Which Transfers Will Make Biggest Impact For Razorbacks In 2024

The expectation is Arkansas' portal haul will be an impactful one

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Jan 23, 2024 9:04 AM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Sam Pittman and his staff knew going into the offseason a crop of experienced transfers would be needed at several positions. Arkansas' offensive line was collectively one of the worst in all of college football this season. The linebacker room is also void of experience with three major contributors entering the transfer portal.

For Arkansas to recover the staff needed to bring in several players to keep the Hogs' head above water after a large number of players moved on. The Razorbacks currently hold commitments or signatures from 14 transfers. While not all will pan out, history shows Pittman and his staff do a fine job identifying which transfers fit the program best.

Anton Juncaj, DL
^{University of Albany (FCS)}

This isn't the first time and certainly won't be the last that Arkansas dabbles into lower divisions of college football for quality players. Juncaj isn't a nobody either. He is an All-American record setter for the Great Danes this season.

He turns to Arkansas with hopes of capitalizing off a season that saw him be a disruptive force, dominating his opponents with 55 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, five forced fumbles, 12 quarterback hurries and three pass break-ups.

At the time of his commitment, Juncaj was the No. 97 ranked player in the transfer portal, per 247sports while also ranking in the Top 10 among defensive linemen. He will have the opportunity to line up opposite Landon Jackson to become a dangerous bookend combination for Arkansas in 2024.

Fernando Carmona, OT
^{San Jose State}

The Las Vegas native knows there'll be an adaption period when it comes to weather and moving to the SEC. Carmona is known as a quick learner who’s willing to put in the work to be better each day. He's only played along the offensive line for three seasons, but that hasn't slowed him at all.

The former Spartan earned a spot in Mountain West Conference honorable mention team. He recorded stellar grade of 81.5 on 765 snaps played by Pro Football Focus. Carmona signed with the Razorbacks as the No. 239 ranked transfer out of the portal this offseason. He is the No. 10 offensive tackle for the cycle, per 247sports.

Matthew Shipley, K
^Hawaii

Arkansas is in need of a new kicker with the legendary Cam Little trying his leg at the NFL. Shipley will be a suitable replacement considering he was a Lou Groza finalist this season as one of the nation's top place kickers.

Over the previous three seasons with the Warriors, Shipley made 48-of-59 field goal attempts with a long of 51 yards. His performance this season earned All-Mountain West honorable mention.

Taylen Green, QB
^{Boise State}

There's no question Arkansas will be starting a new full-time quarterback in 2023. With Jacolby Criswell and Malachi Singleton on campus to do battle with Green, the Razorbacks are set to have their first position battle since maybe 2013.

The former Bronco split time as the starter throughout the 2023 season, but did lead his team to the Mountain West Conference title. Green is a true dual threat at 6-foot-6, 225 pounds. He completed 287-of-483 passes for 3,794 yards, 25 touchdowns and 15 interceptions the past two seasons. The run game is a big part of what he brings to the table. In an abbreviated two seasons as a starter, Green ran for 1,026 yards for an average of 6.3 yards per carry while scoring 19 rushing touchdowns.

An opposing coach from the Mountain West described Green as a 'smaller, faster KJ Jefferson.' He went onto state that '[Green] will be a problem in the SEC.'