Arkansas football is beginning to show signs of how head coach Ryan Silverfield plans to shape the Razorbacks’ roster, and it starts with familiar faces. One of Silverfield’s former players from his Memphis days, standout running back Sutton Smith, has officially set up a visit with the Hogs.
Smith confirmed to HawgSports that he has scheduled an official visit to Arkansas, though a specific date has not yet been announced. While nothing is set in stone, Smith already checks several boxes as a potential addition to the Razorbacks’ offense.
The Silverfield- Sutton Smith Connection
The most obvious connection is his relationship with Silverfield, who coached Smith during his time at Memphis, along with Arkansas offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey. That familiarity could allow Smith to transition smoothly into the Razorbacks’ system, particularly as Arkansas looks to reload offensively following the departure of running back Mike Washington, who is headed to the NFL.
On the field, Smith would bring a skill set that complements Arkansas’ current personnel. Listed at 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, Smith is a dynamic, explosive runner who thrives in space. That contrasts well with Braylen Russell, who remains on the roster as more of a physical, downhill runner. Together, the two could form a classic “thunder and lightning” tandem with Russell punishing defenses between the tackles while Smith stresses them on the edges and in the open field.
Smith’s versatility is another major selling point. During the 2025 season at Memphis, he rushed for 669 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 20 receptions for 109 yards as a receiver out of the backfield. His ability to contribute in the passing game makes him a natural fit as a third-down back and gives Cramsey flexibility to get creative with personnel groupings and play design.
Beyond Smith himself, this recruitment could signal a broader trend. The expectation around the program is that Silverfield will attempt to bring multiple standout players from Memphis with him to Fayetteville as he accelerates Arkansas’ roster reconstruction. That approach has worked elsewhere, most notably for Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti in his first season with the Hoosiers, who found early success by bringing trusted players and staff from his previous stops.
Smith would represent an ideal starting point for that strategy. While his visit date remains undecided, his potential impact is clear. If Arkansas is able to land him, the Razorbacks would be adding an experienced, explosive playmaker who fits both the scheme and the long-term vision of the new coaching staff.