Arkansas Football: Key Players Committing to Return for 2026 Season Under Coach Ryan Silverfield
As the January transfer portal window (Jan. 2-16) approaches, Arkansas football is getting a wave of good news - not from new arrivals, but from familiar faces recommitting to the program. Since Ryan Silverfield’s introductory press conference on Dec. 4, a growing list of Razorbacks have gone public with their decisions to return for the 2026 season. And for a team looking to build stability under a new regime, these announcements are more than just symbolic - they’re foundational.
Let’s break down who’s coming back and what it means for Arkansas heading into the new year.
WR Andy Jean - Redshirt Junior (2026)
Jean, a spring transfer from Florida, confirmed his return by reposting a report on Dec.
- While his 2025 stat line - one catch for 21 yards in the loss to Notre Dame - doesn’t jump off the page, the decision to stick around could signal his intent to carve out a bigger role in Silverfield’s offense.
With a full offseason in the system, Jean’s speed and athleticism could make him a sleeper to watch.
OL Kash Courtney - Redshirt Freshman (2026)
Courtney announced his return via social media on Dec.
- He got his first taste of starting action at center in the Mississippi State game when Caden Kitler was sidelined.
His performance was mixed - a 65.3 run-blocking grade and a 38.7 pass-blocking mark per PFF - but the experience was valuable. He’ll be back as a redshirt freshman, and that early exposure to SEC trenches could pay dividends down the line.
WR Monte Harrison - Redshirt Sophomore (2026)
Harrison’s return, announced Dec. 15 on DriveTime Sports, comes with a mission: “unfinished business.”
The 30-year-old former pro baseball player had his season cut short by a broken foot in the Arkansas State win. Before the injury, he made a 29-yard grab - his only catch of the year.
His age and experience bring a unique edge to the locker room, and if he can stay healthy, he could become a reliable veteran presence in the receiver room.
TE Gavin Garretson - Redshirt Freshman (2026)
Garretson, a 3-star signee out of California, played in three games during his redshirt 2025 season.
On Dec. 13, he announced he’ll be back for 2026. Still early in his development, Garretson adds depth to the tight end room and could grow into a bigger role with another year in the program.
WR CJ Brown - Junior (2026)
Brown made his return official on Dec. 12, sharing a photo of himself signing paperwork with the Arkansas Front Office.
He had a solid sophomore campaign, finishing fourth on the team with 319 receiving yards and tied for third with three touchdowns. Brown started the year in the slot but shifted outside as the season progressed, showcasing his versatility.
He’s poised to be a key piece in the passing game next fall.
RB Braylen Russell - Junior (2026)
Russell confirmed his return on Dec. 12 after a productive sophomore season.
The bruising 6-1, 238-pound back rushed for 286 yards on just 55 carries (5.2 YPC) and found the end zone five times. He also chipped in with four receptions.
Russell served as the No. 2 back behind Mike Washington, but missed the final three games due to a concussion. If healthy, he’ll be a powerful complement in the backfield once again.
DT Kevin Oatis - Redshirt Freshman (2026)
Oatis, a former 4-star recruit from Mississippi, announced his return on Dec.
- He saw limited action in 2025, recording two tackles in the win over Arkansas State.
His development will be closely watched, as Arkansas looks to reload its defensive front.
C Caden Kitler - Redshirt Senior (2026)
Kitler, who transferred from UCF last offseason, brought stability to the center position in 2025.
He started 11 of 12 games and graded out well in pass protection (68.9 per PFF), though his run-blocking mark (50.0) showed room for improvement. Kitler missed the Mississippi State game due to injury but is expected to anchor the line again in 2026.
His return, announced Dec. 11, is a big win for the offensive front.
RG Kobe Branham - Redshirt Sophomore (2026)
Branham earned his first career start in the 2024 Liberty Bowl and locked down the right guard spot in 2025.
His PFF grades - 66.2 in pass blocking and 66.4 in run blocking - placed him among the more consistent linemen on the team. The Fort Smith native announced his return Dec. 11 and should continue to be a key cog in the trenches.
DL Keiundre Johnson - Redshirt Freshman (2026)
Johnson saw limited action as a true freshman, appearing only in the opener against Alabama A&M.
A 3-star recruit from Texas, he announced his return on Dec. 8.
He’ll enter 2026 with a redshirt year under his belt and an opportunity to push for a larger role in the defensive line rotation.
WR Jalen Brown - Redshirt Junior (2026)
Brown’s 2025 season was cut short by a devastating leg injury - a broken tibia and fibula - in the Sept. 27 game against Notre Dame.
Before that, the Florida State transfer had flashed big-play potential, hauling in 12 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. He announced his return on Dec. 6, and if his recovery goes smoothly, he could be a major weapon in the passing game next fall.
TE/FB Maddox Lassiter - Redshirt Junior (2026)
Lassiter played in all 12 games in 2025, primarily as a blocker.
The versatile tight end/fullback hybrid posted modest stats - one catch for two yards and one rush for one yard - but his real value came in the dirty work. A Warren native, Lassiter is back for another year of trench warfare, announced via social media on Dec.
DE Quincy Rhodes - Senior (2026)
Rhodes didn’t wait long to declare his intentions.
During Silverfield’s introductory press conference, he made it clear he was “all in” for 2026. And why wouldn’t he be?
Rhodes is coming off a breakout season with 43 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks - numbers that earned him a spot as one of 20 finalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award. He’ll be the centerpiece of Arkansas’ defensive front next season.
QB KJ Jackson - Redshirt Sophomore (2026)
Jackson also used Silverfield’s press conference to announce his return.
The young quarterback served as the primary backup in 2025 but made his first career start in the finale against Missouri. In limited action, he completed 61% of his passes (33-of-54) for 441 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions.
He also added 52 yards and two scores on the ground. Jackson’s dual-threat ability and poise could make him a breakout candidate next fall.
What It All Means
For a program in transition, these returning players offer a strong foundation. From rising contributors to established starters, Arkansas is retaining a core group that knows the system, understands the SEC grind, and is ready to buy into Coach Silverfield’s vision.
With the transfer portal looming, player retention is just as important as new acquisitions. And so far, Arkansas is holding serve - and then some.