Running Wild, Arkansas Running Backs 

If we look across the SEC, we see many prolific offensive schemes, including those from the Arkansas Razorbacks. Under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, the offense has more of a “high-flying” style, yet this is only through the optics. When you deeply analyze the scheme of Petrino, it is predicated on the running game being successful. 

Running Wild, Arkansas Running Backs 

The usage of running backs in this offense brings us to the topic of this piece. With the 2025 season looming, we look at the running backs for the Razorbacks. In addition to the running ability of Taylen Green, quarterback for Arkansas, the Razorbacks have assembled a talented position room. 

Braylen Russell 

We begin the list of running backs for Arkansas with Braylen Russell. The running back entered the transfer portal twice last season, before ultimately deciding to stay with Arkansas. Russell spoke to this saga, stating that, “Through conversations with Coach Pitt, I’ve regained perspective,” in what was a wild off-season for Russell. 

On the field, the talent is seen despite not having a plethora of data to use. With great size, Russell looks to pound defenders with strength, combined with speed that surprises many. This will need to be the ‘perspective” taken by Russell in 2025 to remain on the field. We can only assume the 354 yards on 69 carries seen in 2024 will increase with Russell returning. Can he also increase his production, as he averaged 5.3 yards per rush and three touchdowns? In what is a stacked room, Russell needs to step forward as the bell cow back for Arkansas. 

AJ Green

We now look at the transfers entering the roster. We begin with another interesting story around the transfer portal and Arkansas, the one of AJ Green. The former Razorback comes back to Fayetteville from Oklahoma State, where he spent last season. The 2024 season for Green was spent rehabbing injuries while in Stillwater for the Cowboys.

In his most recent time at Arkansas, the 2023 season, Green rushed for 312 yards on 67 carries while averaging 4.7 yards per carry. In that season, Green also scored two touchdowns. The return to Arkansas could become fruitful for a speedy and well-sized Green under Petrino. With the depth, Green can provide stability throughout the season. 

Mike Washington Jr.

We close the group out with Mike Washington Jr, formerly of New Mexico State. The former Lobo brings talent and experience to the Arkansas roster. In his career, Washington has never had a turnover. This is something that fans should be aware of, as this cost Arkansas many games last season. For more context, in the six losses, Arkansas had a 15-1 deficit in this category. 

In addition to ball protection, Washington rushed for 725 yards on 157 carries last season. This, coupled with a 4.6 yards per carry average and eight touchdowns, means that Arkansas may have found a golden ticket. Will he become the starting running back? We are not sure as of yet. But, we can say that he will be utilized to the fullest extent if he can hold on to the ball for Arkansas. 

As we close, the players’ details will be key in the scheme for Arkansas. Who will come out as the “Man”? How will the remaining players be used? These are questions we will get answered as the season runs on.