Ryan Silverfield is taking over a daunting rebuilding job as he begins his first season at the helm of the Arkansas Razorbacks. But the roster he inherited isn’t totally bereft of talent.
There may be no sturdier building block on the team than Edge rusher Quincy Rhodes. Rhodes broke out as a junior in 2025, finishing with 44 total tackles and a team-leading 15.5 tackles for loss in addition to 8 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble. That TFL total was the most by an Arkansas defender since Trey Flowers had 15.5 in 2015, and he also became the first ’Hawg to register double digit tackles for loss in a season since Landon Jackson in 2023. Nationally, he ranked 13th in tackles for loss per game and 23rd in sacks per game during the regular season.
Heading into 2026 Rhodes earned second team All-SEC honors from both league coaches and the Associated Press and was also tabbed with second team recognition from Athlon Sports and third team from Phil Steele. He stands out as one of the few proven players remaining in Fayetteville after a mass roster exodus following the coaching change, meaning the entire Arkansas defensive identity in 2026 will likely run through him.
For Georgia, Rhodes presents a real problem up front. At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, he has the length to disrupt passing lanes and the first step to win one-on-one against tackles who aren’t ready for his quickness. A player who forces 15+ tackles for loss in a season has a demonstrated ability to blow up run designs before they develop, and Georgia’s offensive line will need a plan specifically built around neutralizing him rather than treating him as a standard edge rusher. Early season road trips can be unpredictable, and Rhodes gives Arkansas a legitimate chance to affect the September 19th matchup with the Bulldogs from the opening series.
Go ‘Dawgs!!!
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