FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With all the offseason turnover — more than 40 transfers, a completely revamped receivers group, and sweeping changes across the board — it’s easy to focus on the negatives. But where’s the fun in that? This story is about what’s going right.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino has reignited Arkansas’ offense, turning it into one of the most explosive in the nation. The Razorbacks finished in the top 10 in total offense — a dramatic leap from the struggles under Dan Enos in 2023. Petrino’s impact has already surpassed anything envisioned last season.
If the team continues to improve, one key factor remains essential: experience at quarterback.
Taylen Green is back for his second year under Petrino’s system, coming off a season where he racked up over 3,700 total yards and 23 touchdowns — the best statistical performance by an Arkansas quarterback since Ryan Mallett in 2010.
Green’s decision-making proved inconsistent at times last season, contributing to Arkansas’ uneven 7–6 finish after a promising 4–2 start — a stretch that included a statement 19–14 win over Tennessee.
According to offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, Green enters this season with a much stronger command of the offense and a deeper understanding of SEC defenses, having navigated a gauntlet of challenges week in and week out last year.
Now, Green steps into a leadership role. With a completely new cast of receivers — none with significant Power Five production — he’ll be tasked with quickly building chemistry in the passing game.
Gone are every major pass catcher from last year, including Andrew Armstrong, Green’s primary target throughout the 2024 season. To fill that void, Arkansas brought in Charlotte transfer O’Mega Blake, who notched 795 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024. But Petrino knows Green will need more than just one dependable option this time around.
Transfers Ismael Cisse (Stanford), Raylen Sharpe (Fresno State), and Kam Shanks (UAB) add speed, agility, and flexibility — both as receivers and in gadget-style roles out of the backfield.
While Arkansas’ ground game is anchored by bruising backs Braylen Russell and Mike Washington, Petrino is determined to creatively involve his quicker, more elusive receivers — using motion, screens, and misdirection to keep defenses guessing.
“[Shanks and Sharpe] are definitely speedsters, if you’d call them that,” defensive end Quincy Rhodes said during spring practice. “They have great vision. If you’re not in the right spot when they’ve got the ball, they’ll make you miss and take it to the house. Great vision, great speed. Very physical at the point of contact. Those guys have a bright future.”
A critical piece of Arkansas’ offensive puzzle this season is how effectively Bobby Petrino can utilize his tight ends. One name to watch is Montana State transfer Rohan Jones, who emerged as one of the most dynamic players at the FCS level last year, scoring nine touchdowns.
Still, the challenge with FCS standouts like Jones is how quickly they adjust to the elevated competition of SEC football. Getting him comfortable in the offense early will be vital to the Razorbacks’ success — especially as the passing game searches for consistency with a brand-new receiving corps.
The offensive line also remains a question mark. Only one full-time starter returns from last year’s unit, but there’s cautious optimism that this group could actually improve.
Georgia Tech transfer Corey Robinson brings immediate credibility, earning a 91.2 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus — the highest among all Power Four linemen and fourth-best in the FBS overall.
Last season, Arkansas allowed 36 sacks, which ranked 12th in the SEC and 114th nationally — a modest step forward from 2023, but still far from ideal.
One major boost comes from left guard Fernando Carmona, who chose to forgo the NFL Draft to return for another year. Now playing a new position, Carmona hopes to refine his game and raise his draft stock — while giving Arkansas some much-needed veteran leadership up front.
Caden Kitler adds valuable experience to the offensive line, having played extensively in an RPO-heavy, inside zone system. While that style leans more on finesse than physicality, it aligns well with what NFL scouts look for, and his skill set should translate effectively under Petrino’s scheme.
If Arkansas can quickly grasp the new blocking concepts — particularly at right tackle and guard — there’s real potential for the offense to take a significant step forward in Petrino’s second year calling plays.
Still, there are plenty of moving parts that have to fall into place. Chemistry on the offensive line, development at receiver, and early production from transfers are all essential. But despite the uncertainty, choosing optimism over doubt can go a long way — especially in a program searching for momentum. Sometimes, a little belief is just as important as any play call.
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