FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas receiver Ismael Cisse will undergo surgery to repair a broken wrist suffered in a weight room injury earlier this week, the university confirmed Thursday.
Cisse, a sophomore transfer from Stanford, was expected to be a key contributor to the Razorbacks’ retooled receiving corps this fall. The timetable for his return remains unclear and depends on the severity of the injury and subsequent rehabilitation.
A native of Denver, Cisse played in all 12 games and started five for Stanford in 2024, recording 26 receptions for 241 yards and two touchdowns. He transferred to Arkansas as part of a group of seven receivers added through the portal during the offseason, reflecting a significant overhaul of the unit.
Cisse’s injury comes at a challenging time for Arkansas, which lost its top four pass catchers from last season.
Andrew Armstrong, Isaac TeSlaa and Tyrone Broden entered the NFL Draft, while Isaiah Sategna transferred to Oklahoma and Jordan Anthony turned professional in track and field.
Running back Ja’Quinden Jackson and top tight end Luke Hasz also departed, leaving only running back Rodney Hill as the leading returning pass catcher with eight receptions for 68 yards last season.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino praised Cisse’s performance in spring practice, pointing out Cisse earned considerable time with the first unit.
“(Ismael) Cisse’s been the one that has done that better than anybody else so far,” Petrino said in April.
The Razorbacks’ receiving corps now includes transfers O’Mega Blake (Charlotte), Kam Shanks (UAB), Raylen Sharpe (Fresno State), Jalen Brown (Florida State), Andy Jean (Pittsburgh) and Courtney Crutchfield (Missouri). Only CJ Brown, who caught five passes for 62 yards as a true freshman, returns with significant experience.
Arkansas opens training camp Aug. 1. Petrino and receivers coach Ronnie Fouch will use camp to sort out the depth chart and adjust plans following Cisse’s setback.
A consensus top-10 recruit in Colorado out of Cherry Creek High School, Cisse played on four consecutive state championship teams before beginning his collegiate career at Stanford.
The Razorbacks are a week away from their appearance next Thursday at SEC Media Days in Atlant. The season kicks off Aug. 30 against Alabama A&M in Razorback Stadium at 3:30 p.m. on SEC Network and on the radio at ESPN Arkansas.
