At SEC Media Days last week, Arkansas was picked to finish 14th in the conference. But with five games against teams projected to finish in the bottom half of the league, the Hogs have a real chance to exceed expectations. A solid showing could push them to the middle of the SEC pack, much higher than predicted.
Arkansas’ 2021 Comparison
Just for fun, the 2025 Razorbacks draw some intriguing parallels to Sam Pittman’s 2021 squad. That team defied low expectations to finish 9-4. Both teams feature a dual-threat quarterback entering year two under a dynamic offensive coordinator, returning linebackers anchoring the defense, and matching SEC win totals the previous season, including victories over Tennessee and Mississippi State.
Nonconference Challenges
Arkansas opens with Alabama A&M at home which should be a win. Then will face Arkansas State in Little Rock, possibly the final Razorback game at War Memorial Stadium. The Red Wolves are coming off an 8-5 season and a bowl win and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The Hogs will also travel to Memphis, an 11-2 team last year, for a tricky road test at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Where Arkansas holds a 4-3 record in Liberty Bowl appearances. The biggest nonconference matchup comes at home against national runner-up Notre Dame, marking the first meeting between the two programs and a true early season measuring stick.
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SEC Slate Opportunities
While no SEC schedule is easy, Arkansas avoids several top voted teams at SEC Media Days. Only Texas No. 1, LSU No. 4, and Ole Miss No. 7 were picked to finish in the league’s upper half. That means five of Arkansas’ eight SEC opponents are projected in the bottom half. Which creates real opportunity if the Razorbacks can clean up last season’s mistakes.
Texas and LSU on the road will be uphill battles, but the rest of the schedule is more manageable. Against Ole Miss, Arkansas is 5-5 in Oxford since 2005 and leads the all-time series. The Rebels will be replacing several NFL Draft picks, including Jaxson Dart and Walter Nolen, which could give the Hogs an early-season edge while their chemistry develops.
Tennessee, a playoff team last year, lost quarterback Nico Iamaleava to the portal and enters 2025 with uncertainty under center. Arkansas has won four straight over the Vols, including last year’s upset in Fayetteville.
The annual game against Texas A&M returns to Fayetteville for the first time since 2013, ending the Southwest Classic in Arlington. Arkansas still leads the all-time series and now regains a true home-field advantage.
Auburn, who Arkansas beat on the road last year despite two turnovers, visits Fayetteville this season. Hugh Freeze is 4-4 all-time against the Hogs, and the Tigers are still in rebuild mode.
Missouri remains a tough opponent historically, but Arkansas has had more success against the Tigers in Fayetteville. With Luther Burden and Brady Cook gone, this could be the Hogs’ best shot to reverse that trend.
Lastly, Mississippi State was picked to finish last in the SEC and will come to Fayetteville. Arkansas blew them out 58-25 in Starkville last season. On paper, it’s the most winnable conference game for the Hogs.
What it Means for Arkansas
If Arkansas can build early momentum, capitalize in key games, a surprising season isn’t out of the question. While the media may have low expectations, the Hogs have a mix of experience, talent, and opportunity that could allow them to exceed projections and reenergize a hungry fan base.
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