Fernando Carmona faced a tough decision when he informed Auburn’s coach that he wouldn’t be joining their football team. Instead, the redshirt junior left tackle chose to transfer from San Jose State to the University of Arkansas.
Carmona, originally from Las Vegas, will make his 28th consecutive start in college football when Arkansas takes on Auburn in their SEC opener.
Auburn coach Hugh Freeze had high hopes of recruiting Carmona, admiring his skills and size. However, Carmona canceled his visit to Auburn after committing to Arkansas on December 15. Carmona had multiple offers from prominent schools like UCLA, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Michigan State, and others, but Arkansas won him over. Despite the difficulty of turning down Auburn, Carmona explained that the fast pace of the transfer portal process led him to follow his heart, which ultimately led him to Arkansas.
One major factor in Carmona’s decision was the presence of two experienced offensive line coaches at Arkansas: Eric Mateos and head coach Sam Pittman. With Arkansas’s offensive line struggling last season, allowing 47 sacks, Pittman took extra time to work with the linemen. Carmona now plays alongside fellow transfers Keyshawn Blackstock and Addison Nichols, contributing to a revamped offensive line that has helped Arkansas achieve impressive stats—ranking No. 5 nationally in total offense and No. 11 in scoring.
Carmona’s performance has earned him high marks from Pro Football Focus, particularly in pass blocking. Coach Pittman praised Carmona’s toughness but noted that he could improve his hand placement in pass protection.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Carmona has emerged as a leader for the Razorbacks. Teammates like running back Rodney Hill and linebacker Xavian Sorey commend his leadership and camaraderie. Carmona has formed close relationships with his teammates, helping them both on and off the field.
Reflecting on his growth since his last visit to Auburn two years ago, Carmona acknowledges that he’s become more physically fit and mentally prepared. With increased confidence and experience, he looks forward to playing at Auburn again, knowing that he has grown significantly since his early days as a young offensive lineman.