Can Texas Stop Razorbacks’ Green? The Longhorn Defense Faces Its Biggest Challenge Yet

There’s something oddly captivating about a team that enters the field burdened with a lackluster record and a temporary head coach—yet still carries a spark of undeniable individual brilliance. That’s precisely the scenario unfolding this weekend as Arkansas rolls into Austin with a 3-7 mark and Bobby Petrino at the helm. Sure, the season hasn’t gone their way, but don’t let that fool you: the Razorbacks are packing some serious talent, enough to keep every Longhorns fan on their toes come Saturday. From a towering quarterback who blends speed with size, to a defensive disruptor who’s wreaking havoc on the SEC, Arkansas has pieces that could turn the tide against Texas in a heartbeat. Trust me, these are the Razorbacks worth watching closely this weekend—players who might just rewrite what this game’s about. LEARN MORE

Arkansas makes their way into Austin this weekend, carrying a 3-7 record and an interim head coach, Bobby Petrino. Despite that, the individual talent on this team is special and there are a number of guys Longhorns fans will want to keep their eyes on this Saturday.

From one of the best athletes in the country to a true game wrecker, Arkansas has the talent to compete with Texas this weekend.

Let’s jump into the Razorbacks you all need to know before Saturday:

Arkansas QB Taylen Green

I understand this is something of a cop-out using the QB, but I’m not sure people understand just how special Taylen Green is. Not only is he top 5 in the SEC in passing yards, he’s top 10 in rushing yards. Not rushing yards for QBs, just rushing yards. Green stands at 6’6”, 224 lbs and is one of the fastest, most elusive players in the country. Texas, with players like Anthony Hill Jr. and Colin Simmons, are as well equipped as anyone to slow him down, but if he gets into the second level of the defense, watch out.

Cardinals fans, meet Taylen Green

This season, he averages 263 passing yards a game and 72 rushing yards with it.

His totals on the year is 2372 passing yards with 19 touchdowns.

With the QB future up in the air, I think his upside is worth a shot in the 3rd or 4th round. pic.twitter.com/MyOVcm0Yy0

— LegacyFitz (@LegacyFitz11) November 6, 2025

Arkansas RB Mike Washington

Right next to Green in the backfield is Mike Washington Jr., the senior transfer from New Mexico State. Washington has over 900 yards already on the season and has topped 100 yards in three of Arkansas’ last five games. At 223 lbs, he has plenty of physicality, but he is really dangerous when given a crease. He has multiple 50+ yard runs this season and he averages 6.5 yards per carry. He’s a special player when given an opening, so the DL for Texas will be important to keep Washington from getting a head full of steam.

Arkanas WR Raylen Sharpe

Sharpe is not the top WR for the Razorbacks, that is Omega Blake, but Sharpe has put together a very consistent season. While his season high for receiving yards in a game this season is just 84 yards(Mississippi State), he hasn’t had a game where he hasn’t had at least two catches all year. Another important factor here is the past two weeks, he’s gotten 4 carries for 61 yards. He’s a dangerous playmaker in all facets of the game and will be an important player not to lose track of.

Arkansas DL Quincy Rhodes Jr.

This is the game wrecker. Rhodes Jr. has quickly become one of the best pass rushers in the SEC, racking up 8 sacks this season. He has 3 sacks in the last three games to go along with 13 tackles and a FF against Mississippi State. Rhodes is someone that Arch Manning will have to find before every snap, because he can get to the QB in a hurry. Trevor Goosby and Brandon Baker have both picked up their games recently, but this will be a major challenge for them.

Back-to-back reps of Arkansas ED Quincy Rhodes Jr. v. Miss:

Rep 1 – Hits LT with a wicked spin move
Rep 2 – Over-extends long-arm, gets snatched

The consistency / timing is still coming along, but Rhodes has first-round tools imo. Insanely quick, agile, explosive at ~6’6″, 270. pic.twitter.com/XoILdj6HFA

— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) September 24, 2025

Arkansas DB Jordan Young

Young transferred into the Razorback program from Cincinnati after playing quite a bit for the Bearcats. Despite the struggles of the Arkansas defense, Young has been able to make some impact plays in the backend. Over the last three games, he has 15 tackles, 1 FF and 1 INT. Both forced turnovers came against Mississippi State at home, however it is proof of his ability to change games. The Texas pass offense should have their way with the Razorback defense, as long as they avoid mistakes that Young can force.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Razorbacks to watch at Texas Football: Green will be a handful