The Arkansas Razorbacks’ pass defense aims for a better outcome in 2025 after a disappointing year against opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. Their pass defense struggled tremendously, giving up a 62% completion percentage, 246.9 passing yards, and 1.7 passing touchdowns per game. They finished 88th in completion percentage, 111th in passing yards, and 85th in passing touchdowns in 2024.
Not only did their pass defense struggle, but two of their top three cornerbacks declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, leaving Jaheim Singletary as the only returning starter. Because of this, the Razorbacks could add more talent in the spring transfer portal.
Arkansas Razorbacks land top cornerback in transfer portal
According to Hayes Fawcett, the Razorbacks landed former Fresno State and Stanford cornerback Julian Neal from the spring transfer portal. As Fawcett points out, Neal was considered one of the top corners available in the portal. He has one final year of college eligibility remaining.
BREAKING: Stanford standout transfer CB Julian Neal has Committed to Arkansas, he tells @on3sports
The 6’2 205 CB totaled 35 Tackles, 5 TFL, 2 INT, & 1 Sack last season at Fresno State
One of the Top CBs in the Transfer Portalhttps://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/yCu9XiCRCu
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 19, 2025
He had a breakout 2024 campaign
After barely playing in his first three seasons with the Fresno State Bulldogs, Julian Neal took over as the full-time starter in 2024 and broke out. Neal recorded 35 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass deflections in 12 games. He allowed 24 receptions on 50 targets for 277 yards, one touchdown, and a 55.2 passer rating per PFF.
Neal transferred to the Stanford Cardinal in December but entered the transfer portal following Troy Taylor’s firing.
