 99 tackles in 2024. His production merits his name being called in a later round.
Rohan Jones
Rohan Jones is a tight end who is not receiving enough attention for his talent. Last season, he thrived in Bobby Petrino’s offense, catching 19 passes for 519 yards and four touchdowns, becoming just the fourth Arkansas tight end to have a 500-yard season, earning him AP second-team All-SEC honors. Although he should be regarded as a true tight end, some NFL teams may not view him as one, which can significantly impact where he lands in the draft. Â
