The tight end position is shaping up to be a strong group for the Arkansas Razorbacks, with Luke Hasz and Ty Washington leading the way. After suffering similar injuries that cut their seasons short in 2023, the duo developed quite the bond this offseason and look forward to turning the shared struggle into a positive this fall.
After entering his freshman season with massive expectations, Hasz was was well on his way to surpassing all of them before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury against Texas A&M in Week 5. The Bixby (Okla.) native hauled in 16 receptions for 253 yards and three touchdowns, and he was coming off a 116-yard, two-touchdown performance on the road at LSU when the broken clavicle took place.
In his absence, Washington began to emerge as a real threat in the Arkansas offense. The Leesburg (Ga.) native broke onto the scene with seven receptions for 90 yards in his first career start against Ole Miss on Oct. 7 and appeared on his way to another big game with two quick receptions against Florida on Nov. 4 before suffering a broken collarbone.
After struggling to process the unfortunate manner in which his season ended, Washington had the unique luxury of having a close ally next to him that had just undergone a near identical situation.
“I know me and Luke talked a little bit because I started to get a little bit depressed here and there after I got hurt,” Washington said. “And I knew he went through the same thing a little bit and just working from that standpoint.
“We got hurt on the same play, the same route. It was almost the same drive, third play of the game. We just had to work through it together. Coming back from it, I know my injury was longer than his, our physical trainers were great and stuff. They were always there for us physically and mentally.”
While both guys had different plans for the season, both from an individual and team standpoint, Hasz feels he and Washington were able to make the most of the unique circumstances, which should prepare them nicely for pivotal roles in the Razorback offense this fall.
“It was kind of a cool coincidence,” Hasz said. “You could tell it kind of happened for a reason with both of us getting hurt because we were able to come together, get closer and talk about things, things we can work on and look forward to.
“I think it just created our bond together, and the tight end room’s bond is stronger. I think we just had a great time working back, and we’re both just excited to get back out there.”
The Arkansas Razorbacks will open the 2025 season on Thursday, Aug. 29 against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions inside War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock (Ark.). Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. (CT) and will be televised nationally on ESPNU.