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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.
In the midst of a quarterback battle between sophomore KJ Jackson and Memphis transfer AJ Hill, the battle for the WR1 position at Arkansas has flown under the radar.
There is no clear-cut favorite to earn the designation of Arkansas top pass-catcher, mostly because its current crop of wideouts is relatively unproven compared to the rest of the SEC.
Boise State transfer and former four-star recruit Chris Marshall has been deemed by many as a potential WR1, though hes yet to have over 600 receiving yards during a collegiate campaign as he enters his fifth season of college football.
He does, however, have some SEC experience, as he spent the 2022 season at Texas A&M.
Donovan Faupel, Ismael Cisse, Jamari Hawkins and Courtney Crutchfield will all be competing for snaps this fall and could very well be meaningful contributors.
But the Razorbacks may find their top receiver from inside the house rather than in a transfer such as Marshall.
CJ Brown has had a pedestrian career during his two seasons at UA so far.
The Bentonville, Ark., native and former three-star recruit out of Bentonville High School only caught five passes for 62 yards in his freshman season in 2024.
In 2025, however, Brown took on a more prominent role in Arkansas offense.
And while OMega Blake, Raylen Sharpe and Rohan Jones all eclipsed Browns receiving numbers, he was, at the very least, consistent.
Brown started in 10 of Arkansas 12 contests, hauling in 28 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns.
He scored twice in Arkansas season-opening romp over Alabama A&M.
Only once, in Arkansas 23-22 loss to LSU, did he not have at least two receptions.
Brown was far from flashy, only having more than 30 receiving yards in a game five times.
But he was a semi-consistent target for quarterback Taylen Green, especially as Blake began to draw more attention from opposing defenses.
While he will be playing under a new head coach and offensive coordinator, Brown has two years of SEC experience under his belt, an invaluable trait on a roster where that is not the case for many of his peers.
Given that the battle for WR1 appears to be wide open, theres no reason why Brown cant earn the nod, especially if he impresses in fall camp.
Its entirely possible that Arkansas receiving corps, like its backfield, could end up being run by committee, which wouldnt necessarily be a bad thing.
But if a WR1 does emerge, dont be surprised if its Brown, who is poised for a breakout junior season that would be a reward for sticking at Arkansas through turbulent times.
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Follow The Arkansas Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Heres a look at Friday, July 3, 2026 results for each game: Winning Mega Millions numbers from July 3 drawing 05-09-29-47-57, Mega Ball: 16 Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from July 3 drawing Midday: 3-6-8 Evening: 3-7-6 Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from July 3 drawing Midday: 9-2-4-2 Evening: 3-2-2-6 Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Natural State Jackpot numbers from July 3 drawing 05-07-22-27-38 Check Natural State Jackpot payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from July 3 drawing 07-08-24-42-47, Bonus: 03 Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results When are the Arkansas Lottery drawings held? - Powerball: 9:59 p.m.
CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m.
CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Cash 3 Midday: 12:59 p.m.
CT daily except Sunday.
- Cash 3 Evening: 6:59 p.m.
CT daily.
- Cash 4 Midday: 12:59 p.m.
CT daily except Sunday.
- Cash 4 Evening: 6:59 p.m.
CT daily.
- Lucky For Life: 9:30 p.m.
CT daily.
- Natural State Jackpot: 8 p.m.
CT daily except Sunday.
- LOTTO: 9 p.m.
CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m.
CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Arkansas editor.
You can send feedback using this form.
HOT SPRINGS, Ark.
(KATV) As thousands of Arkansans head to lakes and rivers for the Fourth of July holiday, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is increasing patrols to help keep boaters safe.
Game wardens will be on the water from sunrise into the evening throughout the holiday weekend, with a particular focus on boating under the influence, one of the leading safety concerns during one of the busiest boating weekends of the year.
Sgt.
Brady Baker with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said the holiday typically brings a surge of visitors to the states waterways.
Kids are out of school, and a lot of parents are off work, Baker said.
Theyre looking for a place to get cool, and the lakes and rivers are a great place to do that, and Arkansas has tons of opportunity on the water.
While wardens will be watching for impaired boaters as part of the nationwide Operation Dry Water campaign, Baker said they are also focused on safe vessel operation and equipment violations.
This weekend is a nationwide focus on boating under the influence, Baker said.
Were focusing on this weekend we do every weekend but, yeah, that, and just safe operation and equipment violations.
Baker said many people mistakenly believe game wardens stop boats at random.
Instead, he said, officers typically make stops after observing a safety or equipment violation.
We wait until we observe a violation to make the stop, and its going to be for unsafe operation or an equipment violation most of the time, Baker said.
Baker said alcohol can impair boat operators more quickly than many people realize because of the unique conditions on the water.
On the water, you have all these other environmental stimuli, like this bright sunlight, engine noise, the wave motion, and so all of those things amplify the effects of alcohol on a persons body, Baker said.
Before heading out, Baker encourages boaters to designate a sober operator, ensure there are enough properly fitted life jackets for everyone on board and operate vessels responsibly.
Have a designated operator for your vessel, and just operate safely, and then make sure that you have enough life jackets for everybody on board, Baker said.
Officials also remind boaters to check the weather forecast before launching, as conditions on Arkansas lakes and rivers can change quickly.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.
With lakes and rivers expected to be crowded over the Fourth of July holiday, boating experts and emergency responders are urging Arkansans to take extra precautions as one of the busiest weekends on the water also ranks among the most dangerous.
Officials say holiday weekends often bring an increase in boating emergencies.
They are encouraging boaters to slow down, stay hydrated, avoid overloading their boats and make sure navigation lights are working if they plan to stay on the water after dark.
Boating expert Josh Bradley said he witnessed firsthand how quickly a fun day on the water can turn tragic.
Last December, he saw a fatal boating crash after a boater struck a tree in a slough.
I feel terrible for that family, you know, they went without their loved one after that day, said Bradley.
He just didnt see a tree, and that tree was in the middle of a slew and when he hit the front gunwale, it shot him sideways, and immediately put him right into the tree.
Bradley said he attempted CPR, but the man later died from his injuries.
The experience, he said, reinforced the importance of slowing down while operating a boat.
There is no reason to go fast, especially if you have a full load of people, Bradley said.
Bradley also warned boaters not to exceed their vessels weight capacity, saying he has seen overloaded pontoons take on water after waves washed over the bow, causing them to sink.
With temperatures expected to reach the 90s over the holiday weekend, Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services Clinical Coordinator Garrett Whisenhunt said dehydration will also be a major concern for first responders.
Its going to be hot outside, Whisenhunt said.
If you wait until youre thirsty, youre probably doing it wrong.
Bradley said dehydration can also affect a boat operators ability to safely navigate the water.
As you deplete your energy, your brain function slows down, he said.
You need to make sure youre staying hydrated.
For those planning to watch fireworks from the water, Bradley said boaters should ensure all required navigation lights are turned on and consider using additional lighting to make their boats more visible to others.
Bradley said the fatal crash he witnessed serves as a reminder that even experienced boaters can become overconfident.
He didnt think for a second that he was going to experience that that day, Bradley said.
You take things for granted, especially if youve been there a bunch and get overconfident.
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