Hickman May Be Transfer Piece Pittman Needs

Experienced, successful SMU center makes portal intentions known months ahead of time

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Jan 22, 2024 12:55 PM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Transfer portal window shopping may start a little early for Arkansas coach Sam Pittman.

While the next transfer portal round doesn't open again until April, a potential key target for the Razorbacks just made it known he will be available. Branson Hickman, a Second Team All-AAC center from SMU, brings a ton of experience both blocking for and leading Rhett Lashlee's explosive offense down in Dallas.

Having started 33 games, Hickman has grown from a lightly recruited 3-star son of a former All-Southwest Conference offensive tackle into a 6-foot-3, 294 pound highly intelligent dominant force trusted to protect one of the nation's most prolific passers in Mustangs quarterback Preston Stone.

Hickman handled center duties for over 2.5 seasons, getting seven starting nods as a freshman in 2021 when most linemen aren't ready for such responsibilities. On Twitter Monday morning, Branson announced he will finish his degree at SMU this spring and will formally enter the portal in April.

Hickman, who grew up in McKinney, Texas about 30 miles north of Dallas while attending Jesuit College Prep, was Second Team All-AAC this past season. His experience and success on the field immediately figures him to be a high priority Power Five prospect.