Arkansas RB Braylen Russell to re-enter NCAA transfer portal

Arkansas freshman running back Braylen Russell has once again decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal, following a back-and-forth saga in the last week.

Russell initially told On3’s Hayes Fawcett on Tuesday that he was entering the transfer portal and then did so. He withdrew only hours later, seemingly having a change of heart.

But on Sunday evening, Russell took to Twitter to relay his plans to leave the program.

“Thank you Arkansas!” Braylen Russell wrote. “It’s time to do what’s best for me and my family, #0 out.”

Russell played in eight games during his first year on campus. He finished the 2024 season with 47 carries for 304 yards, two touchdowns, 6.5 yards per carry, three catches and 18 receiving yards.

As a member of the Class of 2024, Braylen Russell was a four-star recruit out of Benton (Ark.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 5 overall prospect in the state, the No. 30 running back in the class and the No. 402 overall prospect in the class.

Arkansas adds one via the transfer portal

Though Braylen Russell intends to leave, the news hasn’t been all negative for Arkansas recently in the NCAA transfer portal.

Former Fresno State receiver Raylen Sharpe announced his transfer commitment to Sam Pittman and the Arkansas Razorbacks in a social media post Sunday.

Sharpe, a former FCS All-American at Missouri State, finished the 2024 season ranked second on the Bulldogs’ roster with 51 receptions for 523 yards and three touchdowns. He also added four carries for 67 yards, an average of 16.75 yards per carry this past season.

Sharpe would join a Razorbacks offense that enters the 2025 season in Year 2 under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino and led by talented dual-threat quarterback Taylen Green, who announced his return to Fayetteville this past week.

Prior to transferring to Fresno State earlier this year, Sharpe posted a breakout 2023 with Missouri State, earning FCS All-American status with 73 receptions for 991 yards and seven touchdowns.

Sharpe began his college career at Houston, playing in one game during the 2021 season while also running on the track team for the Cougars.

On3’s Alex Byington also contributed to this report.