University of Central Florida transfer linebacker Andrew Harris has committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks football team after an official visit to Fayetteville. Harris, who entered the transfer portal in search of a new opportunity, found familiarity and confidence in his decision to join the Razorbacks, thanks in large part to his prior connection with Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams.
The commitment took place after a weekend visit to Arkansas’ campus. Harris was drawn to the program not only because of the athletic and academic support available but also due to his existing relationship with Williams. The two originally connected during Harris’ recruitment process out of high school, when Williams was on the coaching staff at UCF. That previous bond played a pivotal role in Harris’s decision to make Arkansas his new home.
Harris, a promising young linebacker, brings athleticism, speed, and high football IQ to the Razorback defense. At UCF, he contributed with strong performances, displaying instinctive playmaking and the ability to read offenses effectively. With this transfer, Arkansas hopes to gain both his on-field production and leadership in the locker room.
During his visit, Harris got a closer look at the Razorbacks’ facilities, coaching staff, and culture. His experience was described as positive and welcoming. He had a chance to engage with players, staff, and support personnel, which further confirmed that Arkansas would be a good fit for his growth as a student-athlete.
Travis Williams, who is in his second year as Arkansas’ defensive coordinator, is known for his energy, motivational style, and strong recruiting presence. His impact on the team and his ability to connect with players—especially linebackers—has been a major asset for the Razorbacks’ defense. Williams played a key role in convincing Harris that Arkansas was the right environment to continue his college football career.
Williams was seen leading spring practice in Fayetteville on Thursday, just a day before Harris made his official commitment. Williams’ hands-on coaching style and defensive strategy continue to shape the Razorbacks as they prepare for the upcoming season. His coaching philosophy emphasizes speed, discipline, and aggressive play, which aligns well with Harris’s strengths as a linebacker.
Photos from Thursday’s spring practice showcased the intensity and focus of the Arkansas defense as they gear up for the 2025 season. The team has been working to improve across all defensive fronts, and the addition of Harris is expected to help bolster depth and talent at the linebacker position.
Harris is now the latest transfer to join the Razorbacks as head coach Sam Pittman and his staff continue to reshape the roster through the NCAA Transfer Portal. This offseason has seen a wave of activity as Arkansas looks to build a more competitive and dynamic team, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
The Razorbacks have prioritized bringing in experienced players from other programs who can contribute immediately, and Harris fits that mold. With several new faces already added, Harris’s commitment adds another piece to a defense looking to rebound after an up-and-down season in 2024.
In his high school days, Harris was a highly regarded prospect with a strong recruiting profile. His development at UCF showed promise, and he now brings that potential to the SEC, where he’ll face top-tier competition on a weekly basis. Arkansas fans and coaches alike are hopeful that his transition to the program will be seamless and impactful.
As Harris prepares to make the move to Fayetteville, he’ll begin the process of acclimating to a new system, new teammates, and a new academic environment. With the support of the Razorback coaching staff and strength and conditioning program, he will have the resources necessary to take his game to the next level.
This move also highlights Arkansas’s growing reputation as a desirable destination for talented transfers. Under Pittman’s leadership, the program has made it clear that it welcomes student-athletes who are looking for a fresh start and a chance to compete at a high level in the Southeastern Conference.
Fans and media took notice of the commitment shortly after it was announced, as Harris becomes a player to watch heading into summer workouts and fall camp. His role in the defense will be determined in the months ahead, but expectations are high that he can make an immediate difference.
Recruiting analyst Richard Davenport, who has covered Razorback football and recruiting for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and WholeHogSports since 2007, reported the news. Davenport, a veteran voice in Arkansas sports journalism, regularly shares updates and insight through radio appearances across the state, including weekly segments on “The Morning Rush” and “Out of Bounds.”
Harris’s commitment continues a trend of strategic recruiting moves for Arkansas, with a focus on players who not only bring skill but also a cultural fit with the team. As Arkansas prepares for its upcoming schedule, the addition of experienced players like Harris may provide the stability and edge needed to compete in a tough SEC landscape.
With spring practice wrapping up and summer conditioning on the horizon, Razorback fans can look forward to seeing how Harris integrates into the defense. His arrival adds both depth and competition to the linebacker room, setting the stage for an exciting battle for starting roles in the coming months.
As the Razorbacks continue to build their roster and sharpen their identity under Travis Williams and Sam Pittman, commitments like Harris’s serve as important milestones in the program’s development. Harris is expected to arrive on campus soon and begin preparations with his new teammates, officially starting the next chapter of his football journey in Fayetteville.
