The Arkansas Razorbacks are bracing for a busy January as the transfer portal reopens, and the defensive depth chart just took another hit. Redshirt junior defensive lineman Kaleb James announced Friday that he’s entering the portal, becoming the second Razorback to do so that day. The move adds to an already thinning defensive front, and it signals that Arkansas will be active in the coming weeks looking to restock talent on that side of the ball.
James made his announcement via social media, thanking Razorback fans and expressing gratitude for his time in Fayetteville. His departure follows that of running back AJ Green, who earlier in the day revealed his intention to seek a sixth year of eligibility at another program.
What Arkansas Is Losing in Kaleb James
While James didn’t post eye-popping stats during his time at Arkansas, his presence was steady, and he showed flashes of potential in a rotational role. In 2025, he appeared in all 12 games, finishing with three tackles. Most of his action came on special teams and in spot duty along the defensive line, but he was a consistent contributor in terms of availability - something that matters in the grind of the SEC.
He logged snaps in every game this past season, including the finale against Missouri and key matchups against Texas, LSU, and Texas A&M. His most productive outing came in the season opener against Alabama A&M, where he recorded two tackles. That kind of early-season energy hinted at a possible breakout, but the numbers never quite followed.
In 2024, James saw the field in three contests but didn’t register a stat. He was part of the Razorbacks’ Liberty Bowl win over Texas Tech and also played against Louisiana Tech and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. His redshirt year in 2023 was spent learning the system and adjusting to the college game.
A Look Back: James’ High School Pedigree
Coming out of Mansfield High School in Texas, James brought a strong résumé to Arkansas. He was a consensus three-star recruit and one of the more disruptive defensive linemen in the state. His high school production was no joke - three straight seasons of double-digit sacks, 50+ tackles, and relentless pressure off the edge.
As a sophomore, he tallied 57 tackles, 16 for loss, and 10 sacks. By his junior year, those numbers jumped to 105 tackles and 20 TFLs.
He added 10 sacks again, plus five fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles - the kind of havoc you want from a defensive end. His senior season capped off a dominant high school career: 82 tackles, 20 TFLs, 11.5 sacks, and a blocked field goal for good measure.
That level of production caught the attention of programs across the country. James chose Arkansas over a long list of offers that included Oklahoma, Baylor, Michigan State, Utah, and Texas Tech, among others. The Razorbacks won a competitive recruiting battle to land him, and while he didn’t fully break out in Fayetteville, the talent was always there.
What’s Next for Arkansas
With James heading to the portal, Arkansas is left with even more questions up front defensively. The Razorbacks were already expected to be aggressive in the transfer market, and this only intensifies that need. They’ll be looking for players who can contribute immediately - especially ones with SEC experience or high-upside traits that can be developed quickly.
For James, a fresh start could be exactly what he needs. He’s got the frame, the pedigree, and the motor to make an impact somewhere else, especially if he lands in a scheme that better suits his skill set. And for Arkansas, the focus now shifts to retooling a defense that will need new faces and fresh energy heading into 2026.
The portal opens January 2, and Razorback fans should expect movement - both in and out. James' departure is just one piece of a larger puzzle that Arkansas will be working to solve over the coming weeks.