The Hogs return to the gridiron as the 2025-26 season kicks off against Alabama A&M. Arkansas is one of the more intriguing teams in the SEC this fall given the amount of roster turnover from last season.
Head coach Sam Pittman enters his sixth year with the Razorbacks after closing last season with a Liberty Bowl win against Texas Tech. The Bulldogs are led by head coach Sam Shade, who is in his first year with the program after his tenure at Miles College.
Previewing Alabama A&M
Although Shade is in his first season with Alabama A&M, he is bringing some familiar faces. He brought 12 players with him along with his offensive and defensive coordinators from Miles College. At Division II Miles, the Golden Bears averaged 28.8 points per game while holding opponents to 18.2 and finishing 10-3, including 8-0 in conference play.
Last season, Alabama A&M went 6-6 overall and 4-4 in the SWAC, allowing 30.7 points per game.
In Phil Steele’s SWAC preseason teams, the Bulldogs had seven players recognized. Offensive lineman Tyrell Lawerence and kicker Victor Barbosa earned first-team honors. Quarterback Cornelious Brown IV, wide receiver Donivan Wright, linebacker Dimitris Biamby and defensive linemen Nick Glenn and Xzavier Booker were named to the third team.
Previewing the Hogs
Arkansas will be led by quarterback Taylen Green in his second season with the program and under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. That pairing is one of several intriguing storylines for the Razorbacks.
Another is the wide receiver room, which has little returning production and was rebuilt almost entirely through the transfer portal.
Arkansas had three players named to the preseason All-SEC teams. Offensive lineman Fernando Carmona Jr. was selected second team, while defensive lineman Cam Ball and punter Devin Bale were chosen third team.
[You may also be interested in Sam Pittman Previews Alabama A&M]
Hogs to Watch
QB Taylen Green
Under Petrino, quarterbacks have historically flourished, with Ryan Mallett, Tyler Wilson and Lamar Jackson serving as examples. Green put up strong numbers last season, and Petrino has praised his development. For Arkansas to succeed, Green will need to rise to the occasion.
RB Mike Washington
Washington was a strong addition out of the transfer portal and has drawn great reviews since arriving on campus. Coaches and teammates have pointed to him as the standout of the offseason.
LB Xavian Sorey Jr.
Sorey led Arkansas in tackles last season and became an anchor for the defense. Entering his second year in the system, he brings veteran stability to a unit with several new faces. Sorey was named to the All-SEC third team last year and will look to build on that success.
DL Cam Ball
A rarity in modern college football, Ball is entering his fifth season with Arkansas. Now a captain in his final year, he is widely respected by teammates and coaches alike.
Trends to Watch
Arkansas showed plenty of explosive plays during fall camp scrimmages. With Petrino guiding the offense and Green comfortable in the system, expectations are high. The Razorbacks also bolstered the offensive line through the portal, further strengthening the unit.
Defensively, linebacker is the team’s strongest position group. Sorey, Stephen Dix Jr. and Bradley Shaw all return, and senior transfer Trent Whalen adds depth. The Razorbacks also emphasized size and speed this offseason, particularly in the secondary, where their length could disrupt opposing quarterbacks by closing down throwing windows.
Broadcast Information
Time: 3:15 p.m. CT
Date: Aug. 30
Location: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Ark.
TV: SEC Network
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