And So Transfer Portal Season Begins for Hogs

Arkansas Razorbacks' defensive back first to officially leave program, get jump on finding new college football home

Author:
Kent Smith
Updated:
Nov 22, 2023 1:24 PM EST
Original:
Nov 22, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Portal season has officially opened, even though it's done so a little later than last season.

Redshirt freshman defensive back Jaylen Lewis, the No. 19 recruit out of Tennessee at the time he signed with Arkansas, entered the transfer portal earlier this morning. The post has the official look of coordination with the communications department, so it appears to be an amicable departure. By the time his post went up, Lewis was no longer featured on the current roster.

With the improvement of the defensive backfield this year, opportunities for Lewis simply didn't pan out. The rise of freshman Jaylon Braxton along with the potential return of Quincey McAdoo begins to create a log jam of young talent in the secondary, and defensive coordinator Travis Williams is expected to continue filling the defensive backfield with high quality talent, leaving little opportunity for Lewis to force his way into the starting line-up.

Lewis' lone appearance came against Western Carolina in the season opener in Little Rock. He came away with two tackles that hot August afternoon.

This now puts Arkansas fans on portal watch as the next two weeks will serve as a clear picture as to how Pittman's return is being received behind the scenes. If a pattern develops where back-ups looking for more playing time fill the portal as opposed to starters, it will be a good sign headed into next season.