The best-case scenario for Arkansas football in 2024

The Trenches

Offensive line

The biggest blight on last year's team was the awful performance of the offensive line. Most of the time, the big guys looked lost or completely outmatched by SEC defensive lines. At least part of the problem has left the program, but Arkansas will have three new OL starters, including the third center in as many years.

Luckily, the group seems to be gelling quite well. The biggest surprise is the rise of San Jose transfer Fernando Carmona as a leader of not only the OL but the entire team. Although they had vets like Beaux Limmer and Brady Latham, a leader of that caliber was something they missed as a group in 2024.

Patrick Kutas is also moving into a position better suited to his skill set. With Michigan State transfer Keyshawn Blackstock at right tackle, Kutas can move inside to the open guard position.

Defensive line

The defensive line has evolved from being a historic weakness of the Razorbacks to arguably the best group on the team. Apart from a few players moving on, the DL returns a lot, and no one more notable than Landon Jackson.

Bringing Jackson back was Sam Pittman's best recruiting job of the cycle. He didn't have to return for this season. After Jackson's outstanding performance against Alabama, Mel Kiper moved the 6-foot-7-inch wrecking ball to the No. 1 defensive end on his draft board. Instead, Jackson wanted to return to Arkansas to finish off his college career better than 4-8.

Although Jackson is the highlight of the DL, what makes them so dangerous is their depth. They could have a legitimate 5-man rotation inside with Eric Gregory, Cam Ball, Keivie Rose, Ian Geffard, and Danny Saili. At defensive end, they have a good two deep with Jackson, Quincey Rhodes, Nico Davillier, and FCS star Anton Juncaj. If needed, Arkansas could also pull from former four-star true freshmen Charlie Collins and Kavion Henderson.