FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With the 2024 college football season set to kick off, Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman has unveiled the team’s depth chart for the upcoming game against UAPB. The depth chart was shared just ahead of his noon press conference, offering a glimpse into the lineup choices for the season opener.
The depth chart highlights several key position battles as the Razorbacks prepare for Thursday night’s matchup. On the offensive side, Utah transfer Ja’Quinden Jackson is projected to start alongside Rashod Dubinion, who returns for his third year with the team. In the backfield, true freshman Braylon Russell, Florida State transfer Rodney Hill, and Hutchison Community College transfer Tyrell Reed are set to rotate as backups.
A notable competition is ongoing at left guard between Patrick Kutas and his backup, E’Marion Harris. Kutas, dealing with back injuries during fall camp, has seen Harris rise to the occasion with impressive performances that have caught the coaches’ attention.
Defensively, Arkansas has been eagerly anticipating the performance of its revamped line. A significant point of interest is finding a complement to starting defensive end Landon Jackson. The depth chart reflects a continued competition for this position. Third-year edge rusher Nico Davillier, who contributed significantly last season, will split time with FCS Albany transfer Anton Juncaj, known for his exceptional season with 25 tackles for loss and 15 sacks.
In the secondary, the battle for the starting safety spot is tight between sophomore TJ Metcalf and sixth-year senior Hudson Clark. Metcalf has shown remarkable progress, and his hard work in the offseason has put him in contention for a starting role. According to coaches, Metcalf’s dedication and improvement have earned him a significant chance to contribute.
Lastly, the kicking game remains unsettled following Cam Little’s departure to the NFL. Former Hawaii standout Matt Shipley and FCS All-American Kyle Ramsey are competing for the starting kicker position. Ramsey had an impressive season last year, making 14 of 15 field goals, while Shipley also had a strong performance with 14 of 18 field goals. The competition between these two will be crucial for the Razorbacks’ special teams this season.