FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas football has secured the commitments of Memphis athletes wide receiver Jamari Hawkins and quarterback AJ Hill, marking a significant addition to the team under Coach Ryan Silverfield. Their announcement came on January 5, as both players move from the Tigers program through the transfer portal. They join offensive lineman Malchi Breland, who also made the transition to Arkansas.
AJ Hill, set to be a redshirt freshman in 2026, has demonstrated promise with four years of eligibility ahead. In the previous season, he completed 19 of 32 passes for 223 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception while playing in a limited role. Hill was highly regarded upon joining Memphis, earning his place as one of the top recruits in the program’s history, ranked as the No. 187 overall player and the No. 15 quarterback by 247Sports Composite. He had previously drawn interest from major programs such as Arkansas, Florida, and Alabama.
With Hill’s arrival, he will likely compete with KJ Jackson for the starting quarterback position. Jackson, a redshirt sophomore, made a strong impression in the final games of the last season under coach Bobby Petrino, completing 33 of 54 passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for two touchdowns on 11 carries.
Jamari Hawkins, originally a three-star recruit, had a slow start at Memphis, redshirting his first year and contributing minimally in the following seasons. However, his trajectory changed significantly in 2025 when he emerged as a pivotal player for the Tigers’ offense, recording 38 catches for 623 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to stretch defenses with an average of 16.4 yards per reception made him an essential target for the team’s offensive scheme, which will continue under Arkansas’ new offensive coordinator, Tim Cramsey.
The additions of Hawkins and Hill signal a potential boost for the Razorbacks as the team looks to enhance its competitive edge in the upcoming season.