With a new era taking shape in Fayetteville, the mission for Arkansas Razorbacks football heading into 2026 is straightforward: rebuild the defense from the ground up.
Last season, the offense did its part. The real issues were on the other side of the ball-missed tackles, inconsistent execution, and a glaring lack of takeaways that left the Razorbacks chasing games far too often.
New head coach Ryan Silverfield wasted no time making his priorities clear: the defense needed more than just reinforcements-it needed tone-setters, playmakers, and leaders. And he went out and got them.
Here are three transfer additions who could anchor that defensive turnaround and bring some much-needed edge to Arkansas in 2026.
LB Khmori House (Transfer from North Carolina)
If there’s a player who embodies the new identity Arkansas wants on defense, it’s Khmori House.
The former Tar Heel arrives in Fayetteville with both production and pedigree. A four-star transfer and the No. 10-rated linebacker in the portal, House didn’t just fill up the stat sheet at UNC-he led the team in tackles (81 in 12 games) and earned All-ACC Honorable Mention honors.
But what really jumps out is his leadership. Being named a team captain as a sophomore?
That’s not something you see every day. It speaks to the respect he commands in the locker room and his high football IQ.
At 6-foot, 215 pounds, he’s not the biggest linebacker in the SEC, but he makes up for it with elite sideline-to-sideline speed and a relentless motor. He’s quick to diagnose plays, aggressive in run support, and has the athleticism to stay on the field in passing situations. Simply put, he’s the kind of linebacker who never stops moving-and that energy is contagious.
If he can add just a bit more size without losing that burst, House has the tools to become one of the most disruptive second-level defenders in the conference. More than anything, he gives Arkansas a foundational piece to build around-a high-motor, high-character leader who can set the tone for the entire unit.
CB Jahiem Johnson (Transfer from Tulane)
If House is the heartbeat of the front seven, Jahiem Johnson might be the spark in the secondary.
The former Tulane standout brings exactly what Arkansas lacked last season: ball skills and playmaking instincts. Ranked as the No. 9 cornerback in the portal, Johnson started all 14 games for the Green Wave, logging over 800 defensive snaps and grabbing four interceptions-second-most in the American Athletic Conference. He also chipped in 42 tackles, a forced fumble, and earned All-AAC Honorable Mention recognition.
But it’s not just the numbers. Johnson played a critical role in a Tulane defense that helped win an AAC title and punch a ticket to the College Football Playoff. That kind of experience under pressure is invaluable, especially for a Razorbacks defense that struggled to create momentum-shifting plays in crunch time.
Johnson has a knack for reading quarterbacks and jumping routes. He’s not just reacting-he’s anticipating.
And when you have a corner who can flip the field with a timely pick, it changes everything. Suddenly, the defense isn’t just trying to survive drives; it’s ending them.
For a team that desperately needs more game-changing plays on the back end, Johnson could be the difference between another frustrating season and a legitimate step forward.
S Christian Harrison (Transfer from Cincinnati)
There’s no substitute for experience, and Christian Harrison brings it in spades.
The former Cincinnati safety started all 12 games last season, tallying 66 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and an interception. He was a steady presence on the back end of the Bearcats’ defense, and his production reflects both his consistency and his versatility.
Harrison has a great feel for the game-his positioning in coverage is sharp, and he’s not afraid to take risks when the moment calls for it. Those seven pass breakups weren’t accidents; they came from a player who understands route concepts and trusts his instincts.
And then there’s the physicality. Harrison, the son of former NFL Pro Bowler Rodney Harrison, plays with the kind of edge you’d expect from someone with that bloodline.
He’s at his best when he’s coming downhill, stepping into the box, and laying the wood. That kind of toughness is something Arkansas sorely needed in its secondary last season.
Beyond the box score, Harrison brings maturity and leadership to a defense in transition. He’s been through the grind, knows what it takes to compete at a high level, and can be a stabilizing force as the Razorbacks integrate younger talent across the roster.
The Bottom Line
Arkansas isn’t just plugging holes-they’re building a new identity on defense. With Khmori House patrolling the middle, Jahiem Johnson locking down the perimeter, and Christian Harrison enforcing the back end, the Razorbacks are adding not just talent, but tone-setters.
These aren’t just transfers-they’re culture-changers. And if they can gel quickly, Arkansas might just have the defensive backbone it’s been missing.