Arkansas Razorbacks are gearing up for the 2026 college football season after a dismal 2-10 campaign that ended with ten straight losses. The program announced Ryan Silverfield as its new head coach, tasked with reversing the slide that followed the departure of Sam Pittman.
The season will open on September 5 against North Alabama, a matchup that will serve as the first test of Silverfield’s revamped system.
At running back, Braylen Russell is slated to start, but the depth chart also lists Sutton Smith, Cam Settles, Jasper Parker, TJ Hodges and Markeylin Batton as backups. Settles, a native of Little Rock, impressed during spring practices and is expected to play a key role.
Russell has trimmed his weight to 235 pounds, aiming to fit the prototypical SEC backfield mold, while Smith, who previously logged 669 rushing yards and 20 receptions for Memphis, must prove he can handle the SEC’s speed.
Given the uncertainty, the coaching staff is likely to employ a committee approach, spreading carries among several backs to maintain freshness and exploit mismatches.
The transition comes after a turbulent off‑season: Pittman was relieved of his duties following a blowout loss to Notre Dame, and interim coach Bobby Petrino failed to secure a win in the final seven games.
Backfield Outlook
The committee strategy reflects a broader shift toward flexibility, with Silverfield emphasizing versatility and depth over a single workhorse.
Fans will get their first glimpse of the new‑look offense when the Razorbacks take the field in Fayetteville, Arkansas, a city that has long been the program’s heartland.