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Rimington Watchlist addition could be the key to unlocking Offensive line

ByAustin Farmer|
Nov 29, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights quarterback EJ Colson (12) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Utah Utes at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights quarterback EJ Colson (12) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Utah Utes at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

UCF transfer and current Arkansas football center, Caden Kitler, has been named to the 2025 Rimington Trophy watchlist, awarded annually to the nation's top center.

Caden Kitler was named to the Rimington Trophy watchlist

Kitler arrived on campus after Arkansas struggled on the offensive line during the 2024-25 season, especially at center. Addison Nichols came to Fayetteville from Tennessee as a guard, having never played center in college before. Razorback offensive lineman Fernando Carmona broke down film with former Hog D.J. Williams, and one of the central themes was Nichols' misidentification of defensive coverages.

However, when talking about Kitler's time on campus, Carmona had nothing but glowing reviews.

"Kitler’s been money with the calls when he’s out there," said Carmona during an Aug. 1 press conference. "He’s sharp and he’s confident. So that just helps the whole O-line be right."

Having a Rimington Watchlist-caliber center leading Arkansas' offensive line, perhaps, could be the most game-changing part of head coach Sam Pittman's transfer portal haul. As a center, who's played the position as long as he's been in college, Kitler could be the biggest diference maker. That's in addition to bringing in massive offensive tackle transfers like Corey Robinson II and Shaq McRoy, who could drastically improve the OL as well.

However, being placed on the watchlist doesn’t guarantee anything, but it places Kitler among the nation's elite at his position. With a strong season ahead, the Razorbacks’ anchor in the middle could very well play his way into serious consideration when the finalists are announced in December.

Kitler is among 38 other centers from across the nation on the watchlist. The SEC features six additional players, including Jake Slaughter from Florida, Auburn's Connor Lew, Parker Brailsford from Alabama, Connor Tollison from Missouri, Vanderbilt's Jordan White, and Drew Bobo from Georgia.