The Arkansas Razorbacks travel to Austin this Saturday to reignite an old Southwest Conference rivalry. Not much has gone right for the last-place Razorbacks this season in the Southeastern Conference, but they still have playmakers that the Longhorns will need to keep an eye on.
Junior defensive lineman Quincy Rhodes Jr. – #97
Quincy Rhodes Jr. had hefty expectations when he arrived in Fayetteville three years ago. The four-star prospect was the No. 1 player in Arkansas and the No. 25 ranked defensive lineman in the class of 2023, according to 247 Sports.
It took Rhodes Jr. three years to get going at Arkansas, only logging one sack and 16 total tackles across his first two seasons. However, he has broken out this year.
The 6-foot-6-inch, 275-pound behemoth is equipped with a veritable repertoire of pass-rush moves and a knack for closing gaps quickly. His eight sacks this season are good for 11th-most in the Football Bowl Subdivision, while his 15 tackles-for-loss rank fifth.
After giving up three sacks to Georgia last week, the Longhorns will need to keep an eye on Rhodes Jr. if they want to keep sophomore quarterback Arch Manning clean in the pocket.
Redshirt senior defensive back Julian Neal – #23
After transferring to his third team in as many years, Julian Neal has found a home in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Neal possesses a lengthy 6-foot-2-inch, 208-pound frame that he uses to overpower receivers as a press-man corner. Physicality is the name of Neal’s game and his size allows him to play through receivers’ hands at the catch-point and force incompletions.
Neal leads the Razorbacks with two interceptions and is also credited with nine passes broken up. On top of his aerial defense, he attacks the run game with pride and has accrued 51 tackles this season.
Neal’s defense against the run and pass has been one of the only bright spots for Arkansas this year and that will continue on Saturday.
Senior running back Mike Washington Jr. – #4
Mike Washington Jr. had a path similar to Neal’s, transferring three times since 2023. Also like Neal, Washington Jr. has been one of the Razorbacks’ stars this year.
The 6-foot-2-inch 228-pound powerback has combined with redshirt senior quarterback Taylen Green to create one of the most formidable rushing backfield duos. Washington Jr.’s 915 yards on the ground this year rank 20th in FBS, with only one player who has eclipsed him doing so on fewer than his 140 carries.
Washington Jr. does not shy away from competition, either. He has gained 406 rushing yards on 6.4 yards per carry against top-25 teams. He is ready for the challenge Texas will bring this Saturday.
