Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman has an opportunity to outmaneuver Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin in a competitive battle within the transfer portal. Kavion Broussard, a 4-star offensive tackle who joined Ole Miss as a freshman this past season, has entered the transfer portal and narrowed his choices to just two schools: Arkansas and Vanderbilt.
The 6-foot-6, 290-pound lineman visited the University of Arkansas on Thursday and later included the Razorbacks on his shortlist of potential destinations. Vanderbilt, known for its strong academic programs and rising football ambitions, remains the only other contender for Broussard’s commitment.
Broussard originally committed to Miami during his standout high school career at Zachary High School in New Iberia, Louisiana. However, in December of last year, he flipped his commitment to Ole Miss. Despite high expectations, Broussard did not see significant playing time during his freshman season in Oxford. As a result, he is eligible to use the 2024 season as a redshirt year, leaving him with a full four years of eligibility to contribute to his next program.
If Broussard chooses Arkansas, he could compete immediately for a starting position on the Razorbacks’ offensive line or secure valuable playing time as part of the rotation. His addition would be critical as Arkansas aims to rebuild its offensive front.
Arkansas Looking to Bolster Its Offensive Line Amidst Departures
The Razorbacks’ offensive line experienced significant losses through the transfer portal following the 2023 season. Key departures include tackle Patrick Kutas to Ole Miss, center Addison Nichols to SMU, and right guard Joshua Braun to Kentucky. This exodus created a pressing need for reinforcements, which Arkansas has already started addressing.
Head coach Sam Pittman and offensive line coach Eric Mateos have successfully secured commitments from several high-profile transfers. These include Corey Robinson from Georgia Tech, Caden Kitler from Central Florida, and Jac’Qawn McRoy from Oregon. Each of these players brings a blend of experience and skill, laying the foundation for an improved front five.
The addition of Broussard would further strengthen this unit, providing critical depth and versatility. His size and athleticism make him a valuable asset, whether as a starter or a developmental player who can grow into a key role. With the offensive line looking more robust, the Razorbacks aim to offer better protection for quarterback Taylen Green and create running lanes for their dynamic rushing attack.
Ole Miss offensive tackle Kavion Broussard (@dagoat77_) is down to a top two of Arkansas and Vanderbilt, he tells @On3sports.
He's a 6-foot-6, 308-pound offensive tackle. https://t.co/BE0xO5gfRB pic.twitter.com/etWnCu0IMD
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 20, 2024
A Season of Contrasts: Ole Miss vs. Arkansas
While Ole Miss enjoyed a successful 9-3 season with a 5-3 record in Southeastern Conference play, the Razorbacks faced a challenging campaign, punctuated by inconsistency. The Rebels finished 14th in the final College Football Playoff rankings, just three spots shy of the 12-team postseason format. They were positioned behind Alabama and Miami, demonstrating the competitive strength of the SEC.
For Arkansas, the offseason represents a chance to retool and reclaim its footing in the conference. The potential addition of Broussard would serve as a statement victory over Ole Miss, reversing the narrative of players departing Fayetteville for Oxford.
A Strategic Acquisition for Long-Term Success
The battle for Kavion Broussard underscores the importance of the transfer portal in modern college football. For Arkansas, landing a player of his caliber would signal not just immediate gains for the offensive line but also a commitment to building sustainable success. With four years of eligibility remaining, Broussard has the potential to develop into a cornerstone player under the guidance of Pittman, a former offensive line coach with a proven track record of producing NFL talent.
As the Razorbacks continue their offseason efforts to reshape their roster, the addition of Broussard could be the final piece to solidify an offensive line capable of elevating the team’s performance in 2024 and beyond.
