Former Four-Star Arkansas offensive lineman expected to enter transfer portal

Arkansas redshirt freshman offensive lineman Shaq McRoy is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to a report from Hayes Fawcett. The former four-star recruit will look for a new opportunity after seeing limited action during his lone season in Fayetteville.

McRoy, listed at 6-foot-8, 344 pounds, was one of the most coveted offensive line prospects in the country coming out of Bessemer (Ala.) in the 2024 class. Rated a four-star by 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN, he ranked as high as No. 57 overall and the No. 4 offensive tackle nationally by ESPN. He initially committed to Oregon before transferring to Arkansas, where the Razorbacks had heavily recruited him during his high school process.

This season, McRoy appeared in six games and made one start, stepping in during Arkansas’ Week 10 matchup against Mississippi State. His 2025 grades included a 64.6 offensive grade, 50.1 pass-block grade, and 63.9 run-block grade, reflecting raw talent still in development. Limited action for McRoy but he hasn't cracked the lineup much in his first year with the team and could look for another reset elsewhere.

McRoy arrived at Arkansas as the 22nd-best offensive lineman in the transfer portal, per 247Sports, and remains a high-upside player thanks to his elite frame and athletic profile. A fresh start could offer him the path to more consistent playing time and long-term development.

While losing any talented young lineman is tough, McRoy becomes only the second Arkansas player to enter the transfer portal since Ryan Silverfield took over, highlighting strong early roster retention ahead of the January 2 window. Players seem to be buying into Silverfield’s vision, and the more who stay, the less the team will need a complete overhaul to fill roster holes. The Razorbacks appear to be holding their core together, and this early stability is a promising sign for Silverfield’s first offseason in Fayetteville.