After finishing 7-6 last season, there are plenty of areas the Hogs will aim to improve heading into 2025, especially with a less-than-favorable schedule on the horizon. Offensively and defensively, the Razorbacks must address key issues to put together a successful season.
Hogs Offensive Improvements
Despite ranking second in the SEC in total yards per game last year, turnovers were the Razorbacks’ biggest offensive downfall. Costly mistakes at critical times derailed several winnable games. Out of 133 FBS teams, Arkansas tied for 119th in turnovers lost in 2024, giving the ball away 23 times, 14 fumbles and nine interceptions.
Another area of concern was tackles for loss allowed. The Razorbacks ranked No. 104 nationally, losing 383 yards behind the line of scrimmage, including 36 sacks for 255 yards which ranked 110th.
Mistakes will happen over the course of a season, but cutting down on turnovers and cleaning up blocking assignments would go a long way. In Year 2 with quarterback Taylen Green under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, the Razorbacks have the potential to be just as explosive as last season. If they can limit turnovers and protect the quarterback more effectively, a return to a bowl game could be a realistic goal, even with a brutal schedule ahead.
Hogs Defensive Improvements
Statistically, Arkansas had one of the worst defenses in the SEC last season. The Razorbacks allowed the second-most points per game in the conference, gave up the fourth-most total yards, and ranked last in passing yards allowed. For Arkansas to compete with the SEC’s elite, the defense must take significant strides in 2025.
The Razorbacks also struggled to create turnovers, ranking No. 89 in the nation in turnovers gained. They recovered just five fumbles and snagged 10 interceptions. On a more encouraging note, Arkansas finished in the middle of the pack in scoring defense nationally, ranking No. 66. Still, that won’t be enough to contend in the SEC without more game-changing plays on that side of the ball.
Hogs Special Teams Improvements
Special teams were inconsistent at best last season. While Arkansas made all of its extra points, the Hogs converted just 70.8% of field goal attempts. The biggest struggle came in the 40–49-yard range, where the team went 7-for-14. On a positive note, kickers Matthew Shipley and Kyle Ramsey combined to go 3-for-3 from beyond 50 yards.
Return units also left room for improvement. Arkansas finished with the third-fewest kickoff and punt return yards in the SEC. That could change in 2025 with the addition of Kam Shanks, the punt return leader in the country last season at UAB. Shanks brings explosive playmaking ability and should help provide better field position for the offense.
Looking Ahead
The Razorbacks are far from a finished product, but there is reason for cautious optimism in Fayetteville. With key adjustments on both sides of the ball, a more disciplined offense, and improved special teams play, Arkansas could position itself for another bowl appearance in 2025. The road won’t be easy, but the pieces are there for this team to take a step forward.