IT IS DONE: Arkansas Razorbacks star player Fernando Carmona stuns fans and Leaves Head coach Sam Pittman speechless with major announcement concerning… See more

Arkansas Razorbacks Star Player Fernando Carmona Stuns Fans and Leaves Head Coach Sam Pittman Speechless with Major Announcement Concerning His Future

In a jaw-dropping revelation that no one saw coming, Arkansas Razorbacks star linebacker Fernando Carmona has sent shockwaves through the college football world with a major announcement concerning his future — a decision that left Razorback Nation stunned and Head Coach Sam Pittman at a rare loss for words.

Carmona, who has been one of the Razorbacks’ most dynamic and physically dominant defenders over the past two seasons, announced on Saturday that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft — a year earlier than many anticipated.

“This university has given me everything,” Carmona wrote in a lengthy social media post shared across multiple platforms. “After deep conversations with my family, coaches, and mentors, I’ve decided it’s time for me to take the next step and pursue my dream of playing in the NFL. I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.”

The announcement comes on the heels of what many considered Carmona’s breakout season, where he recorded 102 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles — numbers that placed him firmly on the radar of NFL scouts and made him a leader both on and off the field.

What truly shocked fans and insiders alike wasn’t just the decision itself, but the timing. Carmona had previously hinted at returning for another season to “finish business” and lead the Razorbacks to an SEC title run under Coach Pittman’s leadership.

Instead, the standout defender has opted to chase his professional dreams now — and Pittman, while clearly caught off guard, was full of praise for the star linebacker.

“Fernando is one of the toughest, most dedicated young men I’ve ever coached,” Pittman said in a short, emotionally charged press conference. “Was I surprised? Absolutely. But do I support him? One hundred percent. He gave everything to this program, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.”

Carmona’s rise to prominence was nothing short of inspiring. A three-star recruit coming out of a small high school in Texas, many analysts initially overlooked his potential. But from the moment he stepped on the field in Fayetteville, he made it known that he belonged on the biggest stage.

His leadership in the locker room and relentless work ethic earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. Known for his explosive hits, sideline-to-sideline speed, and high football IQ, Carmona became the heart and soul of the Razorbacks’ defense — a force opponents had to game-plan around every single week.

The reaction from the Razorback faithful has been mixed — pride in his accomplishments, but sadness in seeing him go.

“He was the spirit of our defense,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “It won’t be the same without him, but he deserves everything coming his way.”

Another added, “Carmona gave us everything. A true Razorback forever.”

NFL analysts were quick to weigh in following the announcement, with several projecting Carmona as a potential second-round pick — and possibly rising higher depending on his performance at the NFL Combine and individual workouts.

“He’s the kind of hybrid linebacker NFL teams love,” one scout noted. “He can play inside or outside, drop into coverage, and rush the passer. High ceiling.”

As for the Razorbacks, Carmona’s departure leaves a significant gap in their defensive unit heading into the 2025 season. While talented young players are waiting in the wings, replacing his impact — both statistically and emotionally — won’t be easy.

Still, Coach Pittman remains optimistic.

“We’re going to miss him like crazy,” he said. “But this is what we do — we develop players, we prepare them for the next level, and then we celebrate them when they get there. Fernando Carmona will always be a Razorback.”

As the Arkansas faithful come to grips with the departure of one of their beloved stars, the legacy of Fernando Carmona is already cemented in Razorback history — a player who gave his all, made a lasting impact, and now sets off to chase greatness on football’s biggest stage.