The Arkansas projected starting lineup is taking shape after the first full scrimmage at Razorback Stadium as fall camp moves toward the opener.
With two weeks until kickoff and Ryan Silverfield in his first year as head coach, camp movement matters for early-season roles and depth planning, and Arkansas Razorbacks On SI details the initial depth chart that mixes returning starters with new contributors.
Key Takeaways
- KJ Jackson is the projected starting quarterback with AJ Hill and Hank Hendrix listed as backups.
- Braylen Russell and Sutton Smith lead a running back rotation with Markeylin Batton emerging as a key depth piece.
- The depth chart lists a defensive line group with 11 former four-star prospects noted for their recruiting pedigree.
- True freshman Brandon Ford and other young contributors have supplied noticeable depth and playmaking during camp.
Projected Week One lineup
The projected Week One picture now shows clear starters at many spots while several positions remain fluid after live scrimmage work.
Staff evaluations from the scrimmage indicate a mix of spring continuity and camp risers pushing for rotational roles.
Quarterback competition and offensive notes
KJ Jackson sits atop the projected depth chart with AJ Hill listed as the primary backup and Hank Hendrix in third.
Offensive coordinator Tim Crasmey has kept the quarterback competition uncertain through camp, leaving room for performance-based shifts during the final practices.
Running backs and perimeter receivers
The running back room projects Braylen Russell as the lead option with Sutton Smith next in the rotation and Cam Settles or Jasper Parker in change-of-pace roles.
Markeylin Batton flashed during the scrimmage and has emerged as a reliable depth piece behind the front two.
On the perimeter, Chris Marshall projects as the X starter while Courtney Crutchfield and Antonio Jordan compete for the secondary role, and CJ Brown is listed as the Z starter with Donovan Faupel and Monte Harrison behind him.
The slot rotation projects Jamari Hawkins first with Ismael Cisse and Jelani Watkins available for short-to-intermediate passing game duties.
Tight ends and offensive line continuity
Jaden Platt projects as the starting tight end with Ty Lockwood as the primary backup and Matt Adcock handling heavier blocking packages after recent depth changes.
The offensive line projected starters mirror spring alignments with Kavion Broussard, Malachi Breland, Caden Kitler, Kobe Branham and Bryant Williams listed as the opening-game front.
Defensive front and depth chart notes
The defensive front lists Quincy Rhodes as the top edge rusher with Hunter Osborne and David Oke anchoring the interior roles on the initial depth chart.
Several backups, including Danny Beale, Jamonta Waller and Xadavien Sims, were identified as players to watch for rotational snaps based on scrimmage reps.
Secondary and linebacker starters
At corner, Jahiem Johnson and La’Khi Roland are projected starters with Shelton Lewis and true freshman Brandon Ford providing depth.
The safety spots project Christian Harrison and Miguel Mitchell as the starting combination with Ian Williams available in rotation, and Bradley Shaw and Ja’Quavion Smith are listed as the starting linebackers.
The STAR role projects Khmori House first with Tyler Scott and Carter Stoutmire behind him for sub-package versatility.
Defensive line recruiting comparison
| Group | Recruiting note | Experience note |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Arkansas defensive line | Depth chart lists 11 former four-star prospects reflecting strong recruiting pedigree within the group | Mix of established starters and several high-upside backups poised for rotational snaps |
| Typical Arkansas defensive line in past decade | Featured fewer former four-star recruits on average and relied more on development pathways | Often emphasized player development and depth building rather than a high volume of four-star talent |
SEC positioning and recruiting implications
The assembled depth chart and defensive-line recruiting pedigree affect how Arkansas can deploy fronts against SEC opponents by supporting sustained rotation and edge pressure across conference matchups.
From a roster-construction and recruiting standpoint, the current group offers a tangible selling point for regional recruiting conversations and return visits while providing immediate rotational options for the staff this fall.
