Razorbacks Revamp Offense After Track Star Jordan Anthony Turns Pro: Will New Transfers Step Up to the Challenge?

The Arkansas Razorbacks are preparing for a pivotal offensive transformation as they face a major loss heading into the 2025 season. NCAA 100-meter sprint champion and dual-sport phenom Jordan Anthony has officially decided to pursue a professional track career, leaving a significant hole in the Razorbacks’ offensive blueprint.

Anthony, whose blazing speed made him one of the most dangerous wide receiver threats in the SEC, electrified fans and terrorized secondaries during his time in Fayetteville. But now, with his departure to the professional track world, Razorbacks offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino must rapidly retool the unit and reshape a strategy that previously leaned heavily on Anthony’s breakaway ability.

Jordan Anthony wasn’t just a fast guy on a football field. He was the fastest. Clocking elite-level times and claiming the NCAA 100m title, Anthony translated that elite track speed into game-changing moments on the gridiron. Defenses were forced to account for his presence every snap, often shifting coverage or keeping a safety deep to prevent him from blowing the top off.

But Anthony’s departure doesn’t just hurt in terms of explosive plays — it leaves a leadership and schematic vacuum. The Razorbacks leaned on Anthony to open up space underneath, stretch the field, and give quarterbacks a security blanket with his elite acceleration and ability to turn slants into 70-yard house calls.

Arkansas didn’t waste time searching for replacements. The program aggressively attacked the transfer portal in the offseason, bringing in a handful of promising pass catchers and speedsters, each with the potential to take on part of Anthony’s role — but the big question remains: Can any of them truly replace him?

The most buzz surrounds Chris Lewis, the former Kentucky Wildcat, who brings a combination of size (6-foot-4), leaping ability, and straight-line speed. Though not nearly as fast as Anthony, Lewis offers a more physical presence and a contested-catch advantage that Arkansas lacked last year. In red-zone situations, he could become a matchup nightmare.

Then there’s Jaheim Singleton, a former JUCO All-American from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Singleton is raw but explosive — and early summer workouts have insiders buzzing about his upside. While he’s not a one-for-one replacement in terms of straight-line speed, his agility and yards-after-catch ability could add a different kind of dynamism to the Razorbacks’ scheme.

Meanwhile, returning sophomore Isaiah Sategna, who has quietly developed into a reliable slot receiver, could see his role expand. Sategna’s route running has sharpened, and his chemistry with the quarterback room is reportedly ahead of schedule.

With Anthony gone, don’t expect the Razorbacks to just try to mimic last year’s offense. Bobby Petrino has never been one to recycle systems — especially when the parts have changed. Expect Arkansas to pivot toward a more balanced, possession-oriented passing game, utilizing tight ends more heavily and emphasizing intermediate routes over long bombs.

That said, speed will still be a priority — just in a more layered way. Rather than relying on one man to stretch the field, the Razorbacks will look to deploy speed in numbers, with motion-heavy packages and quick-hitting plays designed to get the ball into athletes’ hands early.

There’s no replacing a Jordan Anthony,” Petrino said during a recent press conference. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t evolve. We’ve brought in guys who bring their own strengths, and it’s about putting them in positions to win.”

Beyond the Xs and Os, the emotional toll of Anthony’s departure can’t be ignored. He was beloved in the locker room, a quiet but confident presence, and someone younger players gravitated toward. Now, the wide receiver room is searching for a new alpha — someone to step up and lead not just in performance but in spirit.

Eyes are on Lewis and returning junior Tyrell Washington to anchor the group and provide that veteran voice. Whether they’re up to the task could be the deciding factor between a merely functional offense and one capable of contending in the brutal SEC West.

This fall will be a defining chapter for Sam Pittman’s tenure. The offense has question marks, but also plenty of potential. If the transfers gel, the quarterback room stays healthy, and Petrino works his usual magic, the Razorbacks could still emerge as a surprise contender.