Arkansas continues to stay aggressive in the transfer portal, and on Tuesday, the Razorbacks filled a key need in the secondary by landing Iowa State transfer LaMarcus Hicks II. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound redshirt freshman safety joins the Hogs with four years of eligibility remaining and a familiar face already on staff-his uncle, Eddie Hicks, was recently hired as Arkansas’ new defensive backs coach.
Hicks saw limited action in 2025, appearing in three games on special teams for the Cyclones before redshirting. But make no mistake-this is a long-term investment for Arkansas. The Hogs are reloading their defensive backfield, and Hicks brings the kind of frame, athleticism, and pedigree that fits what the Razorbacks are building on the back end.
His football roots run deep. Hicks is the son of former Iowa State standout and NFL defensive back LaMarcus Hicks, who now coaches corners at Northwestern.
That lineage matters. Hicks comes to Fayetteville with a strong football IQ and the benefit of having been around the game at a high level his entire life.
Before arriving at Iowa State, Hicks played his senior year at Maine West High School in Illinois after transferring from Clarksdale High in Mississippi. He was a three-star prospect and ranked among the top 60 players in Illinois by both ESPN and On3.
His senior season was a showcase of versatility-he made plays on both sides of the ball, racking up 39 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, and a forced fumble on defense, while hauling in 40 catches for 619 yards and eight touchdowns on offense. He’s also a multi-sport athlete, having played basketball in high school.
The addition of Hicks is another piece in what’s been a furious stretch of portal activity for Arkansas. The Hogs have been one of the most active programs in the country during the 15-day window that opened Jan. 2 and closed at midnight on Jan.
- They’ve addressed needs at nearly every position group-and they’re not done yet.
While Hicks brings promise and long-term upside, Arkansas is still looking to add more immediate help at the safety position. The goal is to bring in a couple more players with starting experience who can contribute right away in 2026. That’s the balancing act in today’s portal era-build for the future while staying competitive in the present.
Hicks joins a deep and growing list of portal additions for the Razorbacks. Arkansas has already brought in offensive linemen like Malachi Breland (Memphis), Josiah Clemons (Memphis), Bryant Williams (Louisiana), Ayden Bussell (WVU), and Terence Roberson (OBU). They’ve added firepower at the skill positions with quarterback AJ Hill, running backs Sutton Smith and Jasper Parker (Michigan), and wide receivers Jamari Hawkins (Memphis), Donovan Faupel (NMSU), Chris Marshall (Boise State), and Jelani Watkins (LSU).
On defense, the Hogs have been just as active. Linebackers Ja’Quavion Smith, Khmori House (UNC), Phoenix Jackson (Baylor), Jeremy Evans, and Ben Bogle (West Virginia) are all on board.
The defensive line has been bolstered by Carlon Jones (USC), Hunter Osborne (UVA), Xadavien Sims (Oregon), and Steven Soles (Kentucky). In the secondary, Arkansas has added Christian Harrison (Cincinnati), Shelton Lewis (Clemson), La'khi Roland (Maryland), Tyler Scott (Georgia State), Braydon Lee (Maryland), Kyeaure Magloire (West Georgia), John Howse IV (MTSU), and Carter Stoutmire (Colorado), who led off the final day of the window.
Tight end Ty Lockwood (Boston College) and Matt Adcock (Memphis), long snapper Adam Johnston (Sacramento State), and kickers Braeden McAlister (Georgia State) and Max Gilbert (Tennessee) round out what’s been a comprehensive portal haul.
This stretch hasn’t been without its misses-Arkansas came up short in landing offensive lineman Carius Curne (Ole Miss)-but overall, the Hogs have been one of the most aggressive and successful teams in the portal this cycle. And with the window now closed, the focus shifts to getting all these new pieces integrated into the system and ready to compete.
For Hicks, it’s a fresh start in a place that feels like home. He’s got the size, athleticism, and support system to grow into a major contributor in Fayetteville. And while he may not be a day-one starter, he’s the kind of player who could become a key part of Arkansas’ secondary down the line.