Hawaii Transfer Looks to Replace Razorbacks' Most Reliable Player

Kicker from Texas makes transition from Rainbow Warriors to Hogs through Honolulu

Author:
Daniel Shi
Publish date:
Dec 17, 2023 7:02 PM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Razorbacks found their 2024 kicker in the portal. Hawaii kicker Matthew Shipley committed to Arkansas, making him the sixth player to transfer to the Razorbacks out of the portal this offseason.

Shipley comes into Fayetteville with 48 games across four seasons as a Hawaii Rainbow Warrior. He has experience both as a punter and a placekicker, but with Max Fletcher announcing his return, he will presumably take over kicking duties.

The Liberty Hill, Tex. native has quite an act to follow after Cam Little declared for the NFL Draft after finishing his Razorback career perfect on extra points and 53-for-64 on field goals across three seasons including a 56-yard field goal and often times the only source of offense for coach Sam Pittman.

Shipley comes in with quite a pedigree himself. A Lou Groza semifinalist (award given to the nation’s top kicker) and a career-long of 51 yards. Across all four years, he’s made 56-for-73 field goal attempts and earned 2023 All-Mountain West honorable mention.

Blake Ford and Shipley are now the two kickers on Arkansas' roster heading into the 2024 campaign. The Razorbacks have found their perfect bridge to Evan Noel, who is the No. 1 kicking prospect for the class of 2025.