2025 Arkansas Razorbacks Season Preview: Can Pittman and Green Fix The Hogs?

The Arkansas Razorbacks enter the 2025 season at a crossroads under Head Coach Sam Pittman, who is in his sixth year. Coming off a 7-6 campaign in 2024, the Razorbacks face one of the most challenging schedules in the nation, b?lending a significant number of transfers and true freshmen with a core of returning starters. The focus will be on quickly integrating new talent and finding consistency to navigate a brutal SEC gauntlet.

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Storylines Entering the Season

• Quarterback Stability: The quarterback position has seen a lot of turnover in recent years. Boise State transfer Taylen Green is the clear No. 1, bringing both arm talent and mobility. His ability to lead Bobby Petrino’s offense and provide stability at the position will be paramount.
• Offensive Line Overhaul: The offensive line is undergoing a significant transformation, with multiple transfers expected to step into starting roles. The success of this revamped unit in providing protection for Green and opening running lanes will dictate the offense’s effectiveness.
• Defensive Depth and Pass Rush: While the defense was generally better than its statistics indicated in 2024, replacing top pass rusher Landon Jackson is a major concern. The Razorbacks have brought in several defensive transfers, particularly in the secondary, to improve depth and consistency, but generating a consistent pass rush will be key.
• Brutal Schedule: Arkansas faces one of the nation’s toughest schedules, including non-conference matchups against Notre Dame and Memphis, and a full SEC slate featuring Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Auburn, LSU, and Texas. Navigating this schedule will be a true test of the team’s resilience.
• Sam Pittman’s Tenure: Entering his sixth season, Sam Pittman remains a beloved figure, but expectations are high to show significant progress and return to consistent winning seasons, especially after missing a nine-win season since 2021.

Key Players

• Taylen Green (QB, R-Sr.): The Boise State transfer is expected to be the starting quarterback. His dual-threat capabilities will be central to the Razorbacks’ offensive identity.
• Fernando Carmona (OG, R-Sr.): An experienced offensive lineman who will be crucial in anchoring the interior of the line and providing stability.
• Corey Robinson II (OT, R-Sr.): A transfer from Georgia Tech, Robinson is expected to step in as a starting offensive tackle, providing much-needed pass protection.
• Mike Washington Jr. (RB, R-Sr.): A transfer running back from New Mexico State who had a strong spring and is expected to be a key contributor in the backfield alongside Braylen Russell.
• Xavian Sorey Jr. (LB, R-Sr.): Led the team with 99 tackles in 2024 and will be a cornerstone of the linebacker corps.
• Stephen Dix Jr. (LB, R-Sr.): Another veteran linebacker who made 72 stops last season, providing experience and production.
• Cameron Ball (DT, R-Sr.): A returning starter on the defensive line who will be crucial in holding up against the run.
• Julian Neal (CB, R-Sr.): A transfer from Fresno State, Neal was one of the top corners in the transfer portal and is expected to make an immediate impact in the secondary.

Depth Chart (Projected)

Offense

• QB: Taylen Green (R-Sr.) / KJ Jackson (R-Fr.)
• RB: Braylen Russell (So.) / Mike Washington Jr. (R-Sr.) / AJ Green (R-Sr.)
• WR (X): O’Mega Blake (R-Sr.) / Monte Harrison (So.)
• WR (Z): Ismael Cisse (R-So.) / Jalen Brown (R-So.)
• WR (W): Raylen Sharpe (R-Sr.) / Kam Shanks (R-So.)
• LT: Corey Robinson II (R-Sr.) / Kavion Broussard (R-Fr.)
• LG: Fernando Carmona (R-Sr.) / Bubba Craig (R-So.)
• C: Caden Kitler (R-Jr.) / Brooks Edmonson (R-Jr.)
• RG: E’Marion Harris (R-Jr.) / Keyshawn Blackstock (R-Sr.)
• RT: Shaq McRoy (R-Fr.) / Marcus Dumervil (R-Sr.)
• TE: Rohan Jones (Sr.) / Jaden Platt (R-So.)

Defense

• LDE: Charlie Collins (So.) / Justus Boone (R-Sr.)
• LDT: Danny Saili (Sr.) / Ian Geffrard (R-So.)
• RDT: Cameron Ball (R-Sr.) / David Oke (Sr.)
• RDE: Quincy Rhodes Jr. (Jr.) / Phillip Lee (R-Sr.)
• MACK (LB): Stephen Dix Jr. (R-Sr.) / Bradley Shaw (So.)
• MONEY (LB): Xavian Sorey Jr. (R-Sr.) / Andrew Harris (Jr.)
• LCB: Selman Bridges (So.) / Jordan Young (R-Sr.)
• SS: Larry Worth III (Sr.) / Quentavius Scandrett (R-Sr.)
• FS: Miguel Mitchell (R-Jr.) / Caleb Wooden (Sr.)
• RCB: Kani Walker (R-Sr.) / Keshawn Davila (Jr.)
• NB: Julian Neal (R-Sr.) / JJ Shelton (Fr.)

Special Teams

• P: Devin Bale (R-Sr.)
• PK: Scott Starzyk (Fr.)
• KR: Rodney Hill (R-Jr.) / Kam Shanks (R-So.)
• PR: Kam Shanks (R-So.) / Rodney Hill (R-Jr.)

Full Schedule

Key Games Focus

Here are 2-3 key games that could define Arkansas’s 2025 season:

1. September 27 vs. Notre Dame: This is a marquee non-conference matchup and the first-ever meeting between these two storied programs. Playing Notre Dame at home provides a massive opportunity for Arkansas to make a national statement and build significant momentum before the heart of their SEC schedule. A win here would be huge for the program’s perception.
2. October 18 vs. Texas A&M: This rivalry game returns to campus after years of being played at a neutral site. Texas A&M has largely dominated the series since joining the SEC. A home victory against the Aggies would be a crucial conference win and a significant step towards improving their standing in the SEC West. This game often sets the tone for the middle of their season.
3. November 22 at Texas: Another rekindled rivalry, this road trip to Austin against the Longhorns will be a highly anticipated contest. While Texas is expected to be a top team, Arkansas played them close in 2024. A competitive showing, or even an upset, on the road against a strong SEC opponent late in the season could be vital for bowl eligibility and provide a strong finish to a challenging schedule.

Lee Bushkell

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