Arkansas football wasted little time making noise in the transfer portal, landing one of its most intriguing additions early on Sunday with the signing of Cincinnati safety Christian Harrison, the son of former NFL All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion Rodney Harrison.
Harrison headlines the Razorbacks’ early portal haul alongside Georgia State kickoff specialist Braeden McAlister, as head coach Ryan Silverfield and his staff begin reshaping the roster ahead of the 2026 season buillding their own identity.
Christian Harrison’s Career Before Joining Razorbacks
Standing 6-foot, 195 pounds, Harrison brings experience and production to a Razorbacks defense undergoing a complete overhaul in the secondary. This past season at Cincinnati, Harrison totaled 66 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and one interception, emerging as a reliable presence for the Bearcats. His performance earned him recognition from On3, which ranks him as the No. 17 safety in the transfer portal.
Before his time at Cincinnati, Harrison was a consensus three-star recruit in the 2022 class, initially signing with SEC rival Tennessee. Former Cincinnati Safety Christian Harrison has only one career TD allowed according to PFF in 577 coverage snaps. Safe to say Arkansas might've snagged a sleeper. Over his three seasons with the Volunteers, he recorded 31 tackles, three tackles for loss and half a sack, gaining valuable experience in one of college football’s toughest conferences.
Former Cincinnati Safety Christian Harrison has committed to Arkansas🐗
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 4, 2026
Only ONE Career TD Allowed (577 Coverage Snaps) pic.twitter.com/c7cl3JspPt
Arkansas’ Desperate Need for Defensive Help
Arkansas now becomes Harrison’s third school in his college career and marks his second transfer coming from an SEC rival, as he makes the move from Tennessee starting his career now in Fayetteville for his final season of eligibility. With every starter from last season’s secondary either transferring or exhausting their eligibility, opportunity figures to be abundant for Harrison to step into a significant role right away.
Beyond the on-field impact, Harrison arrives carrying a legendary football lineage. His father, Rodney Harrison, enjoyed a storied NFL career as an All-Pro safety with the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots, winning two Super Bowls and establishing himself as one of the most physical defensive backs of his era.
With a revamped secondary and plenty of snaps available, Arkansas is betting on Harrison’s experience, pedigree and production translating into immediate results. As the Razorbacks begin a new chapter on defense, the younger Harrison has a chance to carve out his own legacy, and potentially become the next standout safety in a family known for excellence in the secondary.