As the transfer portal continues to reshape college football, the rise of “revenge games” is becoming a hot topic, and Arkansas football is set for a fiery 2025 season. With 30 players transferring out, including many heading to Arkansas’ fiercest rivals, the Hogs will face a string of emotional matchups.
Historically, these revenge games were a rarity, but the growing trend of players defecting to rival programs is creating new rivalries. Notable past examples include quarterback Ty Storey leading Western Kentucky to a stunning 45-19 victory over Arkansas in 2019, and kicker Cole Hedlund helping North Texas upset the Hogs during the Chad Morris era.
In 2024, the Hogs faced Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr., a notable Arkansas defector who dominated with six tackles in a 63-31 win over the Razorbacks. Other former Razorbacks like defensive end Collin Clay and running back AJ Green played for Oklahoma State, contributing to another painful loss for Arkansas.
The 2025 season promises even more revenge-fueled battles, with Paul and three other ex-Hogs suiting up for Ole Miss, Brad Spence joining Texas, and Ty Washington heading to Notre Dame. The influx of former players wearing rival colors is stoking fiery emotions, and some current Razorback players, like Fernando Carmona Jr., have even exchanged trash talk instead of well wishes.
A few standout transfer departures heading to rivals include:
Jaylon Braxton, Patrick Kutas, and Luke Hasz to Ole Miss: These key players—Braxton (a defensive back), Kutas (an offensive lineman), and Hasz (a tight end)—will provide significant competition in 2025, especially Hasz, who felt underutilized at Arkansas and will be looking for revenge in Oxford.
Malachi Singleton, Alex Sanford, and Carson Dean to Purdue: This trio is following former Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom to the Big Ten. Singleton, eager to start after strong performances, including a game-winning drive against Tennessee, joins Sanford and Dean under Odom’s new regime.
With so many players returning as rivals, Arkansas’ 2025 schedule will be packed with high-stakes, personal matchups that will have fans on the edge of their seats.
