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Sam Pittman still hopeful about his pass catchers after losing potential WR1

How will Arkansas fair down a receiver before the season even starts?
ByAustin Farmer|
Jul 17, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman talks to the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Jul 17, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman talks to the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Sam Pittman offered some unfortunate news in his opening statement at SEC Media Days. Last week, Stanford transfer Ismael Cisse broke his wrist in the weight room, an injury that required surgery on Friday. Unfortunately, it looks like he'll miss the entire season.

Ismael Cisse's season ends before it begins

Cisse quickly established himself as one of the top transfer additions. Throughout spring practice, he was the most consistent wide out and was the potential WR1 heading into fall camp in August.

"He’s gotta be a big part of our offense,” Pittman told the media this spring. “I think he’s earned that in a way that he’s practiced to this point. … He’s not overly tall—he is not 6-5—but he’s big. He is physical, and he can catch the ball really well."

During his time at Stanford, Cisse recorded only 241 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. However, the Cardinals ranked as the 15th-worst offensive team in the nation and were among the bottom 30 teams in the passing game. Under Bobby Petrino's system, Cisse could've thrived this season.

Coach Pittman didn't leave the stage without talking about the rest of the WR group, though. In fact, he didn't seem worried at all about them, even though the Razorbacks lost their potential WR1 for the season. He believes Arkansas has eight to nine WRs who could play in the SEC, and in the process, gave fans a preview of where each will play.

He paired Jalen and C.J. Brown together and designated Raylen Sharpe and Kam Shanks as the slot receivers. Pittman then mentioned that on the other side of the field would be Charlotte transfer O'Mega Blake, Monte Harrison, and Andy Jean. He also named Courtney Crutchfield and Antonio Jordan, the latter of whom Pittman praised highly.

"We have whom I think is a supreme talent in Antonio Jordan," said Pittman. "I know he's a freshman, but we've seen enough out of him this summer in his off-season workout in the weight room and his running ability that we think he can help us, too."

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