3 positions Arkansas football must address in transfer portal this offseason

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas football had significant success mining the transfer portal last offseason. Of the 11 transfers the Razorbacks added, 10 have started at least one game this season, and seven are regular starters.

It's too early to say exactly how many players Arkansas (5-5, 2-4) will lose in the offseason, as several players have not decided whether to forego remaining eligibility to go pro or enter the transfer portal themselves.

But there are a few positions, even if most players return, Arkansas needs some talent that's ready to contribute immediately. That's where the portal comes in.

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Quarterback

If there's one thing we've learned this season, it's that Arkansas lacks depth at its most key position. The Razorbacks have been without second-year starter KJ Jefferson for two games, and neither went particularly well for the offense. Arkansas couldn't seem to settle on a backup, with both Malik Hornsby or Cade Fortin struggling in their respective starts but excelling in relief appearances.

Fortin, a redshirt senior who transferred from South Florida, is likely done after this season despite being eligible to take an extra year of eligibility from the pandemic. Hornsby, a redshirt sophomore, has plenty of time, but the transfer portal door swings both ways. He spent one week in the portal last offseason before deciding to return.

Beyond those two, the Razorbacks have freshman walk-on Rykar Acebo and redshirt sophomore Kade Renfro, who re-tore his ACL in October and will be out of commission for much of the preseason next year.

Arkansas didn't sign any quarterbacks in its 2022 recruiting class, and it has one committed in the 2023 class. Four-star Malachi Singleton will need time to develop before he can make an impact.

All that is to say Arkansas needs a quarterback out of the portal. Not one to try to usurp Jefferson, assuming he's back next season, but one who can provide a reliable alternative if Jefferson's health is an issue.

Defensive back

The Razorbacks will lose Georgia transfer corner Latavious Brini, who is out of eligibility, and injured star safety Jalen Catalon will likely turn pro despite missing almost all of this season.

Arkansas will retain a number of defensive backs, but given the struggles in the secondary this year, it's hard to say if they can be relied on to be better next season. The second-highest rated player in Arkansas' 2023 recruiting class is cornerback Jaylon Braxton, but he'll only be a freshman.

The Razorbacks need to develop players like Braxton and young returners such as Jayden Johnson and Keuan Parker. But they could certainly benefit from adding talent alongside veterans like Myles Slusher, Malik Chavis and Dwight McGlothern.

McGlothern was that sort of talent when Arkansas added him via the transfer portal out of LSU. Another McGlothern or two would help the Razorbacks as they develop their younger talent.

Wide receiver

Arkansas was in desperate need of wideouts last offseason, so it picked up Matt Landers and Jadon Haselwood. Landers is now out of eligibility. The Razorbacks aren't in dire straits as they were a year ago, but adding some receiver depth will be important before next season.

Haselwood is Arkansas' leading receiver and will presumably return, as will sophomore Ketron Jackson Jr. The Razorbacks will likely have Bryce Stephens, Jaedon Wilson back, both of whom have seen a bit of playing time this season. Freshmen Sam M'bake and Isaiah Sategna are highly touted young players with a chance to work into prominent roles.

But getting a more immediate contributor to add to the rotation alongside Haselwood and Jackson would be a huge boost for an offense that will likely have its starting QB back for a third year.

Christina Long covers the Arkansas Razorbacks for the Southwest Times Record and USA TODAY Network. You can follow her on Twitter @christinalong00 or email her at clong@swtimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: 3 positions Arkansas football must address in transfer portal