Arkansas' rising stars lead the charge in College Football 27
EA Sports will unleash College Football 27 on the global market on July 9, promising a fresh take on the sport with updated rosters and next‑generation gameplay.
Among the Razorbacks, quarterback KJ Jackson tops the virtual rankings with a 74 overall rating, while his counterpart AJ Hill sits a notch below at 72. Both signal a competitive backfield for the upcoming season.
The standout of the bunch is wide receiver Quincy Rhodes, whose 90 overall score places him at the pinnacle of Arkansas talent and has scouts already projecting a possible 2027 NFL draft selection.
Close behind, Braylen Russell earns an 86 overall rating, celebrated for a blend of raw strength and explosive speed that makes him a dual‑threat on the line of scrimmage.
Jamari Hawkins, another 85‑rated Razorback, is expected to anchor the receiving corps, using his route precision to stretch defenses.
On the offensive line, Malachi Breland will line up as the starting left guard, leveraging his 85 overall mark to protect the pocket, while Sutton Smith’s 93 speed rating marks him as the fastest player on the roster, a weapon in the running game.
Carter Stoutmire, rated 83 overall, is slated to man the STAR position during spring drills, adding versatility to the defense.
Wideout Donovan Faupel, also 83 overall, has shown a strong chemistry with quarterback AJ Hill, suggesting a reliable target in critical moments.
Defensive leader Jahiem Johnson, another 83‑rated player, is poised to steer the secondary, bringing experience and playmaking ability.
Veteran linebacker Bradley Shaw, rated 81 overall, returns after logging seven starts in 2025, bringing continuity to the unit.
Kobe Branham, an 82‑overall right guard, started 11 games in 2025 and will look to build on that foundation.
The depth of talent extends to Bradley Shaw’s 81 rating and the emerging presence of Carter Stoutmire, both of whom could shape Arkansas’ fortunes on the field.
Even the quarterback competition is fierce, with KJ Jackson’s 74 overall edging out AJ Hill’s 72, a margin that could prove decisive in close contests.
Interestingly, Vanderbilt stands as the only SEC program whose first‑string quarterback carries a lower rating than Arkansas’, underscoring the Razorbacks’ relative strength at the position.