NCAA's 'Unique' Back And Forth With Class of '22 Athletes Putting Silverfield in Predicament

Arkansas HC juggling preparation for Week 1 with court documents as futures of Wooden, Williams hang in the balance

Arkansas Razorbacks coach Ryan Silverfield looks on during spring practice at the Arkansas Razorbacks practice facilities. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

FAYETTEVILLE — Figuring out which college football players are eligible for the 2026 season is difficult, especially when you're off social media as Arkansas head coach Ryan Silverfield is.

"Y'all find out before I do," Silverfield told reporters Sunday. "I get an email or someone comes and tells me, 'Hey, this rule changed.'"

Arkansas picked up two players in returnee safety Caleb Wooden and Dartmouth transfer DB Sean Williams, after a Colorado court ruling allowed athletes from the Class of 2022 to receive a fifth year of eligibility, just as their successors in college athletes will have moving forward.

But a new ruling on Friday put Wooden and Williams, along with many other players, in limbo. Players who hadn't received a ruling from a state court lost that fifth year of eligibility, as least for now. That includes Wooden and Williams, who as of Monday, could not play for Arkansas this season.

"It's quite unique," Silverfield said. "I think we're doing our due diligence, our homework, obviously talking with our compliance department. Where do the rules stand now? Where are we sitting with this gentleman? Is he able to practice? Is he not? Is he cleared, is the an injunction? Has the [temporary restraining order] gone through? All those different things.

Tennessee wide receiver Braylon Staley (14) is brought down by Arkansas defensive backs Caleb Wooden (22) and Julian Neal (23) in an NCAA college football game on Oct. 11, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

"You're hopeful that if there's any young men you bring [as] a part of your roster, they have the ability to go out and compete on Saturdays. We also have to be smart and say, we don't want to take away reps from this guy because this whole thing could blow up tomorrow, right?

"It's been a lot of back and forth. We're keeping them in the loop. We're having those conversations. The best thing we can do is, if they're allowed [to play] and compliance allows: can they start learning the playbook? If their number's called, they'll just step up."

Arkansas certainly wouldn't mind having both Wooden and Williams available this season, at least for depth if nothing else. Both players bring valuable experience to the Razorback secondary and could see a significant amount of snaps this season.

Arkansas is far from the only team to be ensnared in the current chaos of college athletics, but the Razorbacks would be in a tough spot if neither Wooden nor Williams are able to suit up come Sept. 5.

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