Arkansas continues its aggressive roster rebuild with another addition under center, as former Clemson walk-on Cade Trotter has committed to the Razorbacks. Trotter, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound quarterback out of Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas, announced his decision publicly and will join the Hogs as a walk-on with four full years of eligibility remaining.
Trotter spent his 2025 freshman season on Clemson’s scout team, gaining valuable reps behind the scenes in one of the ACC’s most competitive environments. While he didn’t see game action, the experience in a Power Five program sets a solid foundation as he transitions to Fayetteville. For Arkansas, it’s another low-risk, developmental piece at the quarterback position - and in a quarterback room that’s seen plenty of turnover, adding depth and potential is always a smart play.
Trotter’s commitment is just the latest in what’s been a whirlwind two-week stretch for the Razorbacks during the January transfer portal window. Arkansas has been one of the most active programs in the country, filling needs across the board with a mix of Power Five experience, Group of Five standouts, and high-upside transfers.
Let’s rewind the action.
Early in the portal period, Arkansas addressed special teams and the trenches, bringing in offensive guard Malachi Breland (Memphis), long snapper Adam Johnston (Sacramento State), and two kickers - Braeden McAlister (Georgia State) and Max Gilbert (Tennessee). They also added versatility in the secondary with nickel/safety Christian Harrison (Cincinnati).
Then came a busy Monday headlined by quarterback AJ Hill, running back Sutton Smith, and wide receiver Jamari Hawkins - the latter following his former Memphis head coach to Fayetteville. Linebacker Ja’Quavion Smith also joined the class after an official visit.
Tuesday brought a swing and a miss with offensive lineman Carius Curne (Ole Miss), but the Hogs bounced back in a big way. They landed Michigan running back Jasper Parker, a pair of defensive tackles in Carlon Jones (USC) and Hunter Osborne (Virginia), and a major get in four-star cornerback Jahiem Johnson (Tulane).
Wednesday’s haul was equally impressive. Former Auburn edge rusher Jamonta Waller kicked off the day, followed by Clemson cornerback Shelton Lewis just 20 minutes later. Not long after, four-star linebacker Khmori House (UNC) made his commitment public, and Kentucky transfer Steven Soles rounded out a strong day for the linebacker corps.
By Thursday, Arkansas was stacking talent at every level. The secondary got deeper with Maryland transfer La’khi Roland, Georgia State’s Tyler Scott, and another Maryland product in Braydon Lee.
Baylor linebacker Phoenix Jackson and Memphis tight end Matt Adcock joined the mix, along with wideout Donovan Faupel (New Mexico State) and offensive lineman Josiah Clemons (Memphis). The day ended with a statement pickup - top-ten offensive tackle Bryant Williams out of Louisiana.
The Hogs weren’t done. They flipped offensive lineman Carey Clayton from Memphis, a late-cycle addition who went unsigned in December but brings size and upside from Texas powerhouse Southlake Carroll.
Friday, January 9th, brought more muscle in the trenches with prized offensive tackle Terence Roberson (OBU) and linebacker Jeremy Evans, another Baylor product. Boston College tight end Ty Lockwood joined later in the day, continuing the theme of adding size and versatility on offense.
Saturday’s addition of Angelo State quarterback Braeden Fuller gave Arkansas another arm in the room, while Sunday saw more defensive reinforcements: Memphis safety Ian Williams, West Virginia linebacker Ben Bogle, and Boise State receiver Chris Marshall were all announced as signed.
The momentum carried into Monday with the addition of former LSU wide receiver Jelani Watkins, a speedster who adds a vertical threat to the Razorbacks’ offense.
On the final day of the transfer window - Friday, January 16th - Arkansas kept its foot on the gas. Colorado safety Carter Stoutmire was the headliner, but the Hogs also brought in cornerback Kyeaure Magloire (West Georgia), safety John Howse IV (Middle Tennessee), offensive lineman Ayden Bussell (West Virginia), defensive tackle Xadavien Sims (Oregon), and defensive back LaMarcus Hicks II (Iowa State).
In total, Arkansas has hit nearly every position group during this 15-day portal window, which opened January 2 and closed at midnight on January 16. The sheer volume of additions reflects not just a need for depth, but a clear intent to reshape the roster with experienced, battle-tested players who can compete right away.
Whether it's a walk-on quarterback like Cade Trotter or a top-ten offensive tackle like Bryant Williams, the Hogs are casting a wide net - and they’re reeling in a serious haul.