photo credit: Craven Whitlow
When Arkansas baseball released its 2025 fall roster earlier this week, only one name expected to be listed was missing.
Right-hander Isaac Godard, a JUCO transfer from McLennan C.C., is not part of the Razorbacks’ 40-man roster despite signing with the program last November. Instead, the Cedar Hill, Texas, native will play at Angelo State, a Division II powerhouse.
The late switch was the result of an academic issue, as Godard told Best of Arkansas Sports that some of his credits didn’t transfer, forcing him to drop down to the DII level.
“I wish that I was at Arkansas right now,” Godard said. “It hurts.”
Set to be a redshirt junior for the Rams in 2026, he is eligible for the MLB Draft and said he hopes to get picked next summer. In the event he goes undrafted, though, he said he should have the credits to transfer back up to Division I for his senior year, if he opts to enter the transfer portal.
It’s a notable loss for the Razorbacks because he figured to compete for a role — either as a starter or reliever — on a staff that must replace two-thirds of its innings from last season.
Equipped with a 94-97 mph fastball and strong curveball, Godard projects as a back-of-the-rotation starter or premium bullpen arm at the MLB level, according to former Astros scouting director Tad Slowik.
Isaac Godard 6-3 205 RHP McLennan (TX) Quick arm FB 94-97 late life. Tight spin sharp downer curve. Change deception sink. Athletic repeats delivery Throws strikes. High ceiling. Projects as 3-5 starter or premium bullpen arm at ML Level. Arkansas commit @mccbaseball1 pic.twitter.com/1LdwGcCJy8
— Tad Slowik (@TadSlowik_DBA) July 13, 2025
Pitching at the same school that produced Dave Van Horn and Jalen Battles, he posted a 2.70 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 30 innings across 20 appearances, 11 of which were starts, last season. Godard also made a pair of appearances for the Chatham Anglers in the Cape Cod League this summer, tossing a pair of scoreless and hitless innings.
While opponents tended to struggle hitting him, Godard did struggle with his command at times. He issued 15 walks and plunked 7 batters in his 30 innings last season, plus had 3 HBPs in his 2 innings this summer.
This news perhaps explains the late addition of another JUCO pitcher, Jacob Imoto from Palomar College in California. The left-hander didn’t announce his commitment until July 27, which is pretty late in the process.
As a freshman, the San Marcos, Calif., native posted a 2.45 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with 52 strikeouts and 18 walks in 44 innings. He also notched 5 saves in his 20 appearances.
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Other Arkansas Baseball Roster Tidbits
Freshman Landon Schaefer is listed as an infielder/outfielder on the Arkansas baseball roster. While many consider the Fayetteville native a shortstop, Van Horn previously hinted at some of his talented freshman shortstops also getting a look in the outfield – similar to Cayden Wallace in 2021.
In what has become a tradition, the Razorbacks have a new left-handed pitcher wearing No. 33: Vanderbilt transfer Ethan McElvain. He joins an illustrious history with that jersey that includes Nick Schmidt, Drew Smyly, Patrick Wicklander, Hagen Smith and Zach Root.
Freshmen Carson Brumbaugh and Luke Cornelison were listed as two-way players when the UA announced its signing class, but are now listed as infielders only. Another freshman, Carter Rutenbar, was previously listed as a utility player, but is now listed as a catcher.
Previously listed as a two-way player, redshirt freshman Tyler Holland is now listed only as an infielder.
Mark Brissey, the reigning Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year, has inherited Gage Wood’s No. 14 jersey number. While he finished his career at Fayetteville High, Brissey is from Wood’s hometown of Batesville.
Rocco Peppi, who was a first baseman/outfielder on last year’s team after transferring in from Fresno State, is now on staff as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.
Freshmen
#1 — Carson Brumbaugh — INF — 6-2 | 200 | R/R | Edmond, Okla. / Edmond Santa Fe HS
#6 — Walt Jones — INF — 5-10 | 180 | R/R | Ashdown, Ark. / Ashdown HS
#9 — Alexander Peck — INF — 6-4 | 205 | R/R | Franklin, Tenn. / University School of Nashville
#11 — Luke Cornelison — INF — 6-0 | 195 | R/R | Springdale, Ark. / Har-Ber HS
#12 — Carter Rutenbar — C — 5-11 | 195 | L/R | Midlothian, Texas / Midlothian Heritage HS
#14 — Mark Brissey — RHP — 6-3 | 215 | R/R | Batesville, Ark. / Fayetteville HS
#16 — Christian Turner — OF — 6-0 | 180 | L/R | Haughton, La. / Haughton HS
#22 — Peyton Lee — RHP — 6-5 | 205 | R/R | Maumelle, Ark. / Maumelle HS
#24 — Landon Schaefer — INF/OF — 6-3 | 190 | R/R | Fayetteville, Ark. / Fayetteville HS
#28 — Jordan Martin — RHP — 6-6 | 225 | R/R | Jefferson City, Mo. / Jefferson City HS
#34 — Joey Lorenzini — LHP — 6-5 | 210 | L/L | Rocklin, Calif. / Rocklin HS
#35 — Cayden Mitchell — INF — 6-2 | 205 | R/R | Arlington, Texas / Mansfield Timberview HS
#37 — Grant Wren — RHP — 6-4 | 210 | R/R | Melbourne, Ark. / Melbourne HS
#45 — Tye Briscoe — LHP — 5-11 | 205 | L/L | Abilene, Texas / Wylie HS
Transfers
#4 — Make Niu — OF — Sr. | 6-1 | 190 | R/R | Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Trinity HS / New Orleans / Marshall
#5 — TJ Pompey — INF — Jr. | 6-4 | 200 | R/R | Coppell, Texas / Coppell HS / Texas Tech
#15 — Jackson Kircher — RHP — So. | 6-4 | 215 | R/R | Little Rock, Ark. / LR Christian / Oklahoma
#17 — Zack Stewart — OF — Sr. | 6-2 | 230 | L/R | Lebanon, Mo. / Lebanon HS / Missouri State
#33 — Ethan McElvain — LHP — Jr. | 6-4 | 250 | S/L | Thompson’s Station, Tenn. / Nolensville HS / Vanderbilt
#39 — Jacob Imoto — LHP — So. | 6-3 | 200 | L/L | Vista, Calif. / Mission Hills HS / Palomar C.C.
#40 — James DeCremer — RHP — R-So. | 6-1 | 205 | R/R | Phoenix, Ariz. / Brophy College Prep / Oregon State
#42 — Damian Ruiz — OF — R-Jr. | 6-0 | 175 | R/R | Livingston, Texas / Livingston HS / Houston Christian / Lamar
#55 — Brendan Kleiman — C — Grad. | 5-10 | 180 | R/R | Olney, Md. / Sherwood HS / Frederick C.C. / Eastern Michigan
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