Arkansas receiver Ismael Cisse to undergo surgery for broken wrist
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.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 7-10-25
Updates from Razorback Basketball’s open practice, Nude Bowling in Phil’s stomping grounds, Summer Vegetables!
Guests: Tom Murphy!
Calipari’s new Razorbacks: Knox’s return, transfers reshaping Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Karter Knox returned to Arkansas basketball this summer, injecting fresh hope into a program looking to build on last season’s Sweet 16 run.
The media got to see where the Razorbacks are right now for probably the only time this summer. Football will take center stage and probably suck up most of the oxygen for the next few weeks with SEC Football Media Days starting in Atlanta next Monday, then we’re off to the races.
For a few days, though, we got a lot to chew on with a new group of players that John Calipari hopes can carry them past the Sweet 16.
Knox, the sophomore wing, who briefly tested the NBA draft process before withdrawing, led a cast of new and returning Razorbacks during Wednesday’s open practice, offering a first glimpse at what Calipari’s team may look like for the 2025-26 season.
Knox, who averaged 8.3 points and 3.3 rebounds as a freshman, was a catalyst in Arkansas’ turnaround last year after an 0-5 start in SEC play.
His postseason surge, including a 13.7-point average in the NCAA Tournament, raised his profile and drew interest from the next level. Teammates and coaches have noted his maturity on and off the court since his return.
“It’s been good just seeing how he’s matured as a player, just when it comes to being on the court and off the court,” guard D.J. Wagner said.
Calipari said Knox arrived behind in conditioning but has caught up quickly.
“He leads the pack. He’s not afraid to get in the gym and work,” Calipari said.
Cal emphasized Knox’s willingness to embrace contact and his improved physical shape since the spring.
Senior forward Trevon Brazile also drew praise from Calipari during the session. Brazile averaged 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds last season, finishing strong with six double-figure scoring games in Arkansas’ final seven contests.
“He’s playing the best ball since I’ve coached him,” Calipari said. “If we have one or two like that, then this thing is on.”
Brazile, who transferred to Arkansas from Springfield, Mo., just looked like the guy who’s been around awhile and has moved into a leadership role. He is expected to be a key figure in the Razorbacks’ plans this season. His ability to defend and score both inside and on the perimeter was evident during the open practice.
Newcomer Malique Ewin, a junior transfer from Florida State, showcased his versatility as both a post scorer and ball handler. The 6-foot-11 forward averaged 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds last season for the Seminoles.
Calipari said Ewin’s skill set allows the Razorbacks to play through him, but he needs to improve his conditioning.
“He can make passes. He’s got to get in better shape. Got to have played a faster pace at times, but he’s going to learn that,” Calipari said.
Nick Pringle, a transfer from South Carolina who previously played in the Final Four with Alabama, added rebounding and inside finishing, along with the ability to defend smaller players on the perimeter. Calipari said Pringle’s on-ball defense and ability to switch in pick-and-roll situations could help.
Freshman Isaiah Sealy, a four-star recruit from Springdale, showed flashes of potential with his willingness to attack the basket and play aggressive on-ball defense. Calipari said Sealy has instincts that cannot be taught, though he still needs to add muscle and improve his anticipation.
Karim Rtail, a former professional in Europe, did not participate in practice due to a back issue. Calipari described Rtail as a perimeter shooter who may see time at power forward but is not expected to play a physical style inside.
Off the court, Calipari addressed the looming possibility of NCAA Tournament expansion. Asked for his opinion, he responded with a swift thumbs down.
“Don’t screw it up,” Calipari said. “Leave it alone. What we’ve got to get in check is the transfer rules.”
Calipari advocated for a limit of one free transfer per player, reflecting growing concern among coaches about roster instability.
The Razorbacks’ 2025-26 roster is a mix of returning contributors and high-profile transfers, a product of college basketball’s new era of player movement.
Arkansas will face key early tests, including a home matchup with Baylor, an SEC/ACC Challenge game, and a Thanksgiving trip to Chicago. These games will provide a gauge of how quickly the new-look Razorbacks can come together and compete at the highest level.
With Knox’s return, Brazile’s continued growth, and a wave of transfers and freshmen, Arkansas is positioned to contend in the SEC.
Ruscin & Zach July 9
We hear from Peter in Australia and have another exciting edition of Grill Bill.
Razorbacks coach John Calipari on looking at new approach with roster
After going with short bench, Hogs may have a different approach this year and what coach thinks of team early.
Razorbacks on summer practices with all new roster, different approach
Returning players Trevon Brazile and DJ Wagner with newcomers Meleek Thomas and Nick Pringle after practice Wednesday.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 7-9-25
Tye has beefs with social security and parking. Livvy Dunne SHUNNED from Babe Ruth’s apartment, talking Razorback pass-catchers and more!
Guests: Richard Davenport!
Simulated Reality: EA Sports Predicts Rocky 2025 Season for Arkansas Razorbacks
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas fans are hoping these video games are seriously wrong. Since these electronic games work off algorithms bad publicity can’t even be blamed.
They are apparently struggling in simulations, too.
On July 10, EA Sports will launch its long-awaited “College Football 26,” and Razorback got a taste of what to expect after the HawgSports crew ran series of simulations. They used the game’s dynasty mode to play out a full 2025 season for Arkansas — not once, but 10 times.
What the algorithm delivered wasn’t the best with an average outcome is a sub-.500 season. Hanging around .500 is exactly where the oddsmakers have the Hogs going into a year with more questions than answers.
Arkansas, coming off a year that saw flashes of promise but not nearly enough production, faces a schedule that could break even the most optimistic hearts. The season starts at home against Alabama A&M, but then three games away from Razorback Stadium.
That includes a first-ever matchup with Arkansas State at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The Hogs then dive straight into SEC play at Ole Miss, before a non-conference tilt at Memphis and a historic home clash with Notre Dame.
The simulation was not kind. In 10 tries, Arkansas averaged just under six wins, with only about three coming in SEC play.
Four runs ended with bowl eligibility, but the majority suggested another year on the outside looking in. The game’s code saw Notre Dame as an insurmountable obstacle, with the Razorbacks losing all 10 simulated meetings.
Texas and Texas A&M also dominated, picking up nine wins apiece against the Razorbacks. Auburn, perhaps surprisingly, joined the list of perennial headaches, beating the Hogs in all but two runs.
There were bright spots, though. In every simulation, Arkansas dispatched the FCS opponent.
In the SEC, Missouri proved manageable with the Razorbacks winning eight out of 10 games. Memphis only managed a single simulated victory. Arkansas State took two wins in the digital world.
National media watching with a measure of caution. Athlon Sports and other outlets see Arkansas as a possible bowl team but project the Razorbacks to finish in the lower half of the SEC West.
“There’s talent, but the schedule is brutal and the questions about stability are real,” said Andy Hodges on Sports Illustrated.
In this case, the world of electronic make-believe is strangely similar to what fans and media generally are thinking.
Pittman enters with maybe more at stake than ever. After a rollercoaster few seasons, his seat has gone from warm to scorching. He probably knows it better than anybody because he’s the one sitting on it, whether he’ll admit it publicly or not.
There are some that believe the university’s patience may be running thin, especially if the team fails to reach a bowl. That’s a scenario EA’s simulation sees as more likely than not.
The Razorbacks’ 2024 bowl win in Memphis offered hope, but then again so did the Liberty Bowl win over Kansas after the 2022 season. It wasn’t great in 2023.
The video game’s accuracy is uncanny. Last year’s EA Sports simulation for Arkansas came within a game of the actual result. Fans and analysts alike have begun to treat these preseason projections with more seriousness.
Some see them as not just as entertainment, but legitimate tea leaves for the months ahead. That’s because there’s moe data to analyze.
The Razorbacks will open the season August 30 against Alabama A&M at Razorback Stadium and it will probably be a blistering 3:30 start. The game will be televised on SEC Network.
Wagner primed for breakout season with Razorbacks under Calipari
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Some experts are predicting Arkansas guard DJ Wagner to have a big year.
That’s just like Razorback fans with expectations high for new goals in John Calipari’s second season.
CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter has listed him among the players to watch as a two-year breakout candidate as we spend summers ranking everything in every sport it seems.
Wagner played in every game for the Razorbacks last season, starting all of them and racking up a lot of minutes. Even when some of his teammates were hurt, Wagner was on the court and scoring an average of 11.2 points per game. He also had 2.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1 steal each game.
Wagner is known for playing strong defense. His offense still needs some work and has likely been a focus in the offseason. Last season, he shot 40% from the field and made just over 30 percent of his three-point shots. During tough stretches, his play was steady, but experts say he needs to improve if Arkansas wants to win more.
One thing Wagner is working on is making better decisions with the ball. Last season, more than 20 percent of his pick-and-roll plays ended in a turnover. He sometimes lost the ball to the other team. Experts say cutting down on turnovers is important if he wants to help his team more.
Wagner is also working on being more aggressive when driving to the basket. Even though he is strong and quick, he did not get fouled much last season. In 23 games, he drew one or no fouls while shooting. Coaches want him to slow down, use his strength, and try to get to the free-throw line more often.
When his teammates Boogie Fland and Adou Thiero were injured, Wagner stepped up. During those games, he scored an average of 14 points and had nearly 4 assists. Arkansas won three out of their last four regular season games and made it to the second round of the SEC Tournament.
Wagner first played college basketball at Kentucky. As a freshman, he scored 9.9 points a game. When Calipari moved to Arkansas, Wagner transferred too. Now, he is hoping to grow as a player and leader for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas has some new talented players joining the team this year. Two five-star guards, Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas, will play with Wagner. Another talented guard, Isaiah Sealy, is also joining. Wagner’s experience will be important as the team works together.
Experts say Wagner needs to become a better shooter and make smarter choices during games. If he can do that, he could score even more points and help Arkansas win. He could also help his younger teammates learn and get better.
Calipari and the Razorbacks are counting on Wagner to have a big season. They believe he can help the team reach its goals. If he keeps working hard and improves his game, Wagner could become one of the best players on the team.
Now, Wagner is focused on getting better every day. He wants to help Arkansas have a great season. Many fans and coaches are excited to see what he can do this year.
