All Hogs

Cameron Ball to Return for Fifth Season With Razorbacks

Defensive line will benefit from veteran's presence as transfers likely to join unit
Bob Stephens|
Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Cam Ball during first practice of fall camp in Fayetteville, Ark.
Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Cam Ball during first practice of fall camp in Fayetteville, Ark. | Andy Hodges-Hogs on SI Images

In this story:

Arkansas Razorbacks

A key element of Arkansas' stingy defensive line will return to play for the Razorbacks in 2025. Cameron Ball, the big man who stuffs the run and occasionally pressures opposing quarterbacks, announced he will play a fifth season in Fayetteville.

The 6-foot-5, 325-pounder registered a career-best seven tackles in the 28-21 loss to Missouri in snowy conditions in Columbia, Mo. on Saturday.

Ball should be a key element for the defensive line that loses its leader in senior Landon Jackson, who is expected to be a high NFL draft pick, perhaps going in the first round. Ball hopes to elevate his resume with a superb senior season.

Ball was rated a consensus three-star prospect coming out of Tri-Cities High School in Atlanta, Ga. He chose the Hogs over Georgia Tech, Duke, Arizona State and others. He was largely a reserve for two seasons after redshirting his first year on campus.

Razorbacks defensive lineman Cameron Ball (5) sacks Tennessee Volunteers Nico Iamaleava
Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Cameron Ball (5) sacks Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) during the second quarter at Razorback Stadium on Oct. 5. Arkansas upset No, 4 Tennessee 19-14. | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Ball became a full-time starter this season as a redshirt junior and will provide stability and a veteran presence for a group that will likely be bolstered through the transfer portal in the off-season.

In 2024, Ball totaled 42 tackles, four for loss with 1.5 sacks. He's expected to make a leap as a fifth-year senior and could become a difference-maker for the Hogs next season.

HOGS FEED:

• Good, Bad of Early News in Portal, Coaches | Locked on Razorbacks

• Razorbacks now search for new backup quarterback for next year

• SEC Roll Call addresses whether Hogs facing wrong Tigers on rivalry week

• Hogs will return leading tackler

• Coaching Carousel: Will Pittman have to juggle staff again?

• Subscribe and follow us on YouTube
• Follow HogsSI on X and Facebook

Published | Modified
Bob Stephens
BOB STEPHENS

Bob Stephens won more than a dozen awards as a sportswriter and columnist in Northwest Arkansas from 1980 to 2003. He started as a senior for the 1975 Fayetteville Bulldogs’ state championship basketball team, and was drafted that summer in the 19th round by the St. Louis Cardinals but signed instead with Norm DeBriyn's Razorbacks, playing shortstop and third base. Bob has written for the Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, New Jersey Star-Ledger, and many more. He covered the Razorbacks in three Final Fours, three College World Series, six New Year’s Day bowl games, and witnessed many track national championships. He lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Pati. Follow on X: @BobHogs56

Home/Football