The 2025 Arkansas Razorbacks football team, under the leadership of Head Coach Sam Pittman in his sixth season, is poised for a pivotal year. Following a 4–8 finish in 2023 and a transitional 2024 season, the Razorbacks have undergone significant roster and coaching changes. With a revamped staff and a blend of experienced transfers and promising recruits, Arkansas aims to reestablish itself as a competitive force in the SEC.
Sam Pittman continues to helm the program, bringing stability and a focus on rebuilding. The return of Bobby Petrino as Offensive Coordinator marks a significant shift, introducing a more aggressive offensive strategy. Petrino’s previous tenure at Arkansas is remembered for high-powered offenses, and his return is expected to invigorate the Razorbacks’ attack. On the defensive side, the staff remains committed to enhancing a unit that has shown potential but requires consistency.
Offense
Quarterbacks
The departure of KJ Jefferson has opened up the quarterback position. The competition is expected to be fierce, with redshirt sophomore Grayson Wilson and junior transfer Trevor Jackson from Florida State vying for the starting role. Both quarterbacks bring different skill sets, and their development will be crucial under Petrino’s guidance.
Running Backs
The backfield is bolstered by the return of senior AJ Green, who transferred back to Arkansas from Oklahoma State. He is joined by senior Mike Washington Jr., a transfer from New Mexico State, providing depth and experience. Troy transfer Damien Taylor adds experience and energy to the running game.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
The receiving corps has been significantly enhanced through the transfer portal. Notable additions include O’Mega Blake from Charlotte and Ismael Cisse from Stanford. Freshman Ja’Kayden Ferguson is expected to make an immediate impact. At tight end, the Razorbacks have added JUCO standout Gavin Garretson and Jaden Platt from Texas A&M, providing versatile options for the passing game.
Offensive Line
The offensive line has been a focus of the rebuild. Key transfers such as Marcus Dumervil from Maryland and Corey Robinson II from Georgia Tech bring much-needed experience. JUCO transfer Bubba Craig adds size and strength to the line. The development of these players will be critical to the success of the offense.
Defense
Defensive Line
The defensive front is anchored by senior Justus Boone, a transfer from Florida, and senior David Oke from Abilene Christian. Freshman Kevin Oatis is a promising addition, expected to contribute early.
Linebackers
The linebacker unit is led by redshirt senior Stephen Dix Jr. from Marshall and redshirt senior Xavian Sorey Jr. from Georgia. Sophomore Bradley Shaw and redshirt freshman Wyatt Simmons provide depth and are expected to see significant playing time.
Secondary
The secondary has been reinforced with several transfers, including redshirt junior Jaheim Singletary from Georgia and senior Caleb Wooden from Auburn. These additions aim to improve a unit that struggled in previous seasons.
Special teams will feature redshirt senior punter Devin Bale and freshman kicker Scott Starzyk. The consistency of the kicking game will be vital in close contests.
2025 Arkansas Schedule
The Razorbacks’ 2025 schedule is both challenging and historic:
- Aug 30: vs. Alabama A&M
- Sep 6: vs. Arkansas State
- Sep 13: at Ole Miss
- Sep 20: at Memphis
- Sep 27: vs. Notre Dame
- Oct 11: at Tennessee
- Oct 18: vs. Texas A&M
- Oct 25: vs. Auburn
- Nov 1: vs. Mississippi State
- Nov 8: bye
- Nov 15: at LSU
- Nov 22: at Texas
- Nov 29: vs. Missouri
This schedule includes significant non-conference games and a rigorous SEC slate, providing numerous opportunities for the Razorbacks to prove themselves.
Outlook
The 2025 season represents a critical juncture for the Arkansas Razorbacks. With a restructured coaching staff and a roster infused with new talent, the team aims to rebound from recent struggles. Success will depend on the rapid development of key positions, particularly at quarterback and along the offensive line. The defense must coalesce quickly to handle the demanding schedule. If the Razorbacks can navigate these challenges, a return to bowl eligibility is within reach.
PREDICTING ARKANSAS’s 2025 SEASON
Aug. 30 Alabama A&M 3, Arkansas 37
Sept. 6 Arkansas State 20, Arkansas 40
Sept. 13 Arkansas 30, Ole Miss 32
Sept. 27 Notre Dame 36, Arkansas 27
Sept. 20 Arkansas 24, Memphis 37
Oct. 11 Arkansas 34, Tennessee 30
Oct. 18 Texas A&M 38, Arkansas 40
Oct. 25 Auburn 25, Arkansas 18
Nov. 1 Miss. State, 21 Arkansas 34
Nov. 15 Arkansas 30, LSU 42
Nov. 22 Arkansas 31, Texas 41
Nov. 29 Missouri 40, Arkansas 35
5-7
QUOTING SAM PITTMAN
We’re going to have 105 you know in it and uh and 85 scholarships so that’s what we’ve been working around, uh for that and uh so we get briefed every time something happens and probably briefed more than we think like Francis. I’ll tell you this, we felt like it might get done on the 7th and then we felt like it might get done by tomorrow and then as we all know that’s been delayed a couple of weeks now so um we’re operating on what the SEC tells us and then we’ll adjust when it’s time to adjust.
The recruitment of Trevor, when did that start and how fast did that move along?
Well, I can’t remember the date right now. When we lost our other quarterback but, it started as soon as he hit the portal, and the ironic thing is that Bobby had recruited him when he was A&M and he was already in the portal so it went really fast after that. He’s the only one that we spoke with and talked to about it.
What else are you looking to get done in the portal?
Well, the number one thing is keep my own players, you know, that’s when it’s hard to sleep at night, um so I’m waiting for Friday at midnight. Number two thing is that we’ve got some needs in different spots that obviously I think mentioned that we’ve got some guys coming in. so we’re trying to just get our roster spot to 85 because we know at that point. We’re done so we’d like to get to 85.
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman at a press conference on Apr 24, 2025.
