5 true freshmen who could make big impact for Hogs in fall

FAYETTEVILLE — Since the transfer portal was put in place more and more coaches are leaning on transfers to help instead of true freshmen.

But there’s always some freshmen who are simply too good to redshirt or perhaps play a position of need. Sam Pittman and his assistants will very likely lean on some true freshmen to play this fall.

Here’s a look at five true freshmen who will probably be expected to make an impact for the 2025 team.

Antonio Jordan, WR, 6-6, 230, Warren

Played quarterback for Bo Hembree’s Lumberjacks in 2024, but will be a wide receiver at Arkansas. Was rated a three-star recruit because he made no highlight film. Jordan wasn’t concerned with ratings and only wanted to play for the Razorbacks. He could have be a four or five star had he played wide receiver and put together a highlight tape. In 2023, Jordan caught 43 passes for 1,041 yards and 14 touchdowns. The wide receiver room was virtually depleted following the 2024 season at Arkansas. The Hogs signed five wide receivers from the transfer portal. Expect Jordan to make a very big impact. He isn’t midterm.

Scott Starzyk, K, 5-10, 160, The Woodlands, Texas

Rated the No. 1 kicker in the Class of 2025 by Kohl’s Kicking. He handled all the kicking duties for The Woodland. Was perfect on all four field goal attempts with a long of 49 yards and averaged 39.9 yards per punt. Had 20 touchbacks on kickoffs. After an inconsistent kicking unit in 2024 for Arkansas it appears Starzyk may be able to solidify the place kicking. Scott Fountain and Sam Pittman are counting on Starzyk to provide a solid kicking game this fall.

Kevin Oatis, DT, 6-3, 300, Hattiesburg, Miss.

Is rated a four-star prospect with both Rivals and ESPN. Got bumped down by a couple of services when he chose the Razorbacks. Helped lead his team to the state championship game. Chose the Hogs over Mississippi State in the end. Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Penn State, Texas, Texas A&M, USC and others all offered. One of the prizes of Deke Adams’ class and should have a big impact each of the three years he’s at Arkansas.

Tavion Wallace, LB, 6-1, 215, Baxley (Ga.) Appling County

A consensus four-star prospect who chose the Hogs over Florida State, Georgia and countless others. Wallace is generally considered the prize of this class. He should be able to play for Travis Williams immediately. Team finished 10-3 in 2024. He had 49 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 2 quarterback hurries and a couple of interceptions. Wallace is a rangy linebacker who can come up in run protection and stick someone or fast enough to handle the passing game. The Hogs only signed Wallace and one other linebacker. They return many of the key contributors from 2024 including Xavian Sorey Jr. He and Bradley Shaw, who signed last year, should be key linebackers for T-Will in coming years. The Hogs also signed the DFW Metroplex Defensive Player of Year in linebacker Jayden Shelton from Dallas (Texas) South Oak Cliff in the Class of 2025.

Grayson Wilson, QB, 6-3, 205, Conway and Madden Iamaleava, QB, 6-3, 200, Long Beach (Calif.) Poly

Wilson became the forgotten recruit with some when Iamaleava surprisingly inked with the Razorbacks, but that is a mistake. Wilson is a very good athlete and quarterback himself. Iamaleava is the younger brother of Nico Iamaleava who is the starting quarterback at Tennessee. Madden was actually in attendance when the Hogs upended the then No. 4 Volunteers in Razorback Stadium. Wilson passed for over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns at Conway his senior season. That followed a junior season where he completed 209-of-308 passes for 3,413 yards with 41 touchdowns and 2 interceptions while rushing for 837 yards and 15 touchdowns. Iamaleava was ineligible as a senior due to a transfer rule. Threw for over 3,600 yards and 43 touchdowns against just four interceptions as a junior.