Arkansas Eyes JUCO DL Antonio Sandel-Bascomb as Official Visit Looms
The Arkansas Razorbacks are making a late but meaningful move in the transfer market, extending an offer to Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College defensive lineman Antonio Sandel-Bascomb. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound defender confirmed he plans to take an official visit to Fayetteville, with the trip expected to coincide with a Razorbacks basketball game in January.
For Arkansas, this is a chance to bolster a defensive front that’s been in a state of transition. For Sandel-Bascomb, it’s a potential turning point in a journey that’s already had its share of twists.
“First and foremost, all glory to God,” Sandel-Bascomb said, reflecting on the moment. “Without Him, I wouldn’t be in this position I’m in now. I want to thank my mother, my dad, all my aunties, uncles, grandparents, family members that supported from the beginning.”
This offer from Arkansas comes at a pivotal time in Sandel-Bascomb’s recruitment. He was previously committed to Memphis under head coach Ryan Silverfield, but when Silverfield parted ways with the Tigers, Sandel-Bascomb reopened his recruitment. Despite the coaching change, he expressed gratitude for Silverfield’s continued support throughout the process.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” he said. “It still don’t feel real, but it will kick in soon. I plan on coming to visit somewhere in January, and getting to meet the whole staff, the community, and for my city to see that it’s more to football than just football.”
That last line speaks volumes. Sandel-Bascomb isn’t just looking for a place to play-he’s looking for a program that aligns with his values, his growth, and his future beyond the field.
On the field, Sandel-Bascomb showed flashes of disruption this past season at Coffeyville. In eight games, he posted 29 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a pass breakup. While those numbers won’t jump off the stat sheet, they hint at a player with the size and motor to make an impact in the trenches-especially in a system that can refine his technique and unleash his power.
Arkansas isn’t the only program that’s taken notice. Sandel-Bascomb also holds offers from South Alabama and Coastal Carolina. But with a visit to Fayetteville on deck, the Razorbacks are clearly making a strong push.
He’s set to graduate in May and will bring two years of eligibility with him wherever he lands. For a program like Arkansas, which is looking to reload and retool in key areas, a plug-and-play JUCO lineman like Sandel-Bascomb could be a valuable addition.
The visit in January will be telling-not just for Sandel-Bascomb, but for the Razorbacks’ defensive staff as they continue to shape the identity of their front seven heading into next season.