Addition by subtraction in the trenches- Arkansas offensive line improves

Of the many things that kept Arkansas football from being successful last season, the inept pass protection was chief among them.

In 2024, the Razorbacks ranked No. 110 out of 133 FBS teams in sacks allowed, giving up an average of 2.77 a game. Granted, not every sack is to blame on the offensive line; Taylen Green's propensity to hold on to the ball too long or to improvise too freely at times makes him an easy target. However, the OL looked completely lost, especially against SEC teams.

So, when Arkansas lost three big uglies to the transfer portal, it may have been a blessing in disguise. Joshua Braun, Addison Nichols, and Patrick Kutas were all good offensive linemen in their own right, especially Kutas. But without chemistry or communication on the field, the OL completely unraveled down the stretch.

So, for the first time under Sam Pittman, he's gone to the portal and rebuilt the entire position group, bringing in five linemen. Offensive tackles Shaq McRoy, Marcus Dumervile, and Corey Robinson II, guards Kavion Broussard, and center Caden Kitler have all joined the Razorbacks since the end of last season, and they are primed to turn the position around.

Arkansas football offensive line projected depth chart

Left tackle

Probably the biggest gets out of the portal, Corey Robinson II (Georgia Tech) was one of the best pass protectors in the country last season. Pro Football Focus gave the redshirt senior the highest pass-blocking grade among offensive tackles at 92.8. He's projected to replace Fernando Carmona at left tackle, who struggled against SEC competition.

Despite all the sacks allowed, Arkansas ranked No. 18 in pass yards per game in 2024, including the sixth-most yards per attempt at 8.63 and second-most yards per completion at 14. Adding the skillset of Robinson II could make those numbers skyrocket if the rest of the line follows suit. However, there is one thing Robinson II needs to work on, and that's run blocking, earning a 59.5 per PFF.

Kavion Broussard transferred to Arkansas from Ole Miss, essentially swapping for Kutas, but he doesn't have the same experience. Broussard is a redshirt freshman, but so far, he's found some success at left tackle.

Unfortunately, the depth isn't great at LT, with walk-on Aaron Smith rounding out the position.

Left guard

Notably missing from left tackle is Fernando Carmona. The former San Jose transfer found himself in a leadership position shortly after arriving on campus. Unfortunately, the jump in competition seems to be too much for him at times. So, with Robinson II coming to Fayetteville, moving Carmona to offensive guard seems like the best move.

While pass protection was a weakness of his on the outside, giving his opponents less room to work may be better for his skillset. Run blocking was never an issue for Carmona, so putting him at LG next to Robinson—who isn't the best run blocker—would give the left side of the line a leg up in that regard.

Behind him is Bubba Craig, the best JUCO offensive lineman in the last year's class. He was an All-KJCCC offensive tackle for Hutchinson Community College in 2025, leading an offense that averaged 474 yards a game.

Finally, is Zuri Madison. The redshirt freshman never saw action in 2024. He suffered a torn ACL while riding a scoot around campus in the spring of 2024.

Center

he last true center Arkansas had was in 2022 with Ricky Stromberg. But after he was drafted by the Washington Commanders, Arkansas had to do some reshuffling on the OL. The first replacement was Beaux Limmer, who moved from guard to center in 2023. Then, in 2024, Arkansas brought in transfer Addison Nichols who played guard at Tennessee.

Now, the Razorbacks finally have someone who's played center his entire career. Caden Kitler was one of the best centers in last year's portal class. He was the No. 57 interior offensive lineman overall, but the vast majority of those in front of him were guards. According to PFF, Kilter didn't allow a sack in 2024 while posting a 79.1 pass-blocking grade and a 63.6 run-blocking grade.

However, the depth becomes questionable from there. Behind Kilter is Brooks Edmonson. The former preferred walk-on turned scholarship player hasn't seen much action in his career. However, his first start came against Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl at center, where he did an excellent job. Still, it's concerning to have someone with so little experience at center in the three-deep.

Edmonson is followed by redshirt junior walk-on Tim Dawn.

Right guard

Ready for another tackle-turned-guard? E'Marion Harris has been working at right guard and right tackle, and as good as Harris was last season, there may be another that takes his place on the outside. Regardless, he's too good not to have him on the line somewhere.

He should adjust to guard nicely. Like Carmona, Harris could benefit from less distance from him and the pass rusher. And in the rushing game, he has the size and strength to do damage deeper in the trenches.

Behind Harris is Keyshawn Blackstock. He also played tackle last year and even made the starting lineup to begin the season. But as time progressed, it became increasingly clear he couldn't handle the pass rush. So, moving the former Michigan State transfer inside is more of a natural fit.

Lastly, true freshman Blake Cherry cracks the three-deep. Hopefully, Arkansas won't need to dive that deep into the depth chart because he obviously lacks any beneficial experience. While he may not be ready to go yet, he has the size to play in the SEC. And over a couple of years, he could develop into a great piece on the Razorbacks offensive line.

Right tackle

At right tackle is a new face but not necessarily a new name for Hog fans. Shaq McRoy transferred to Arkansas from Oregon after choosing the Ducks over the Razorbacks in his recruiting process. He was a top 100 recruit in his class and ranked as high as No. 57 in the country by some outlets.

At 6-foot-8, 362 pounds, McRoy is a mammoth of a man, towering over most in the OL room. However, next to a 6-foot-7, 300-pounder in Harris, the right side of Arkansas' offensive line will be one of the most intimidating in the SEC.

Behind McRoy is another big-time transfer Marcus Dumervil. Starting his career at LSU and then Maryland, Dumervil was also a highly touted 4-star recruit out of high school. Ironically, his first career start was against Arkansas in 2021. However, he found it hard to make it on the field until his last season with the Terrapins, where he played in 10 of Maryland's 12 games, starting in three.

With Kobe Branham coming in last on the depth chart, right tackle may be the deepest position on the offensive line. Branham made quite an impression with head coach Sam Pittman, but as a sophomore, he still has some experience to gain before he's ready to take his place at the front of the line.