Arkansas is heading into Saturday’s opener against North Alabama with a Week One depth chart that settles a few spots and leaves others wide open.
The Razorbacks released the chart Monday in Fayetteville, and the biggest takeaway on offense is that most of the lineup is already taking shape. The quarterback spot lists KJ Jackson, a junior at 6-4 and 225 pounds, ahead of sophomore AJ Hill, who checks in at 6-4 and 232.
At running back, Sutton Smith got the first nod over junior Braylen Russell, with Cam Settles also part of the rotation. That looks like a three-man backfield setup to start the season.
At receiver, Arkansas has some clear names but still plenty to sort out. Chris Marshall is listed at WR-X, with Antonio Jordan and Courtney Crutchfield both in the mix behind him.
At WR-A, Jamari Hawkins and Ismael Cisse are listed in an -OR- battle, while Jelani Watkins also appears on the depth chart. Watkins arrived after the summer following a national championship with the Razorbacks men’s track program, and the staff may use Saturday to see how quickly his speed translates.
WR-Z is the most settled of the group, with CJ Brown joined by Donovan Faupel and Monte Harrison.
Tight end is another spot that has seen movement, especially with the injury of Maddox Lassiter. Jaden Platt is listed first, but Ty Lockwood has worked his way into a role as a pass-catcher and could help spell Platt during the game. Matt Adcock rounds out the group.
Up front, Arkansas has its offensive line mapped out with Kavion Broussard at left tackle, Malachi Breland at left guard, Caden Kitler at center, Kobe Branham at right guard and Bryant Williams at right tackle. The backups listed behind those starters include Josiah Clemons, Terence Roberson, Kash Courtney, Brooks Edmonson and Adam Hawkes.
On the defensive line, Quincy Rhodes opens at end, with Xadavien Sims and Caleb Bell behind him. At nose tackle, David Oke is listed with an -OR- against Carlon Jones, while Danny Beale is also on the depth chart.
Oke was described as a returnee whose role had been settled, but Jones, the USC transfer, is clearly pushing hard for a starting job. At defensive tackle, Hunter Osborne leads the group, with Trajen Odom and Antonio Sandel-Bascomb next in line.
The linebacking picture is a little cleaner. Steven Soles Jr. is listed as the starter at JACK, and Bradley Shaw and Ja’Quavion Smith are the projected starters at linebacker, much as they have been since early January. Ben Bogle and Jeremy Evans are listed at one spot, while Phoenix Jackson and Wyatt Simmons are competing at the other.
In the secondary, Joker Johnson starts at one corner, with DJ Hairston behind him. Miguel Mitchell and Kyeaure Magloire are listed at safety, Christian Harrison starts at free safety, and Tay Lockett is behind him.
The other corner spot remains unsettled, with Shelton Lewis and La’khi Roland still battling for the job. Khmori House is listed at STAR, with Carter Stoutmire also in that mix.
Special teams also has some competition. Max Gilbert is listed first at kicker, with Braeden McAllister behind him.
Punting duties are listed as Gavin Rush or Jesse Ehrlich, while kickoff work is shared between McAllister and Gilbert. Adam Johnston is the long snapper, and Jamari Hawkins is listed as the kick returner with Sutton Smith on punt returns.
In Other News...
Arkansas Opens With A Defensive Test Fans Cannot Ignore
Arkansas will open its 2026 season in Fayetteville against a North Alabama team that arrives with a little more confidence than a typical nonconference visitor. Brent Dearmons Lions already have a win under their belt after beating Samford, and they bring back experienced quarterback Destin Wade, giving them a veteran presence at the most important spot as they head into the matchup with the Razorbacks.
For Arkansas, the first-week spotlight is less about style points and more about defensive habits. The Razorbacks are looking to sharpen tackling and overall execution, and North Alabamas offense should provide a useful early test with its run-pass option approach. It is the kind of opener that can expose sloppy fundamentals quickly, which is exactly why it is worth watching even before the league schedule starts to matter. [Read more 🡒]