Former Razorback OL Fernando Carmona Named Starter for Tennessee Titans

Former Razorback football offensive lineman Fernando Carmona was named the new starting right guard for the Tennessee Titans today.

A fifth-round pick in last year's NFL Draft, Carmona impressed new Titans head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll enough to earn the job going into his rookie season.

"I thought he's done an outstanding job," Saleh said. "We gave him the opportunity to step in there and show what he can do, and when he got in that spot he just wouldn't relent. He's going to see some of the best D-tackles in all of football, but I do think he's up for the challenge."

Carmona will certainly experience baptism by fire as three of the Titans' first five games are against some of the more fearsome defensive lines in the NFL. The Eagles (no. 4), Ravens (no. 7), and Texans (no. 2) all find themselves in the top 10 of the league's best defensive lines, according to Pro Football Focus' most recent rankings. However, after holding his own in the SEC over the past two years, Carmona seems more than ready for the challenge.

Fernando Carmona earns starting job for Tennessee Titans after breakout preseason

With Titans quarterback Cam Ward being sacked 55 times last season, the Titans hope that Fernando Carmona can help reduce that number significantly.

Carmona began his career at San Jose State before transferring to Arkansas for the 2024-25 season. A tackle during that campaign, he started 13 games and earned third-team All-SEC honors.

He moved to guard before the 2025-26 season and was named as one of Arkansas' team captains for the season. Once again, he started every game for the Hogs and was named second-team All-SEC team even after a disappointing 2-10 season.

Per PFF, Carmona was the second highest graded rookie from the 2026 NFL preseason. He allowed just one pressure through 40 pass-blocking snaps. Out of all rookie offensive lineman, he had the highest grade (90.5) by a significant margin.

"I knew I could play in this league, and I could be a starter," he said. "I've always had that belief in myself and that my work would lead me to that."

Carmona is one of four Razorbacks from last year's team who made 52-man NFL rosters, along with QB Taylen Green (Cleveland Browns), DB Julian Neal (Seattle Seahawks), and RB Mike Washington Jr. (Las Vegas Raiders).

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow