Arkansas continues to build out its offensive line depth, and the latest addition brings both SEC experience and a compelling backstory. On Friday, the Razorbacks officially signed Ayden Bussell, a 6-foot-5, 309-pound redshirt junior who has spent time at both Tennessee and West Virginia. His signing was announced on the team’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, marking the fourth portal addition of the day for Arkansas.
Bussell, a Mt. Juliet, Tennessee native, enters the Razorbacks’ program as a three-star transfer and is ranked as the No. 113 interior offensive lineman in the portal, per 247Sports. He initially committed to Tennessee as part of their 2023 recruiting class, where he was rated as the No. 51 offensive tackle nationally and one of the top 20 prospects in the state.
After two years in Knoxville, Bussell made a move to Morgantown, transferring to West Virginia in May. He didn’t see game action for the Mountaineers in 2025, stepping away from the program ahead of the season to focus on his health. At the time, his agency shared that Bussell was managing a serious health matter that required his full attention, and emphasized that his long-term well-being was the top priority.
“Ayden’s health and long-term well-being are our top priorities,” said his agent, Kevin White. “He has the full support of his family, our agency, and the people who care about him most. Ayden is thankful for the understanding and support he has received during this difficult time.”
Before stepping away, Bussell had shown promise during the 2024 season at Tennessee. He appeared in three games as a redshirt freshman, logging 62 snaps-all at right guard.
According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out at 72.4, a solid mark for a young lineman still adjusting to the speed and complexity of SEC defenses. Though he was only used on the interior, Bussell has the versatility to play across the line, a trait that could prove valuable in Arkansas’ rotation.
His journey to the SEC began at Mount Juliet High School, where he anchored the Golden Bears’ offensive line. As a senior in 2022, he helped lead the team to a 9-3 record and a region championship.
Bussell was dominant up front, earning Region 5-5A Offensive Lineman MVP honors after helping his team rush for over 2,500 yards and averaging a staggering 10.6 yards per carry when running behind him. He didn’t allow a sack over his final three high school seasons and racked up over 150 career pancake blocks.
He was also a four-time Academic Honor Roll selection and competed in track and field.
Now, with a fresh start in Fayetteville, Bussell brings a combination of SEC experience, high school pedigree, and positional flexibility to a Razorbacks offensive line that’s in the midst of a rebuild. If he's healthy and ready to go, Arkansas may have added a quietly valuable piece to its trenches-one with something to prove and the tools to do it.
Welcome to The Diamond State, Ayden Bussell.