Ryan Silverfield wastes no time bringing top Memphis talent to Arkansas

Sutton Smith is following Ryan Silverfield to Arkansas. Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ryan Silverfield wasting no time bringing top Memphis talent to Arkansas

By Samuel Stubbs | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 10:25 PM ET

Arkansas head coach Ryan Silverfield has wasted little time getting down to business in the transfer portal.

Silverfield, who became Arkansas' head coach on Nov. 30 after six seasons at the head coach at the University of Memphis, has already gotten three former Tigers to follow him across the Mississippi River to the Natural State.

Ryan Silverfield making moves

Perhaps the most notable of the bunch is quarterback AJ Hill, who had offers from the likes of Notre Dame, Alabama and Georgia out of high school before he chose Memphis.

Former Memphis QB AJ Hill is committing to Arkansas, he tells ESPN. Hill is a former Top 100 ESPN recruit in the class of 2025. He’ll have four seasons of eligibility remaining. pic.twitter.com/3nYwifCRUc
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 5, 2026

The freshman from Warner Robins, Ga., completed 19 of his 32 passes for 223 yards, one touchdown and one interception in two appearances in 2025. After the departure of Arkansas QB's Grayson Wilson and Trever Jackson - both of whom entered the transfer portal — Hill's addition is a big one for a Razorback squad that only had one QB in KJ Jackson committed for 2026 prior to Hill's signing.

Silverfield also managed to lure one of Memphis' most potent offensive players from 2025 to northwest Arkansas. Running back Sutton Smith committed to UA on Monday evening.

Arkansas has landed a commitment from Memphis running back transfer Sutton Smith, his agent @AliBarnes_DSG tells @CBSSports.

Led Memphis with 669 rushing yards this season. Averaged 6.6 yards per carry, had seven rushing touchdowns and also tallied 20 catches. pic.twitter.com/UzxT7PlvVs
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 6, 2026

Smith ran for 669 yards (6.6 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns in 2025, including a career-high 147 yards and the game-winning touchdown against Arkansas on Sept. 20. In four years at Memphis, he totaled 1,116 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground, as well as 44 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns.

The explosive Smith was also used in the return game by the Tigers, returning 15 punts for 125 yards and 30 kickoffs for 714 yards and a touchdown.

Finally, Memphis wide receiver Jamari Hawkins committed to UA. Hawkins played at Memphis for three years but broke out in 2025, catching 38 passes for 623 yards and two touchdowns.

Memphis WR transfer Jamari Hawkins has signed with Arkansas, @mzenitz and I have learned for @CBSSports.

Hawkins caught 38 passes for 623 yards and 2 TDs this year as a junior. https://t.co/FsBiXojYi7 pic.twitter.com/87gZY0An0B
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 5, 2026

All three players will have the opportunity to play under a pair of familiar faces in Silverfield and offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey, who also followed Silverfield across the I-55 bridge to Arkansas.

Samuel Stubbs

Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024. He has been a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) since October of 2024. When he’s not writing about racing, Samuel covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker

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