Arkansas Hosts Tennessee Amid Injury Questions in Fayetteville

On Oct. 10, 2026, Arkansas hosted No. 14 Tennessee in Fayetteville with both teams managing availability concerns, as Razorbacks linebacker Steven Soles Jr. and Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon were listed as game-time decisions, according to sports.yahoo.com.

Arkansas entered the matchup at 2-3 overall and 0-2 in SEC play, while Tennessee arrived ranked No. 14, according to reports from sports.yahoo.com and si.com.

Steven Soles Jr. remained uncertain for Arkansas after also being listed as a game-time decision against Texas A&M the previous week. Sports.yahoo.com reported that Soles did not play in the 34-7 road loss and watched from the sideline without a helmet.

Arkansas listed tight end Maddox Lassiter as a game-time decision and Soles as questionable on the SEC Availability Report. Tennessee listed Faizon Brandon as a game-time decision along with seven other players, according to sports.yahoo.com.

The Tennessee availability list included tight end Ethan Davis, wide receiver Joakim Dodson, linebacker Jaedon Harmon, defensive backs Edrees Farooq and Dylan Lewis, defensive lineman Kedric Golston II, and offensive lineman Wendell Moe Jr., sports.yahoo.com reported.

Tennessee began the game with backup quarterback George MacIntyre expected to start after the Knoxville News Sentinel reported that the Volunteers planned to use him. Faizon Brandon's status remained unresolved before kickoff.

Arkansas struggled offensively early despite a strong defensive effort, according to si.com. The Razorbacks gained 82 yards of offense compared with Tennessee's 49 during the opening quarter.

Arkansas quarterback Jackson completed both opening-drive passes for 50 yards before losing a fumble on a sack, ending a promising possession, si.com reported.

Tennessee broke the scoreless start when tight end Trent Thomas scored the first touchdown of his career after finding space in the flat, giving the Volunteers a 7-0 lead with 10:03 remaining in the second quarter, according to si.com.

Arkansas continued to face offensive challenges after penalties and a fumble disrupted drives. The Razorbacks defense forced a missed Tennessee field goal and several punts, keeping the game within reach, si.com reported.