When Alex Golesh surprised many by choosing Auburn over Arkansas, Razorback fans didn’t hide their frustration. But with the transfer portal window opening and major quarterback movement brewing across college football, Arkansas may have an unexpected opportunity to turn the tables, by pursuing Golesh’s former quarterback and USF superstar Byrum Brown.
Brown has yet to officially announce his future plans, but all signs point to a major decision looming. The senior, and one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in college football, is sitting out USF’s bowl game, though he remains with the team and will reportedly wear a headset on the sideline. That move signals that a transfer or NFL decision is on the horizon with no designation of any injury.
USF’s CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins even released a statement confirming Brown will not play as he prepares for his decision, though he continues to attend practices and team events. With one year of eligibility left, Brown is weighing four paths:
- Returning to South Florida
- Following Alex Golesh to Auburn
- Transferring elsewhere
- Declaring for the NFL Draft
Given his current draft stock (projected late-round pick at best), the most realistic outcome is a return to college for one more season and that opens the door for Arkansas.
Byrum Brown Would Be One of the Hottest QBs in the Portal
If Brown enters the transfer portal, he instantly becomes one of the most sought-after quarterbacks available. His production is almost unprecedented:
- 3,000+ passing yards and 1,000+ rushing yards in 2025
- 28 passing TDs, 14 rushing TDs, 7 INTs, 66% comp pct, and 9.3 yards per pass attempt
One of only four FBS players in the last 30 years with at least 2,800 passing yards, 24 passing TDs, and 900 rushing yards through 11 games
The others?
- Jayden Daniels (2023)
- Jalen Hurts (2019)
- Lamar Jackson (2016)
Pretty good company to be alongside with. Brown also owns 15 USF program records, blending size, arm talent, and athleticism better than almost any quarterback in the country. If he hopes to prove himself on the biggest stage before the NFL, there is no better move than jumping into the SEC.
Why Arkansas Should Make the Call
Arkansas needs a quarterback, and badly. With Taylen Green out of eligibility and headed to the NFL, the Razorbacks enter 2026 with uncertainty at the most important position on the field.
KJ Jackson is expected to return, but he’s: young, lacks meaningful starting experience, and not necessarily Ryan Silverfield’s long-term QB1. Competition is a must. Arkansas simply can’t enter the season with a single inexperienced option and no proven challenger.
Brown would immediately elevate the QB room and raise the ceiling of Silverfield’s offense. With Arkansas’ NIL collective and athletic director Hunter Yurachek committing and receiving more resources to football, the Razorbacks finally have the ammunition to chase a marquee QB.
If you want a “big fish,” Byrum Brown is the big fish.
Why Brown Should Seriously Consider the Razorbacks
Even though Auburn is an easy Dot A-to-Dot B storyline because of Golesh’s connection, Arkansas has a compelling case as well: The SEC spotlight, clearer path to a starting job, Silverfield’s track record developing balanced, explosive offenses, and a chance to build a legacy, not follow someone else’s.
For a player who wants to prove he can dominate against the best defenses in the country, Arkansas provides the perfect platform. He would be the centerpiece of a rebuilding program and could be remembered as the quarterback who brought Arkansas back into relevance.
Arkansas lost out on Alex Golesh. Fine. But they can deal the most ironic, devastating blow of the entire offseason by landing the player Golesh helped mold into a star. Byrum Brown would give Arkansas instant stability and a chance to get back to national relevance quicker.
A legitimate dual-threat weapon unlike anything the program has had in years. And he would give Silverfield year-one momentum that could transform the direction of the program. If Brown enters the portal, Arkansas should show interest immediately.
If Golesh left the Razorbacks behind, Arkansas has the chance to take the best player he ever coached.