Razorbacks’ Carmona, Ball named to preseason All-SEC football teams

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks’ Carmona, Ball named to preseason All-SEC football teams

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas offensive lineman Fernando Carmona Jr. and defensive tackle Cam Ball have been named to the Preseason All-SEC teams by the league’s coaches, the league announced Tuesday.

Carmona, a senior and transfer from San Jose State, was selected to the All-SEC First Team after starting every game at left tackle for the Razorbacks last season.

Ball, a senior from Atlanta, was named to the Third Team following a breakout 2024 campaign in which he recorded a career-high 47 tackles, including four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Ball, who joined Arkansas in 2021, is expected to start on the defensive line this season. He said he turned down offers from other programs after the 2024 season, opting to remain with the Razorbacks.

“I had opportunities to leave, but it was no point to just pack up and go for a matter of a year or so, and lose all the connections and relationships I built in this state,” Ball said last week. “The people. I love the people here in Arkansas. Not only in Fayetteville, but I’ve been all around Arkansas and I just love this state in general.”

Carmona moved from left tackle to left guard this offseason, making way for transfer Corey Robinson II. The coaching staff praised his adaptability and experience.

“Fernando’s one of those guys you just trust,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said. “He brings experience, but it’s his leadership that sets the tone for the whole offensive line.”

Ball’s decision to stay at Arkansas was significant for a program that has seen several players depart via the transfer portal in recent years.

“Cam’s presence means everything to our defense,” defensive coordinator Travis Williams said. “He’s the heartbeat up front and a mentor to the younger guys.”

The Razorbacks finished 4-8 last season and are looking for improvement as Pittman enters his fifth year as head coach. Arkansas opens its season Aug. 30 against Alabama A&M at Razorback Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3:15 p.m. on the SEC Network.

Both Carmona and Ball are in their final seasons of eligibility. Carmona was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice in 2024 and was selected to the Outland Trophy watch list. Ball has played in 37 games at Arkansas, starting 17.

The SEC preseason teams are determined by votes from the league’s coaches ahead of each season. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players.

Arkansas will look to its veteran leaders as it navigates a challenging SEC schedule that includes games against LSU, Alabama, and Texas A&M.

“It’s great to be recognized, but I’m here to win games,” Carmona said. “That’s the only thing that matters, what we do as a team.”

The Razorbacks’ preseason accolades highlight key players as Arkansas seeks to rebound and compete in the SEC this fall.

Razorbacks rebuild receiver corps with transfers, veterans and hope

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks rebuild receiver corps with transfers, veterans and hope

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Now Arkansas goes into full preparation mode for the season.

They will be doing it with a rebuilt wide receiver corps, featuring a mix of new transfers and returning players after losing the team’s top six pass catchers from last year.

You might want to get a program just to know who’s out there on the field in what number, too. There are a lot of new faces.

Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino said the receiver competition remains open as the team turns its attention to game preparation.

“It’ll probably be this week [it starts] working itself out a little bit more,” Petrino said. “You go into some situation work this week and game plan stuff and still go ones versus ones, so you get that competition.”

The Razorbacks added several transfers, including O’Mega Blake, Raylen Sharpe, Kam Shanks and Jalen Brown, to bolster depth and speed. Jalen Brown, a transfer from LSU, has earned praise from Petrino for his speed and improved understanding of the offense.

“J. Brown had a big day. I thought he felt good about it. He looked fast out there. And the thing about him is he is fast. So as long as he knows exactly what he’s doing, he’s going to play like that,” Petrino said.

Returners Monte Harrison and CJ Brown have also emerged as key options. Harrison, 30, spent a decade in professional baseball before walking on at Arkansas this summer.

Petrino said Harrison’s athleticism stands out.

“He just pops off the board and you’re going, ‘This is unbelievable how talented this young man is, or old man is.’ … But he is an unbelievable talent. Now he understands football. He’d been away from it for a long time, so he’s done a great job for us so far. We gotta keep it going,” Petrino said.

C.J. Brown, who saw limited action last season as a freshman, has impressed Petrino with his versatility and preparation.

“He started getting involved in the offense late in the season,” Petrino said. “Right now, he’s playing two different positions for us and his skill set, his quickness is really good inside, but he also has the really nice speed and routes that he can hit on the outside. The quarterbacks feel good about where you’re going to be on the deep throw, so he’s going to have a good year for us.”

The Razorbacks are also counting on Shanks, a 5-foot-8 transfer from UAB, for both special teams and matchup advantages at receiver.

“He’s little, but he doesn’t play little,” Petrino said. “He doesn’t play little because he can elevate and turn his body. Short guys that can’t jump and turn in the air are hard targets to hit, but you can actually throw him open and he’s able to elevate and turn and make those catches.”

Blake, a graduate transfer, has been limited in opportunities but remains in the mix. Sharpe, who has dealt with injuries, could return to add further depth as the season progresses.

Arkansas quarterbacks, including Boise State transfer Taylen Green, are working to build chemistry with the new-look receiver group as the team prepares for its season opener against Alabama A&M on Aug. 30.

Projected depth charts list O’Mega Blake, CJ Brown, and Raylen Sharpe as likely starters, with Kam Shanks, Monte Harrison and Jalen Brown providing additional options.

Coaches have indicated that the receiver rotation is still evolving with several practices remaining before kickoff.

Petrino, in his second season of his current stint with the Razorbacks, said the focus is on building consistency and timing in the passing game after a year of transition at the position.

“It’s nice to have [Shanks] back out there because we need the time with the quarterbacks working with him to understand where he’s going to be, what his quickness gives us, because he’s super quick, and he’s a hard matchup because of that quickness,” Petrino said.

Now they’ve just got to get it all to work in a game.

The season opens Aug. 30 against Alabama A&M at 3:15 p.m. The game will be televised on SEC Network.

Democrat-Gazette’s Tom Murphy on what he’s seen as preseason camp ends

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Democrat-Gazette’s Tom Murphy on what he’s seen as preseason camp ends

After injury in defensive line, questions leaping out about depth Deke Adams has and opportunities for young players to step up.

Razorbacks offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino on offense in preseason

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino on offense in preseason

Recapping practices as the Hogs closing down camp and getting ready to start pregame preparations for Aug. 30 opener against Alabama A&M.

Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 8-19-25

Tye Richardson
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Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 8-19-25

Did we hear anything from the football program and Pittman this last week? Or is it truly, potato, potahto…?

Guests: Bruce Stanton x Tom Murphy!

Hogs’ defense has experience, versatility in two groups, hope in another

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Hogs’ defense has experience, versatility in two groups, hope in another

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas is expected to lean on experienced linebackers and a versatile secondary as the Razorbacks get closer to starting new season.

Defensive coordinator Travis Williams is hoping it’s enough turn around a group that has been struggling at times the last few years.

“In the defensive backs room, we have a lot of guys with one year left of eligibility, so we have a lot of guys that have played a lot of football,” Williams said. “We have guys with mustaches, so we don’t have a lot of young guys. That experience means a lot when you get up under the lights and get to play big-time football.”

Redshirt seniors Stephen Dix Jr. and Xavian Sorey Jr. anchor the linebacker unit. Sorey, who led Arkansas with 99 tackles and two sacks last season, has been slowed by a hamstring injury in camp, opening the door for Bradley Shaw to see more snaps. Williams called Dix, Sorey and Shaw “starters” and said transfers Andrew Harris and Trent Whalen have added depth.

Whalen, a transfer from Southern Utah, has impressed the coaching staff with his readiness and special teams contributions. Wyatt Simmons and freshman Tavion Wallace, a top recruit, round out a group that Williams described as “deep and competitive.”

The secondary, which features mostly upperclassmen, gives Williams options in coverage packages. Several players, including Jordan Young, Miguel Mitchell, Caleb Wooden and Larry Worth, have taken snaps at multiple positions. Williams said the group could rotate frequently, depending on matchups and health.

“We definitely have more depth to do more there,” Williams said. “As long as we can keep everybody healthy, it will be a good thing.”

Arkansas is experimenting with different alignments, including 3-2-6 and 3-3-5 looks, to maximize its secondary’s flexibility. No permanent starters have been named, but Williams said the staff considers anyone who plays with the first group a starter.

The defensive line presents the greatest concern for Arkansas. The Razorbacks are likely to be without Abilene Christian transfer David Oke for the opener, and the interior is especially thin behind Cam Ball. Danny Saili and Ian Geffrard are expected to contribute, but injuries could force true freshmen into the rotation early.

Williams emphasized the need for young players to mature quickly. “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” he said. “We may need some young guys to step up.”

Last season, Arkansas allowed 247 passing yards per game, worst in the Southeastern Conference. Williams said improving communication and execution is critical for a turnaround. “The margin for error is small. It’s just talking and saying, ‘Hey, I’ve got this guy. You’ve got him.’”

The Razorbacks open the season Aug. 30 against Alabama A&M at Razorback Stadium. Williams said the opener will reveal whether the defense’s experience and flexibility can offset its lack of depth up front.

“We’re definitely going to lean on that experience,” Williams said. “That matters when you get up under the lights and play big-time football.”

Arkansas faces a challenging schedule and must rely on its veteran leadership at linebacker and in the secondary. The performance and depth of the defensive line could determine how far the Razorbacks’ defense can carry them in 2025.

The opener against Alabama A&M will kick off at 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network. Fans will also be able to listen ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.

Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 8-18-25

Tye Richardson
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Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 8-18-25

Hot Take Monday, Style and Swagger, Arkansas Football inching closer by the day!

Razorbacks defensive coordinator Travis Williams on fall camp progress

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks defensive coordinator Travis Williams on fall camp progress

How he feels good at this point about what Arkansas will have when they face Alabama A&M in opener Aug. 30.

E’Marion Harris anchors another Razorbacks offensive line rebuild entering season

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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E’Marion Harris anchors another Razorbacks offensive line rebuild entering season

E’Marion Harris has gone from a promising underclassman to a cornerstone on the Arkansas offensive line, providing a steady presence as the Razorbacks seek improvement in the 2025 season.

Harris, a redshirt junior from Little Rock, has settled in at right tackle during fall camp after spending most of last season at guard. The 6-foot-7, 313-pound lineman started all 13 games in 2023 and has emerged as a leader up front as Arkansas works to rebuild an offensive line that struggled with consistency last year.

“This offseason, I was just focusing on getting my weight back, getting stronger, and just learning the offense better,” Harris said after a recent scrimmage. “Now that I got my weight back, I feel a lot more confident, like, my confidence is better, playing better and stuff like that.”

Harris was listed as a backup left tackle heading into fall camp in 2023 but shifted inside to guard. Despite his size and natural fit at tackle, he anchored the line at guard throughout the season, showing the versatility that coaches now consider a key asset.

Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino said Harris’s physical transformation has been evident.

“He’s much stronger and more physical than he was a year ago,” Petrino told reporters. “A year ago, he really wasn’t tackle size. He went from 285 to 310, I think, when he weighed in. And you’re seeing that, you’re seeing that strength on the field.”

Petrino, who returned as offensive coordinator this season, has emphasized building a more reliable offensive line to protect the quarterback and spark the run game. The Razorbacks averaged just 124 rushing yards per game last fall, a significant drop from previous years. Arkansas allowed more sacks than any other SEC team, underscoring the need for improvement up front.

Offensive line coach Eric Mateos said Harris’s experience at multiple positions helps the team prepare for in-season adjustments.

“All summer it was right tackle, right guard, left tackle,” Mateos said. “Wanted to create that versatility, the habits, get the stance right. You want to try and get that done in the summer so if you do have to make a change in season, it doesn’t feel like you’re eating left-handed. We’re in a good place with his versatility. He’ll be ready if we need to, but right now we’re kind of leaving him there at that right tackle spot.”

Harris’s father, Elliott Harris, played defensive line for the Razorbacks from 2001 to 2004. Despite the family connection, Harris said there was no pressure to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“My pops always told me just because he came here, [doesn’t] mean that I had to come here because it’s my path, my life,” Harris said. “I chose to come here because it felt like home. Pittman just gave me everything I wanted in the college, so I just liked it, and the journey’s been amazing.”

Hogs coach Sam Pittman, a longtime offensive line coach, has stressed physicality and flexibility in spring practice and continued it in fall camp. Alongside Harris, other linemen such as Kobe Branham and Fernando Carmona have rotated through key spots as Arkansas looks for the right combination.

The Razorbacks’ projected starting offensive line includes Robinson, Carmona, Kitler, Harris and McRoy, according to a preseason breakdown by the Southwest Times Record.

Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona during drills in Friday morning's practice
Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona during drills in Friday morning’s practice. | Nilsen Roman-HitThatLine Images

Harris’s reliability and work ethic have made an impression on his teammates.

“He has really bought in, great effort, great execution and he’s someone that you trust playing next to,” fellow lineman Branham said.

Arkansas faces a challenging schedule in the SEC, where the offensive line will be tested against some of the nation’s top defensive fronts. Harris’ ability to anchor the right side will be pivotal in determining whether the Razorbacks’ offense can regain its footing.

Through it all, Harris remains focused on his role and growth.

“It’s definitely been a crazy journey,” he said. “But now that I got my weight back, I feel a lot more confident, like, my confidence is better, playing better and stuff like that.”

The Razorbacks open the 2024 season with hopes that a stronger, more cohesive offensive line — anchored by Harris — will provide the stability needed to compete in the SEC.

WATCH: The Morning Rush is LIVE

Tye Richardson
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WATCH: The Morning Rush is LIVE

Susi’s late penalty kick lifts Razorbacks to 2-2 tie with Notre Dame

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Susi’s late penalty kick lifts Razorbacks to 2-2 tie with Notre Dame

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Zoe Susi converted a penalty kick in the 81st minute to help No. 6 Arkansas earn a 2-2 draw with No. 2 Notre Dame in a nonconference women’s soccer match Sunday night at Razorback Field.

A crowd of 2,947, the seventh largest in Razorback Field history, watched as the Razorbacks (0-1-1) rallied in the final minutes after trailing late to the Fighting Irish (1-0-1).

Arkansas took an early lead in the sixth minute when junior midfielder Kennedy Ball intercepted a back pass and scored past Notre Dame goalkeeper Sonoma Kasica. Ball’s pressure forced the Irish into a mistake deep in their own half, giving Arkansas an early advantage.

Notre Dame equalized before halftime on a goal from sophomore forward Annabelle Chukwu, who finished a breakaway with a low shot past Arkansas goalkeeper Grace Johnson.

The Irish took a 2-1 lead midway through the second half on a goal from midfielder Izzy Engle, who scored from outside the box.

With less than 10 minutes to play, Ball drove past two Notre Dame defenders on the right side and sent a cross into the box. The ball struck a Notre Dame defender’s hand, resulting in a penalty kick after a replay review. Susi sent her shot into the upper left corner, beating Kasica, who dove the opposite direction.

“I just tried to stay calm and focus on the ball,” Susi said. “We practice these situations all the time. It’s about blocking out the noise and trusting your technique” (SECSports.com).

Both teams pushed for a winner in the final minutes, but neither side was able to break the deadlock. Notre Dame finished with a slight edge in shots, 12-11, and had seven shots on goal to Arkansas’ six. Each goalkeeper recorded four saves, and Notre Dame led in corner kicks, 6-5.

Arkansas coach Colby Hale praised his team’s composure in the late stages. “Ice,” Hale said of Susi’s penalty. “She’s been so good in the last two games. Really, really proud of her” (SI.com).

Notre Dame head coach Nate Norman credited Arkansas’ pressure and the crowd atmosphere. “This is the kind of game that tests you,” Norman said. “Arkansas pressed us all night, but our players responded. It’s never easy on the road in this environment, but I’m proud of our fight and the way we kept pushing to the end” (FightingIrish.com).

The result marked the second consecutive 2-2 draw between Arkansas and Notre Dame. Both teams entered the match ranked in the top 10, and the contest featured several lead changes and momentum swings.

Chukwu and Ball each scored their second goals of the young season. Ball’s two-way play and Susi’s poise in the midfield were key for Arkansas, while Chukwu and Engle led Notre Dame’s attack.

Arkansas will travel to Georgia Southern for its next match on Sunday, Aug. 24. Notre Dame continues its nonconference slate before starting Atlantic Coast Conference play later this month.

The match highlighted the growing profile of women’s soccer in the region, with fans filling Razorback Field and both teams showcasing national championship aspirations. The teams combined for 23 fouls and pressed for a winner until the final whistle, but settled for a result that keeps both unbeaten through two matches.

Arkansas and Notre Dame are expected to remain in the national title conversation as the season progresses. It also showed the Razorbacks can play well enough to stay there.

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