Arkansas Razorbacks Aim to Build Defense Around Potential NFL First Round Pick

Defensive end Quincy Rhodes is expected to be a high draft pick, and the Razorbacks are relying on him to lead their defense in 2026.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Arkansas Razorbacks are hoping to build their defense around defensive end Quincy Rhodes, who is projected to be a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Rhodes had a breakout season in 2025, recording 8 sacks and 43 tackles. New defensive coordinator Ron Roberts is excited to work with Rhodes, calling him an "impact player in the SEC" who should be drafted in the first two days of the draft. Head coach Ryan Silverfield is cautiously optimistic about the depth of the Razorbacks' defense, which also includes several other highly-touted defensive line prospects.

Why it matters

The Razorbacks are coming off a 2-10 season in 2025, and rebuilding their defense will be crucial to their success in 2026 and beyond. Having a potential first-round draft pick like Quincy Rhodes leading the way could be a major boost for the program as they look to return to relevance in the SEC.

The details

Quincy Rhodes, a 6-foot-6, 276-pound defensive end, had a standout 2025 season for the Razorbacks, racking up 8 sacks and 43 tackles. He is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, with some experts having him slotted as high as the 7th overall selection. New defensive coordinator Ron Roberts is excited to work with Rhodes, calling him an "impact player in the SEC" who should be drafted in the first two days of the draft. Head coach Ryan Silverfield is also optimistic about the depth of the Razorbacks' defensive line, which includes several other highly-touted prospects.

  • In 2025, Rhodes had a breakout season with 8 sacks and 43 tackles.
  • On February 17, 2026, defensive coordinator Ron Roberts praised Rhodes as an "impact player in the SEC" who should be drafted early.
  • On February 17, 2026, head coach Ryan Silverfield expressed cautious optimism about the depth of the Razorbacks' defense.

The players

Quincy Rhodes

A 6-foot-6, 276-pound defensive end for the Arkansas Razorbacks who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Ron Roberts

The defensive coordinator for the Arkansas Razorbacks, who is excited to work with Quincy Rhodes and believes he is an "impact player in the SEC".

Ryan Silverfield

The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who is cautiously optimistic about the depth of the team's defense heading into the 2026 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'[Rhodes] is an impact player in the SEC, and obviously he's got to be somewhere in the first two days of the draft,'”

— Ron Roberts, Defensive Coordinator (si.com)

“'We've got quality depth throughout the entire defense. We returned a guy like Quincy Rhodes Jr. who announced in the press conference that he was coming back and obviously he's a key piece. Then what do the rest of those pieces look like? You may say, well, if they're not flashy names, that's okay.'”

— Ryan Silverfield, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The Razorbacks will look to build on their defensive depth and leadership from Quincy Rhodes as they prepare for the 2026 season and aim to bounce back from a 2-10 campaign in 2025.

The takeaway

The Arkansas Razorbacks are pinning their hopes on defensive end Quincy Rhodes, a potential first-round NFL Draft pick, to lead their defensive resurgence in 2026. With a new defensive coordinator and renewed optimism around the team's defensive depth, the Razorbacks are hoping Rhodes can be the cornerstone of a unit that can help the team return to relevance in the SEC.