Fall Camp Begins
The Razorbacks took the field on August 5 at 3:15 p.m. in Fayetteville, Arkansas, under a blistering 95‑degree sky that turned the Walker Pavilion into a furnace. Coach Ryan Silverfield oversaw the session, marking the start of a 24‑practice schedule that will lead up to the season opener against North Alabama.
Quarterback KJ Jackson made his first appearance with the first‑team offense, sharing early drills with AJ Hill. The media portion highlighted a deep throw from Jackson to Memphis transfer Jamari Hawkins, a play that instantly drew cheers from the limited crowd.
A new ball‑security drill was introduced for special teams, requiring players to catch tennis balls with one hand while cradling a football in the other. The exercise added a fresh tactical element to the practice and tested the hands of participants such as freshman Danny Beale Jr.
Running back duties were split early, with Sutton Smith taking the first individual reps and Braylen Russell following in a five‑play drive that had no defensive opposition. Both players are expected to share carries throughout the season.
At wide receiver, the first‑team unit featured CJ Brown, Chris Marshall and Jamari Hawkins, while Donovan Faupel and Ismael Cisse comprised the second‑string. All three — Brown, Hawkins and Cisse — are slated to battle for slot responsibilities, with Brown also seeing time in that position.
Defensively, the most contested battle unfolded at the JACK linebacker spot, where Steven Soles Jr. earned the opening snap. The secondary saw key contributors Jahiem Johnson and Khmori House vying for starting roles, while freshman Danny Beale Jr. and senior Antonio Sandel‑Bascomb took part in drills on the defensive side of the ball.
The offensive line remained unchanged from the spring, anchored by Kavion Broussard, Malachi Breland, Caden Kitler, Kobe Branham and Bryant Williams. Their continuity provides a solid foundation as the team moves forward.
The practice attracted representatives from the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos, underscoring early NFL interest in the Razorbacks’ emerging talent.