Arkansas Taps into Memphis Pipeline, Brings GM Scott Gasper Alongside Ryan Silverfield
Arkansas is wasting no time building out its new football brain trust. Just days after hiring former Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield, the Razorbacks are expected to bring Memphis general manager Scott Gasper with him to Fayetteville, according to sources. It’s a move that doesn’t just reunite two key architects of Memphis’ recent success - it signals Arkansas’ intent to build with purpose in today’s ever-evolving college football landscape.
Gasper’s name might not be front-page news for casual fans, but within coaching and personnel circles, he’s earned a reputation as one of the sharpest roster-builders in the Group of Five. With stops at East Carolina, West Virginia, and Indiana before landing at Memphis, Gasper has quietly climbed the ladder through a mix of savvy scouting, strategic recruiting, and a deep understanding of how to build a team from the inside out.
A Familiar Face, A Crucial Fit
For Silverfield, bringing Gasper to Arkansas isn’t just about comfort - it’s about continuity. In an era where the transfer portal can flip a roster in a matter of weeks and NIL has reshaped how programs recruit and retain talent, alignment between head coach and general manager isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
That’s where this pairing matters. Silverfield and Gasper already have chemistry.
They’ve worked side by side navigating the chaos of modern roster management, and they’ve done it successfully. At Memphis, they helped engineer an 8-4 season in 2025, with a roster that leaned heavily on portal additions but never lost its balance or identity.
That kind of cohesion doesn’t happen by accident - it’s the result of a shared vision and execution at every level of the operation.
Gasper’s Blueprint at Memphis
Gasper’s fingerprints were all over Memphis’ recent success. As general manager, he oversaw recruiting strategy, roster construction, and the day-to-day mechanics of building a competitive team. His approach was aggressive but calculated, leaning into the transfer portal to land experienced contributors while maintaining roster depth and development.
The results spoke for themselves. Memphis was one of the most competitive Group of Five programs in 2025, even flirting with a shot at the G5’s College Football Playoff spot.
Wins over South Florida and Arkansas (yes, that Arkansas) helped fuel that run. Losses to Tulane and East Carolina ultimately kept the Tigers out of the AAC title game, but the foundation was solid - and Gasper was a big reason why.
What stood out most was how Memphis stayed afloat in a chaotic transfer era. While other programs scrambled to plug holes, Gasper helped Memphis stay a step ahead. His ability to identify talent, build relationships, and manage the roster with long-term vision gave the Tigers a competitive edge.
Climbing the Ladder
Gasper’s journey through college football has been methodical. At West Virginia, he ran the show on the recruiting front, overseeing everything from talent evaluation to strategic planning.
Before that, he held key personnel roles at Indiana and East Carolina. Each stop added a layer to his expertise - from Power Five challenges to Group of Five innovation - and now he’s stepping into the SEC with a résumé that’s ready for the spotlight.
For Arkansas, this isn’t just about filling out a staff. It’s about building a leadership team that understands how to win in the current climate. Silverfield brings the head coaching experience and vision, while Gasper provides the operational backbone - the guy who can turn that vision into a 85-man roster that actually works on Saturdays.
What It Means for the Razorbacks
Arkansas is betting big on synergy. In pairing Silverfield and Gasper, they’re banking on a proven partnership to help stabilize a program that’s been searching for consistency in a brutal SEC West. It’s not just about X’s and O’s anymore - it’s about managing the portal, optimizing NIL opportunities, and building a culture that can withstand the churn.
The Razorbacks now have a duo that’s already shown it can build a winner under those conditions. Memphis wasn’t just competitive - it was built with intention, with every piece of the roster fitting into a larger plan. That same blueprint is now headed to Fayetteville.
If Arkansas is going to climb back into the SEC conversation, it won’t happen overnight. But with Silverfield and Gasper steering the rebuild, the foundation is being laid by two guys who’ve already proven they can work in sync - and win while doing it.