Fayetteville, AR - October 19, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the LSU Tigers and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, AR. The Razorbacks GAME SCORE. Photo by Gunnar Rathbun for Arkansas Athletics
Arkansas:
2025 Finish: 7-6, 3-5 SEC
2025 Prediction: 5-7, 3-5 SEC
Overview:
I may just not be the biggest Hog fan, but it feels to me they are one of the most silent 3-5 teams in the SEC. Not that good, but not a laughingstock. They could certainly come up with a bowl game, but that game against Notre Dame I feel like holds them back. Sam Pittman has a lot of holes to fill, and I think they take just a slight step back this year.
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- 10 Taylen Green FB 2024-2080
Offense:
Taylen Green is coming back, who is extremely polarizing but shows flashes. After losing Isaac TesLaa, The Razorbacks have added several talented transfer receivers to fill the void, including O’Mega Blake, Ismael Cisse, Raylen Sharpe, and Kam Shanks. Experienced players like Fernando Carmona and Corey Robinson are providing leadership and some NFL talent to anchor. Mike Washington Jr. has been turning up all summer at h-back. It is a solid room with some transfers and experience.
Defense:
The linebacker corps is considered a potential strength, featuring key players like Xavian Sorey Jr. The Razorbacks face challenges on the defensive line, losing key contributors like Landon Jackson and Eric Gregory. Tackle Cameron Ball is a returning leader, but significant inexperience and the need for new transfers like Justus Boone, Phillip Lee, David Oke, and Ken Talley to step up are notable. Jaheim Singletary and Selman Bridges are some key returners at defensive back.
Special:
Devin Bale is reliable at punter, and Scott Starzyk is a new freshman kicker. Kam Shanks will return punts while Rodney Hill returns kicks.
Final Thoughts:
Much like other rosters, this is a group riddled with experience. It’s just that the SEC is too deep. I hope I’m wrong about Arkansas, because they’re actually pretty fun to watch and relatively likeable and respected. It is what it is though; I don’t think they will turn too many heads this season. It is a hard schedule, and they also have Notre Dame which is penciled in a loss for me. Maybe they can pick up some upsets and make a bowl game.
