FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas football’s roster turnover under coach Ryan Silverfield continued with an 11th-hour move Sunday, Aug. 16.
Safety Caleb Wooden is joining the Razorbacks’ roster for the 2026 season. Wooden confirmed to the Southwest Times Record on Sunday, Aug. 16 he will begin practicing later this week. The university has not made an announcement and he is not currently on the official roster.
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Wooden was out of eligibility until a recent injunction from a federal court ruled all high school class of 2022 athletes who exhausted their fourth season of college eligibility this spring are eligible for a fifth season in 2026-27. He spent the 2025 campaign in Fayetteville after playing the first three seasons of his career at Auburn.
Wooden finished with 59 total tackles, three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries last year at Arkansas. He started 11 games.
Here’s what Wooden’s addition means for the Razorbacks this fall
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Cade Trotter (10) scrambles during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Cade Trotter (10) scrambles during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back TJ Hodges (22) runs after a reception during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Ryan Silverfield talks to his team after the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Ryan Silverfield talks to his team after the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback AJ Hill (2) throws a pass during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas football projected 2026 depth chart after spring practices
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Jamari Hawkins (9) tries to escape the grasp of defensive back Nsongbeh Ginyui (15) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Jasper Parker (21) takes the handoff from quarterback Braeden Fuller (16) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Ryan Silverfield looks over to the sidelines during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Ty Lockwood (85) sit tackled by defensive back LaMarcus Hicks II (27) and defensive lineman Trent Sellers (43) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver CJ Brown (3) makes a reception and goes on to score a touchdown during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver CJ Brown (3) jumps over defensive back Landon Phipps (32) and goes on to score a touchdown during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks kicker Braeden McAlister (39) watches his extra point kick from holder Charlie Von Der Meden (46) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Josiah Clemons (79) blocks defensive lineman Charlie Collins (9) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Cade Trotter (10) looks to throw a pass during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Carey Clayton (55) points during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jackson (7) throws the ball on the sidelines during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Ryan Silverfield points during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Cam Settles (27) tries to get around linebacker Ben Bogle (44) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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What we saw from Arkansas football quarterbacks at spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jackson (7) gets ready to throw a pass during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Cam Settles (27) tries to get around defensive back LaMarcus Hicks II (27) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Secondary pecking order revealed at Arkansas football’s third fall camp practice
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Khmori House (6) celebrates after breaking up a pass play during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Dequane Prevo (80) is tackled by defensive back Christian Harrison (1) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback AJ Hill (2) looks to throw the ball during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Josiah Clemons (79) blocks as defensive lineman Trent Sellers (43) rushes in during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Miguel Mitchell (24) breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Donovan Faupel (8) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Nsongbeh Ginyui (15) intercepts a pass and goes on to score a touchdown during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks kicker Braeden McAlister (39) kicks extra point from holder Charlie Von Der Meden (46) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Cade Trotter (10) gets ready to pass the ball during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Braeden Fuller (16) gets ready to throw a pass during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Braylen Russell (0) is tackled by linebacker Ben Bogle (44) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Braylen Russell (0) takes a handoff from quarterback AJ Hill (2) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Ian Williams (23) tackles running back Jasper Parker (21) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks kicker Braeden McAlister (39) attempts a field goal from holder Charlie Von Der Meden (46) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Cam Settles (27) runs the ball during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back TJ Hodges (22) runs the ball during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Ryan Silverfield looks over his players during warmups before the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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3 concerns we still have for Arkansas football after spring practices
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Adam Hawkes (54) blocks defensive lineman Steven Soles Jr. (35) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Josiah Clemons (79) blocks defensive lineman Hunter Osborne (0) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jackson (7) throws a pass over linebacker Bradley Shaw (7) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Members of the Arkansas Razorbacks band “calls the hogs” before the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks kicker Max Gilbert (30) kicks an extra point from holder Gavin Rush (37) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Adam Hawkes (54) and offensive lineman Aaron Smith (65) block as defensive lineman Trajen Odom (28) rushes during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jackson (7) hands off to running back TJ Hodges (22) as running back Sutton Smith (5) crosses in front to block during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Christian Harrison (1) kneels before the start of the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Antonio Jordan (19) is tackled by defensive back Jahiem Johnson (20) and defensive back Ian Williams (23) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jackson (7) rolls out to pass during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas football SEC game time windows released for 2026 season
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Ryan Silverfield looks on during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Jasper Parker (21) runs the ball during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman David Oke (92) gets ready to play in the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Xadavien Sims (88) drops back into coverage during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jackson (7) throws the ball on the sidelines during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Who shined during goal-line drills at Arkansas football’s 5th practice?
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Cam Settles (27) takes a handoff from quarterback AJ Hill (2) during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas football stadium naming rights financial details revealed | Report
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; The Arkansas Razorbacks take the field for the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
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Check out photos from Arkansas football’s spring game
Apr 25, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Josiah Clemons (79) blocks as defensive lineman Hunter Osborne (0) rushes in during the spring game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
(Brett Rojo, Imagn Images)
Where does Caleb Wooden project on Arkansas football depth chart?
It remains to be seen how quickly Wooden can reacclimatize to college football, but he brings depth to a safety position that lacks Power 4 experience.
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Returnee Miguel Mitchell and Cincinnati transfer Christian Harrison have spent the entire fall camp running as the first-team safeties. Silverfield sang Harrison’s praises after the scrimmage Sunday.
“I think (Harrison) has a chance to be the heartbeat of our defense with some of the stuff he can do,” Silverfield said. “He’s smart. He’s savvy.”
Wooden will try to join that duo as the three primary safeties for Arkansas. The other options who have worked the most with the second-team defense in fall camp are Kyeaure Magloire, Ian Williams and Tay Lockett. Magloire is a transfer from West Georgia, while Williams followed Silverfield from Memphis. Lockett is a freshman from Conway High School.
Caleb Wooden’s familiarity in the system
Arkansas defensive coordinator Ron Roberts worked with Wooden in 2023 while Roberts was at Auburn. Wooden played in 12 games with two starts that season, totaling 15 tackles and one interception.
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According to Pro Football Focus, Wooden’s 76.6 grade under Roberts was the highest single-season rating of his career.
That Auburn defense ranked 47th in yards allowed per game (357.2) and 43rd in points allowed per game (22.6).
Struggles of 2025
In Wooden’s lone season at Arkansas, the Hogs had one of the worst secondaries in the country.
He, Mitchell and Larry Worth III were the three primary safeties as the Razorbacks ranked 104th in passing defense. Arkansas allowed 22 touchdowns with six interceptions and gave up more than 250 yards passing in five games.
It’s fair to be concerned about the Hogs’ secondary if the coaching staff feels like it needs to add someone who was part of last year’s struggles, but Arkansas will hope the presence of Harrison and a better defensive scheme translate to an improved secondary with Wooden on the roster.
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Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: What Caleb Wooden’s addition means for Arkansas football 2026 defense
