Arkansas football’s wide receiver corps has undergone a major overhaul following the 2024 season, with the team losing its top six pass-catchers in terms of yardage. That turnover has placed a spotlight on a new batch of receivers heading into the 2025 campaign.
One name coaches have continually brought up during spring and preseason practices is Andrew Armstrong. As the SEC’s receiving yards leader last season with 1,140, Armstrong served as quarterback Taylen Green’s primary target. Replacing him has proven challenging—just like finding a new version of Isaac TeSlaa, who was second in receiving yards and led the team in touchdown catches (3).
“Who’s going to be our Armstrong or TeSlaa?” head coach Sam Pittman asked back in March. “But in terms of depth, we’re actually deeper at wide receiver than we were last year.”
Now, with the season opener against Alabama A\&M on August 30 fast approaching, that increased depth is becoming more evident. However, trying to identify a direct replacement for Armstrong or TeSlaa may miss the bigger picture. A more relevant question is whether this new group—though it may lack top-end stars—can deliver similar or even better production thanks to its overall talent and depth.
Of course, someone still has to step up as the team’s leading receiver. One player emerging as a potential go-to target on the outside is transfer O’Mega Blake.
Blake came to Arkansas from Charlotte this spring with standout stats: 24.8 yards per catch (second nationally), 795 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns. While his early practices were slow, he broke through after spring break.
“Guys like Raylen \[Sharpe] and Monte \[Harrison] really kept me accountable, made sure I was locked into the playbook,” Blake said Monday. “That time off helped me understand what Coach \[Bobby Petrino] wants, and that changed everything for me.”
Blake started his college career at South Carolina, giving him valuable SEC experience. Receivers coach Ronnie Fouch praised Blake’s hunger to prove himself at the highest level, saying that combination of toughness, explosiveness, and coachability made him a top priority in the transfer portal.
“He’s competitive and driven,” Fouch said. “He always wants to know how to improve, how to get drafted higher, how to help us win. He’s been stepping into more of a leadership role, pushing guys and leading by example. I want him to be that guy.”
Still, labeling Blake as “the next Armstrong” may be an unfair comparison. The 2025 wide receiver group is structured differently—less size but more speed, and, according to the coaching staff, better overall depth.
Pittman has emphasized the talent in the slot, especially with returner Raylen Sharpe and UAB transfer Kam Shanks. The Z receiver position remains up for grabs following an injury to Ismael Cisse, but players like sophomore CJ Brown and Florida State transfer Jalen Brown offer potential.
If that depth proves reliable, Arkansas might not have to rely on just one or two standout receivers like it did last season.
“This offense is built around involving everyone,” said Fouch. “Coach Petrino’s philosophy is to spread the ball and get it to the playmakers. Last year Armstrong was that guy, so he got the touches. This year, we’ve got more speed, more toughness, and more guys ready to step up across the board—not just at one spot.”