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Fresno State transfer wide receiver signs with Arkansas

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Junior Fresno State wide receiver transfer Raylen Sharpe has signed with Arkansas, he announced Sunday.

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Texas native was a pass-catcher for two seasons (2022-23) at Missouri State under then-head coach Bobby Petrino, who is now the offensive coordinator for the Razorbacks.

In two years with the Bears, Sharpe caught 89 passes for 1,298 yards and eight touchdowns, which includes a 991-yard season in 2023. This past year for Fresno State, Sharpe made 51 grabs for 523 yards and three scores.

Sharpe's best performance came against former Razorback defensive coordinator and UNLV head coach Barry Odom on Sept. 28, as Sharpe totaled 10 receptions for 116 yards in the loss.

Be sure to follow along at The Trough premium message board for transfer portal updates and offseason recruiting information.

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OL Brooks Edmonson placed on scholarship

Redshirt sophomore out of Bryant is going on scholarship, I’ve confirmed.


2024 (REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE) Played on special teams during a loss at Missouri (Nov. 30) … Saw action in a win over Louisiana Tech (Nov. 23) … Played on special teams in a loss to Texas (Nov. 16) … Saw action on special teams vs. Ole Miss (Nov. 2) … Appeared in a win at Mississippi State (Oct. 26) … Played on special teams against LSU (Oct. 19) … Saw action in a win over No. 4 Tennessee (Oct. 5) … Played on special teams vs. Texas A&M (Sept. 28) … Played in a win at Auburn (Sept. 21) … Saw action at Oklahoma State (Sept. 7) and in season-opening win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Aug. 29).

2023 (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN):Earned playing time in 11 games during his second season, seeing the field in the team’s final 11 games … Primarily used on special teams as part of field goal/extra point protection … Saw action on the offensive line in victory vs. Florida International (Nov. 23)

2022 (FRESHMAN): Redshirted in his first season as a Razorback.

HIGH SCHOOL: Helped pave the way for a potent Bryant offense that led the Hornets to 42 straight wins and four straight Class 7A state titles … Originally committed to Princeton before accepting preferred walk-on offer with Arkansas … Blocked for Bryant QB Austin Ledbetter, who pitched for the Razorbacks before joining the football team as a quarterback in the spring of 2024.

Razorbacks' balanced offense overpowers UCA

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The Arkansas Razorbacks (9-2, 0-0 SEC) were firing on all cylinders in their 82-57 win over the Central Arkansas Bears (2-8, 0-0 ASUN) on Saturday, with points coming from up and down the roster.

The Razorbacks shot a season-high 60% from the field and 45% from deep, and the production didn't just come from one or two players. Six Razorbacks finished the game with double-digit scoring and all but one contributor — center Zvonimir Ivisic — saw at least one shot go down.

Boogie Fland dropped 16, D.J. Wagner finished with 13 points that included three triples to go along with six assists, Karter Knox scored 14, Trevon Brazile added 11, Jonas Aidoo scored 13 and Johnell Davis scored 11.

Everyone played their part well, and Arkansas head coach John Calipari said he used a baseball analogy to explain what he wanted out of his team.

"I’m trying to convince these guys, like Karter (Knox), singles, I don’t need grand slam home runs," Calipari said after the game. "If you don’t have something, let’s just move the ball. I had to do some stuff today to get us to move the ball from one side of the court to the other, structured motion. Just move it. And then we play."

The Razorbacks manufactured points from a variety of players, and they did that with crisp, clean ball movement that ended with open shots off assists, which Arkansas had 23 of in the game to just 12 turnovers.

"They're more comfortable in their own skin," Calipari said of the difference in his team's ability to run an effective offense. "That's what the difference is."

Fland led the way in both the scoring and assist category with his 16 points and had nine assists, the most in his young collegiate career.

"Just having fun out there and just finding my guys," Fland said postgame. "We all were in double figures. To see that, that was just big for me. I wish I would’ve got the double-double. It didn’t happen. Hopefully next game."

The battle down low was a major advantage for Arkansas, even without Adou Thiero, who did not play due to illness. The Hogs won the rebound battle 36-22 and scored 44 of their 82 points in the paint. Aidoo was a perfect 6-of-6 from the field.

ALSO READ: Takeaways from Arkansas' win over Central Arkansas

"He’s not at full strength yet," Calipari said of Aidoo, who missed extended time in the offseason due to injury. "But he gives you a physical presence. He was an all-conference player. You’re not talking about just another guy. You’re talking about a 6-10, all-conference player."

Trevon Brazile also had his way on Saturday with his 11 points to go along with seven rebounds, three of which were offensive boards. His performance was a welcome sight for Calipari, who decided to sit Thiero in favor of Brazile.

It was the second game in a row that Brazile has been a major contributor, and Calipari heaped praise on the third-year Missouri transfer for his resilience.

"I'm really proud of him, he's been through a lot," Calipari said. "He wanted to play for me. He came to me and said, 'I want to meet with you.' I'm holding him to a high standard. But you know, I told him he's being treated with respect and that I think again, that's part of the reason it's coming out. Like he is really– there's even more in him than he's shown us."

The Razorbacks won't have a midweek game and will be back on the floor next Saturday when they host North Carolina A&T at Bud Walton Arena. Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m. and the game will air on the SEC Network.
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great win from start to finish

yes uca is not good but going from start to finish dominating is a great sign, first time we’ve done that

how about TB playing as hard as he ever has, absolute getting used correctly, can’t wait to see how he grows, love how he is our 6th man
6 players in double figures
almost 50% from 3
karter knox really coming into his own, he’s really starting to come into his own.
DJ boogie and nelly are special
we’re getting better, can’t wait to see where we are in march
9-2 WOO PIG

Oklahoma transfer cornerback Kani Walker signs with Arkansas

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Redshirt junior Oklahoma cornerback transfer Kani Walker has signed to Arkansas, the team announced Saturday.

A 6-foot-2, 206-pound redshirt junior, Walker totaled 24 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception and six pass breakups for the Sooners in 2024. For his career, Walker has racked up 52 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions and 10 defended passes.

According to Pro Football Focus, Walker finished the 2024 season with a 62.3 defensive grade, a 69.5 run defense grade, a 60.7 tackling grade and a 60.3 coverage grade on 424 snaps.

Originally a Louisville signee in the class of 2021, the Georgia native transferred to Oklahoma ahead of the 2022 season.

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Arkansas lands junior college cornerback Keshawn Davila

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Northwest Mississippi Community College sophomore cornerback Keshawn Davila has committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks, he announced Saturday.

A 6-foot-1, 170-pound native of Florida, Davila totaled 22 tackles, one tackle for loss, nine defended passes and three interceptions in nine games for the Rangers during the 2024 season.

Davila chose the Razorbacks over offers from programs like Kentucky, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Arizona State, Michigan State, Washington, Florida and others.

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As a freshman in 2023, Davila totaled 35 tackles, six tackles for loss, two pass breakup, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a sack to help Northwest Mississippi C.C. finish with a 7-3 overall record and an appearance in the MACCC Playoffs.

Following his commitment, the Hogs now have seven projected cornerbacks for the 2025 roster, according to HawgBeat's count.

Be sure to tune in to The Trough premium message board for updates on Arkansas football's offseason recruiting action.

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SEC Bball ranking of teams

Analyzing the SEC (for kicks)

In seasons where I have an interest (ie when we have a team that doesn't completely suck), I often take a look at the competition to try and gauge where we seem to fit in. With only a couple of games left before conference play kicks off (and because this is one of those years of.... interest), I wanted to take a look at the SEC teams and take a stab at where everyone stands. I have watched at least one game with each of these teams except for Vandy, Georgia, and MO. Based on current records, I will go in order:
  1. Florida 9-0 This team has zero games against Quad 1 in the NET rankings, and only 2 games in Quad 2. Still, they are ranked number 8 in the NET. They rebound really well. Not sure what to think of them. They could boom or bust.
  2. Oklahoma 9-0 44th ranked OK has 1 Q1 win to go with their 2 Q2 wins. I’m thinking NET is GIGO right now, and a bit surprised it is still this far off after 9 to 10 games under the belt.
  3. Tennessee 9-0 I believe TN deserves top 10 status right now, but number 1 ranked? Probably a stretch. They have 2 Q1 wins, lead the nation in FG%, and their offense is consistently deadly. Definitely a contender.
  4. Kentucky 9-1 Q1 games are 2-1 with all 3 being ranked. Impressive, especially with it being a complete roster overhaul. They vacuum up rebounds like a machine. SEC title contender.
  5. Vandy 9-1 Only 1 game against a lower Q1 team, and they blew it. Not one of the stronger Vandy teams of late.
  6. Auburn 8-1 Q1 record is 4-1 with 3 of those ranked. They look dangerous on TV, but so does TN and Kentucky. If they win against ranked Purdue on 21st, slight advantage for SEC title. They look good.
  7. Georgia 8-1 Georgia shoots well, but not enough evidence to take them seriously yet. They will upset someone here and there.
  8. LSU 8-1 Really weak schedule so far, and they shoot like crap. They will likely be one of the few breaks for NCAA bound SEC teams.
  9. MS 8-1 Lost a close game against ranked Purdue. Very weak schedule otherwise. Another upset for contenders to look out for.
  10. MSU 8-1 2-0 vs Q1, but no ranked wins and they lost to a Q2 team. Ouch.
  11. MO 8-1 This team shoots well, and since the 1st game loss at Memphis by 8, they keep getting better. Beat Kansas by 9 in their last outing. Darkhorse material that could climb the ladder to contender, or fall down. Not sure what their bench depth is.
  12. Arkansas 8-2 After a somewhat slow start, this team has steadily improved and risen to 17th nationally in shooting. The game at TN on Jan 4th will be big. If they figure out how to defend the 3, and consistently shoot well, they could climb to darkhorse quickly.
  13. Texas 8-2 Decent performance, shoots well, but Q1 is 0-2. 5 of their wins are Q4. When I watched them, they look average to slightly above.
  14. A$M 8-2 Plays Purdue next. Maybe Purdue wants in the SEC? This team looks okay on TV. Probably going to NCAA Tourney.
  15. Alabama 7-2 Has some impressive and athletic players, but doesn’t look like the same Alabama teams that have been recently successful. A lot of upside, though.
  16. SC 6-3 Not a good team right now. Could play their way up, but I don't expect it this year.

TIER 1 competing for SEC Title
Auburn, TN, Kentucky

TIER 2 darkhorse for SEC Title
Alabama, MO

TIER 3 NCAA Tourney likely
Arkansas, Georgia, A$M, Texas, Florida

TIER 4 Will win a few they shouldn’t, but not likely to be consistent, NCAA Bubble
OM, MSU

TIER 5 Not their best year this time around
LSU, Vandy, SC

This is all just my opinion of where things appear to stand currently, and by no means absolute. Many factors can change the pecking order. Injuries. Attitude. Chemistry coming together. I am a little jealous that Kentucky did a complete roster rebuild, and kind of looks better this year than they did last year. This league has gotten so much better. 10 or more years ago, the same teams in Tier 3 would have been contenders probably. The transformation is incredible.

Takeaways from Arkansas' win over Central Arkansas

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The Arkansas Razorbacks (9-2, 0-0 SEC) never trailed in an 82-57 win over the Central Arkansas Bears (2-8, 0-0 ASUN) on Saturday at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock.

Arkansas' offense was efficient and well-rounded, as six players scored in double figures. As a team, the Razorbacks shot 60% from the field (a season-high) and 45% from deep.

Freshman point guard Boogie Fland led all scorers with 16 points and flirted with a double-double as he finished with nine assists, which is the most in his young college career so far.

The Razorbacks' size and length overwhelmed the Bears, who shot just 33.3% from the field. UCA turned the ball over nine times in the contest and Arkansas scored 11 points off those.

That length also proved to be an advantage on the boards and at the rim for the Razorbacks, who out rebounded UCA 36-22 and blocked nine shots. Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile led in both of those categories as he had five blocks and seven rebounds.

Here's some of HawgBeat's takeaways from the win...

Arkansas' offensive onslaught​


The Razorbacks had no problem scoring against UCA, and shot a season-high 60% from the floor. Six Razorbacks — Jonas Aidoo, Trevon Brazile, Boogie Fland, Johnell Davis, D.J. Wagner and Karter Knox — scored in double figures, and Fland led all scorers in the game with 16.

Arkansas also connected on nine of its 20 shots from deep, and both Davis and Wagner connected on three a piece.

One piece that was vital to Arkansas' offensive success was ball movement. The Razorbacks finished with 23 assists on 33 made baskets and they didn't take very many ill-advised shots.

"I’m trying to convince these guys, like Karter, singles, I don’t need grand slam home runs," Arkansas head coach John Calipari said postgame. "If you don’t have something, let’s just move the ball. I had to do some stuff today to get us to move the ball from one side of the court to the other, structured motion. Just move it. And then we play."

Big men feast down low​


Arkansas had a major size advantage in the game, and it showed in the post. The Razorbacks out rebounded the Bears 36-22, and Brazile had the most in the game with seven. His length also allowed him to finish the game with a team-high five blocks.

Arkansas forward Billy Richmond finished with five, three of which were offensive boards. He was only 2-of-4 in the game but both of those buckets came directly off offensive rebounds.

In regards to offense down low, Aidoo finished with 13 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting. He had a major size advantage and used his length to block two shots.

As a team, the Razorbacks had 44 of their 82 points in the paint and had 11 second-chance points as well.

Arkansas' fast start leads to no drama in Little Rock​


Over the last few years, Arkansas has had letdowns in Little Rock, like when they beat Lipscomb last year by three, and a 89-81 upset loss to Hofstra in 2021. Coming off an adrenaline-filled win over Michigan on Tuesday, there was no letdown for the Razorbacks on Saturday.

Arkansas led from start to finish. The Hogs had a fast start, something that has been lacking in previous games, and jumped out to an early 9-2 lead less than three minutes into the game.

That lead swelled to 20 by the time the two teams went to the locker room, and Arkansas' defense in the second half stifled any possible opportunity for the Bears to even make the game competitive.

The most notable thing about Saturday's win was it didn't require theatrics in the second half. Arkansas has had issues with bipolar halves where the team needed a spark in the second half to pull away, but that wasn't a concern against UCA.

Arkansas beats UCA at Simmons Bank Arena

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The Arkansas Razorbacks dominated for 40 minutes in an 82-57 in-state win over the Central Arkansas Bears on Saturday at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock.

Fresh off a win over No. 14 Michigan at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Tuesday, the Razorbacks shots 60.0% from the field and out-rebounded the Bears, 36-22. Arkansas scored 44 points in the paint, logged 23 assists and had nine blocks as a team.

Six different Razorbacks scored double-digit points, including forward Trevon Brazile, who logged 11 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. Freshman guard Boogie Fland added a team-high 16 points, nine assists, five rebounds and five steals.

UCA was held to a 25.0% mark from behind the arc and it shot 33.3% as a team from the field. The Bears were out-scored by 26 points in the paint and they had zero fastbreak points compared to 21 by the Razorbacks.

The Arkansas Razorbacks dominated for 40 minutes in an 82-57 in-state win over the Central Arkansas Bears on Saturday at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock.

Fresh off a win over No. 14 Michigan at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Tuesday, the Razorbacks shots 60.0% from the field and out-rebounded the Bears, 36-22. Arkansas scored 44 points in the paint, logged 23 assists and had nine blocks as a team.

Six different Razorbacks scored double-digit points, including forward Trevon Brazile, who logged 11 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. Freshman guard Boogie Fland added a team-high 16 points, nine assists, five rebounds and five steals.

UCA was held to a 25.0% mark from behind the arc and it shot 33.3% as a team from the field. The Bears were out-scored by 26 points in the paint and they had zero fastbreak points compared to 21 by the Razorbacks.

Arkansas vs. Central Arkansas

From @DanielFair

The Arkansas Razorbacks (8-2, 0-0 SEC) will have be away from Bud Walton Arena for the second time in two games on Saturday as they are set to take on the Central Arkansas Bears (2-7, 0-0 ASUN) at Simmons Bank Arena.

Arkansas picked up a statement 89-87 win over the Michigan Wolverines on Tuesday, amidst the glitz and glamor of Madison Square Garden. The Hogs erased a 15-point deficit and also saw their own 18-point lead dwindle late in the game, but stifling defense pushed the Razorbacks to a win.

UCA is 2-7 on the season, with wins over Randall University (National Christian College Athletic Association D2) and North Carolina-Asheville. The Bears are in the midst of a three-game losing streak with losses to Georgia Tech, Little Rock and Arkansas-Pine Bluff in recent weeks.

This is the ninth time the Razorbacks and Bears will face off and Arkansas has a perfect 8-0 record against them. Six of the meetings came in the 1920s, '30s and '40s, and the other two came in 2020 (100-75 Razorbacks win) and 2021 (97-60 Razorbacks win).

In Little Rock, Arkansas has an 18-10 overall record. Last year, the Razorbacks downed Lipscomb 69-66 at Simmons Bank Arena.

Below are details on how to watch, links to stream, BetSaracen odds and prop bets, and links to all of our coverage leading up to the game...

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How to Watch/Listen​

Who: Arkansas Razorbacks (8-2, 0-0 SEC) vs Central Arkansas Bears (2-7, 0-0 ASUN)

When: Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. CT

Where: Little Rock, Arkansas — Simmons Bank Arena

TV/Stream: SEC Network+/ESPN+

Radio:
Learfield Razorback Sports Network(Chuck Barrett and Matt Zimmerman)
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BetSaracen Lines, Odds, Player Props​

Below are details on the betting odds for the game and Double R Prop bets. To get in on the action, visit BetSaracen.com and click on the Arkansas Specials tab.

(Lines and odds are subject to change at any point after the publishing of this story. HawgBeat does not guarantee any bet as a winner or loser. You must be at least 21 years of age to use BetSaracen. If you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net)

*All odds accurate as of the publishing of this story. They are subject to change.*


Money Line
Arkansas (-10000)
UCA (+1100)

Spread
Arkansas (-23.5)
UCA (+23.5

Total Points
Over/Under 148.5
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Catch Up On HawgBeat's Arkansas Basketball Coverage​

- Analyzing importance behind Arkansas’ win over Michigan
- Postgame Grades: Analyzing Arkansas’ win over Michigan
- Boogie Fland puts on for hometown in win over No. 14 Michigan
- Takeaways from Arkansas' exciting win over Michigan

- Arkansas knocks off No. 14 Michigan at Madison Square Garden
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Former Razorbacks transferring to SEC rivals

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Two former Razorbacks will transfer to rival Southeastern Conference foes, they announced Saturday.

Sophomore tight end Luke Hasz and sophomore linebacker Brad Spence announced their intentions to transfer to Ole Miss and Texas, respectively. Hasz joins two other former Hogs who are transferring to Ole Miss in cornerback Jaylon Braxton and offensive lineman Patrick Kutas.

A former four-star prospect from Bixby, Oklahoma, Hasz caught 26 passes for 324 yards and four touchdowns in 2024. As a freshman a year ago, he made 16 grabs for 253 yards and three scores in just five games.

Ironically, Hasz' best performance of the 2024 campaign came against the Rebels — a five-reception, 77-yard, touchdown outing in a 63-31 loss.

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A native of Houston, Texas, Spence committed to the Longhorns following an official visit to the program. He totaled 54 tackles, six tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks for the Razorbacks in 12 games this season.

Spence chose Arkansas out of high school over offers from programs like Arizona State, Colorado, Duke, Mississippi State, Missouri, SMU, Texas and others.

Be sure to follow along at The Trough premium message board for updates on Arkansas' offseason recruiting action.

Saturday morning portal recap, visitors

**SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE***

Let's start with who HawgBeat has confirmed has/will be visiting:

~ NWMS TE Zach Atkins - Visited Thursday. Still has trips to South Carolina and Colorado coming up. Already visited Ole Miss.
~ Fresno St. WR Raylen Sharpe - Visited Thursday. Has a trip to Tulane up next.
~ Oregon OT Jac'Qawn McRoy - Visited Thursday (COMMITTED)
~ Southern Miss. S Will James - Visited Thursday (On commit watch)
~ Oklahoma CB Kani Walker - Visited Thursday (COMMITTED)
~ North Texas WR DT Sheffield - Visited Friday, will visit Rutgers Monday
~ New Mexico RB Eli Sanders - Visited Friday (On commit watch)
~ Michigan State DE Ken Talley - Visited Friday (On commit watch)
~ Miami (OH) CB Raion Strader - Visited Friday
~ Oklahoma WR JJ Hester - Visited Friday
~ Texas State RB Ismail Mahdi - Visiting this weekend
~ Texas A&M TE Jaden Platt - Visiting this weekend
~ Northern Illinois CB Santana Banner - Have reason to believe he's visiting this weekend
~ Abilene Christian DT David Oke - Visiting Saturday-Monday
~ UCF C Caden Kitler - Visiting Sunday
~ Georgia Tech OT Corey Robinson II - Visiting Sunday-Tuesday
~ Miss. State WR JJ Harrell - Will visit next week
~ Ole Miss OT Kavion Broussard - Will visit Dec. 19
~ Baylor OT Alvin Ebosele - Visiting Dec. 20

Keeping an eye on...

~ La. Tech DT David Blay - Told by agent that a visit isn't planned...yet
~ Wisconsin DE James Thompson Jr. - Coach told me yesterday that they were working on a visit
~ Texas WR Johntay Cook - Has talked to Arkansas, will lmk when a visit is planned
~ Wake Forest OG Nick Sharpe - Told me he was working on planning a visit
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