FAYETTEVILLE — Redshirt freshman right guard Kobe Branham made a notable impact in his debut for the University of Arkansas, starting against Alabama A&M in the season opener. Now, he is turning his focus to an upcoming historic matchup against Arkansas State on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 326 pounds, Branham signed with Arkansas after playing at Fort Smith Southside, having chosen the Razorbacks over programs such as Texas A&M. His performance during last season’s redshirt year earned him recognition from the coaching staff, setting the stage for his successful start.
Reflecting on his first game experience, Branham expressed his enthusiasm: “Oh, it was awesome, man. The fans really showed up. The offense really worked together. It looked really good; all the work we put in during fall camp really showed,” he said.
Branham credited his time on the sidelines last year for helping him manage nerves during the opener. “Running out of the A was a really cool moment for me,” he noted, mentioning the support of family members who attended the game.
The upcoming game against Arkansas State marks the first time the two teams will face each other, a point Branham found significant. “I’m grateful for the opportunity for sure. It’s never happened before, so I’m glad that this team is the one that gets to compete,” he added.
Head coach Sam Pittman has emphasized the historical context of the game, highlighting the importance of making the most of this unique opportunity. Branham reiterated this sentiment, stating, “We need to take advantage of that and go out there and do what we’ve been working on all fall camp.”
Although Branham has yet to play at War Memorial Stadium, he is eager for the experience, knowing his family will be present. “They try to travel to every game they can, so they’ll be there, and it’s a pretty quick drive for them,” he said.
In the opener, Arkansas rushed for 200 yards, and Branham believes consistency will be crucial moving forward. “There’s a bunch of stuff we need to work on as a group. If I had to pick something, it would just be more consistent and get more yards per carry,” he explained.
While some fans were surprised by the performance of the wide receivers, Branham was confident in their abilities. “They worked so hard during fall camp. After practice every day, they’re staying for 30 minutes to an hour working on their craft,” he noted. “I just knew if we gave them enough time up front, they would get open.”
Despite Arkansas being favored for the upcoming game, Branham remains focused. “I don’t think any game is just a pushover. You have to go into every game thinking it could be a tough contest, but if you come in prepared, you’ll be fine,” he stated.
The game will be available for streaming on ESPN+ and SEC Network+, bringing anticipation to fans eager to see how the Razorbacks perform in this historic encounter.