Razorback Football’s greatest defensive ends

Razorback Football has a history of individuals having incredible single seasons. Only just a few have experienced historic careers.

There have been quite a few defensive ends that were just on the outside looking in the top five. Jake Bequette, Bruce James and Lloyd Phillips were all studs in their own rights.

These former Arkansas standouts would all go on to have solid NFL careers. Here are the greatest Razorback defensive ends of all-time:

1. Wayne Martin (1985-1988):

Martin is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive ends in Razorback history.

He was a dominant force on the field, known for his explosive pass rush and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Martin’s combination of size, speed, and technique made him a nightmare for offensive linemen. He finished his Razorback career with 25.5 sacks, a mark that still ranks among the top in program history. His 5 sacks in one game still holds ad the most in a single game.

The Cherry Valley, (Ark.) native is tied for fourth all-time with Jimmie Walker at 37 career tackles for loss.

Martin went on to have a successful NFL career, earning Pro Bowl honors and establishing himself as one of the premier pass rushers of his era with the New Orleans Saints.

2. Billy Ray Smith Jr. (1981-1983):

The second generation Hog was standout defensive end for the Razorbacks in the early 1980s. Smith was a dynamic along a talented defensive line, using his strength and quickness to wreak havoc in opposing backfields.

At the University of Arkansas, Smith was a two-time consensus All-American selection, earning the honors in 1981 and 1982.

During the 1982 season, Smith was voted as a team captain, leading Arkansas to a 9–2–1 record and a victory over Florida in the Bluebonnet Bowl.

Following his collegiate career, he became a member of the Arkansas All-Decade Team and, in 1993, was voted into the Arkansas All-Century Team.

Later, he was inducted into both the Arkansas State Hall of Fame (1995), and the Razorback Hall of Fame. He was given the ultimate enshrinement as an inductee in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

The Plano, Texas native finished his Razorback career as a two-time All-Southwest Conference selection. He recorded 299 total tackles and still holds the Arkansas record for career tackles for loss, with 63.

3. Chris Smith (2010-2013):

The Salisbury, (N.C.) native signed with the Razorbacks during the 2010 recruiting cycle.

After a quiet first two seasons in Fayetteville he emerged as a standout in 2012 and 2013. He performed admirably for a struggling Razorback team recording 18 sacks in his final two seasons.

For his career, Smith racked up 122 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a Razorback. He would go on to spend eight seasons in the NFL with six different franchises.

Smith drafted in the fifth round and 159th overall pick during the 2014 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

4. Trey Flowers (2011-2014):

The Huntsville, (Ala.) native is considered one of the most talented and versatile defensive ends in Razorback history. Flowers had a remarkable career at Arkansas, displaying a unique blend of size, strength, and athleticism. His defensive prowess brought his Razorback team back from one of its darkest times.

During the 2024 season, Flowers showed his effectiveness in all fashions on defense orchestrating a huge defensive turnaround as a top 25 unit. He would finish the season with 15.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. One of the biggest games he had was against No. 1 Mississippi State where he recorded 7 tackles and 2 sacks. The defensive performance that night turned the Razorback season around despite a loss. Arkansas would go on to win three of their final four games. In that span Flowers recorded 29 tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 4 sacks.

Flowers was taken in the fourth round to the New England Patriots and has enjoyed a fruitful professional career. He’s played in 79 games in 8 seasons recording 265 tackles, 37 for loss and 31.5 sacks.

5. Jamaal Anderson (2004-2006):

For a guy that started his Razorback career on offense, Anderson finished as one of the most dominant edge rushers in program history.

With the speed of a wide receiver, the Little Rock (Ark.) native transitioned to defensive end during his sophomore season. Anderson became a force to be reckon with finishing his career with 31 tackles for loss and 17 sacks. He also recorded 130 tackles, 35 quarterback pressures, 8 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 20 starts. 

For his efforts during the 2006 season, Anderson earned first-team All-SEC honors and a spot as an AP all-American.

Anderson was drafted with the 8th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He would play six seasons in the league, finishing his career with the Cincinatti Bengals. The former Razorback finished his career with 132 tackles and 7.5 sacks.