Fayetteville, we have activity! Ryan Silverfield is finally making moves in the 2025 transfer portal for the Razorbacks. A roster that features many holes, this portion of the offseason is critical to success in the first season in the new regime. We here at Last Word will provide a brief recap of these additions and what each brings to the program.
Portal Progress Begins At Arkansas, New Swine On Campus
Fresh Meat In Fayetteville
While the names below may be new to the Arkansas faithful, each has the same connection: Silverfield. The new head hog has utilized the relationships built through staff and roster, and the portal is no different. Whether it is former players when in Memphis, or previous targets in recruitment, Silverfield continues to work the portal with swiftness and ferocity.
The opening player announcement came before the transfer window, on January 2nd. Akron, Ohio native, Antonio Sandel-Bascomb, a defensive lineman, announced his commitment on December 29, 2025. The former Memphis commit plays with a disruptive style on the Razorbacks’ defensive front. Additionally, the Coffeyville Community College standout provides immediate depth to a position room that lost several players in the coaching transition.
This season, Sandel-Bascomb appeared in eight games, amassing 29 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. He brings three years of eligibility along with quickness off the line and the ability to bring constant pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.
On Sunday, we saw announcements galore across the country, including in Arkansas. Silverfield again went to roster needs immediately as the staff snagged former Cincinnati defensive back Christian Harrison. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Rodney Harrison began as a Tennessee Vol before making the move to Cincinnati. Harrison brings a track background and athleticism to the roster.
Additionally, Harrison brings more depth to a depleted roster, especially in the secondary. We expect Harrison to compete for starting snaps as he brings great upside with his addition. The 6’1, 180-pounder was part of an active recruiting weekend; we saw many prospects, including Harrison, on campus as the Razorback men’s basketball team hosted fellow SEC foe Tennessee.
Next, we find the first Memphis player to follow Silverfield to Fayetteville. Offensive lineman Malichi Breland brings starting snaps to Arkansas. The 340-pounder played primarily left guard while in Memphis and brings substantial size and experience to a position that needs improvement. Additionally, Breland has been with Silverfield since the 2023 season, so he can bring continuity to what is being focused on in the rebuild.
Appearing in 24 games over the past three seasons, Breland has elite talents in both pass and run blocking. He brings a plug-and-play option for the Razorbacks’ interior line to protect whomever the quarterback will be in 2026.
As we continue, we look to special teams, as there are new additions in this unit. In comes former Georgia State kicker Braeden McAlister, who was part of the massive weekend of hosting. Before Georgia State, Charlotte was the home of the strong-legged McAlister. With one year of eligibility, the newest kicker for Arkansas again will fill holes in the roster.
Known for his 60-yard, program record, field goal, McAlister has 97 touchbacks on 135 kickoff which Arkansas needs. In 2025, special teams were an issue for the Hogs, and this addition can bring stability to the unit.
Lastly, Silverfield continued to shore up the special teams as he added former Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert. The Memphis native was highly rated out of Lausanne Collegiate School and chose Knoxville as his initial home. After a freshman redshirt season, Gilbert took over as a starter in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In these seasons, Gilbert was the primary placekicker for the Vols and brings SEC level accuracy and leg strength, along with two seasons of eligibility to Arkansas.
Gilbert comes to Arkansas with a 77% career field goal percentage along with a perfect 114 /114 statline on extra points. For fans of the long ball, Gilbert is five of nine from 50 or more yards in his career. Silverfield again leveraged his connections in Memphis and familiarity with local talent to secure a talented in-state transfer.
Silverfield Shines Early
Between these impressive additions in the early portion of the portal window, the in-state recruitment flips, and Silverfield is shining early, according to some. With great promises of an “SEC-level” staff, the rebuild of Arkansas is a work in progress. The staff that has been assembled will need to continue to have a keen eye for talent and develop it within the confines of Arkansas.
How will this translate to the field? Well, we are months away from this answer, but the picture is coming together. As we continue to go “portaling” across the nation, Arkansas will need to continue to fill holes on the roster. This is perhaps the most critical offseason for the Razorbacks in the last ten to fifteen years, and this cannot be fumbled.
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