Arkansas has big shoes to fill at the wide receiver position after losing their top nine pass catchers from last season. Most notably Andrew Armstrong, who led the SEC in receiving yards last year. To rebuild the receiving corps, Arkansas added seven wideouts through the transfer portal this offseason.
Transfer Portal Gets
O’Mega Blake
Blake was ranked the No. 24 wide receiver in the portal by 247Sports and was the highest-rated pass catcher to commit to Arkansas. The redshirt senior began his career at South Carolina, where he played from 2021 to 2023 and recorded 20 catches for 251 yards and two touchdowns. In 2024, Blake transferred to Charlotte, where he led the 49ers in receiving with 795 yards and nine touchdowns on 32 receptions, averaging 24.8 yards per catch. The 6-foot-2 senior could be the Razorbacks’ deep-ball threat thanks to his size, speed and body control.
Courtney Crutchfield
Crutchfield should be a familiar name to fans. The Pine Bluff native was a four-star wideout in the Class of 2024 and played in the All-American Bowl. He initially signed with Missouri over Arkansas but transferred to Fayetteville after seeing little playing time with the Tigers. As a high school senior, Crutchfield posted 1,248 yards and 17 touchdowns on 50 receptions, averaging 25 yards per catch. He will look to earn playing time and prove why he was such a highly sought-after recruit.
Raylen Sharpe
Sharpe began his college career at Houston but did not record a stat. He then transferred to Missouri State, where he spent two seasons, before joining Fresno State in 2024. At Missouri State, he caught 89 passes for 1,298 yards and eight touchdowns. Last season at Fresno State, he was third on the team in receiving with 523 yards and three touchdowns on 51 catches. Sharpe brings valuable experience to the Arkansas receiver room.
Ismael Cisse
Cisse was a top-10 recruit in Colorado and helped lead Cherry Creek High School to four consecutive state championships. He spent two seasons at Stanford, redshirting in 2023 after appearing in just two games. Last season, he played in all 12 games and finished with 26 receptions for 241 yards and two touchdowns.
Jalen Brown
Brown was a four-star prospect and the No. 14 wide receiver in the 2023 class, according to 247Sports. At Gulliver Prep in Florida, he caught 111 passes for 2,396 yards and 25 touchdowns and added 797 kick return yards. He initially committed to LSU but appeared in just three games and was redshirted. In 2024, he transferred to Florida State, where he started two games and finished with eight catches for 75 yards. Brown is another high-upside talent looking to make a name for himself with the Hogs.
Andy Jean
The Florida native and former Gator brings more SEC experience to Arkansas. Jean was ranked No. 71 in Florida and the No. 57 wide receiver in the 2023 class by 247Sports. As a freshman at Florida, he caught six passes for 97 yards and had two kickoff returns for 44 yards while preserving his redshirt. He appeared in one game in 2024 before transferring to Pitt for spring practice, eventually landing at Arkansas.
Kam Shanks
Shanks had a breakout season at UAB with 1,035 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns. He redshirted in 2023 after playing four games as a returner. In 2024, he posted 656 receiving yards on 62 catches with six touchdowns, finishing second on the team in both categories. He was the top punt returner in the nation with 329 yards, a 20.6-yard average and two touchdowns. The 5-foot-8 speedster adds versatility and explosive playmaking to the Razorbacks’ offense.
The Razorbacks will look to build on a passing offense that ranked fifth in the SEC last season under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino and quarterback Taylen Green. The Hogs used the portal to bring in a mix of veteran production and young talent with potential. Now, Arkansas and Petrino will have to put the pieces together to keep the offense moving through the air in the 2025 season.