As the college football season approaches, Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman is embracing the role of underdog — and he’s doing it with confidence. Despite being left unranked in the 2025 preseason polls, Pittman remains bullish on the Razorbacks’ chances, vowing that his team will turn heads this fall.
Speaking recently at the Little Rock Touchdown Club, Pittman addressed the snub directly, delivering a message that made waves among fans and analysts alike.
“I don’t know what the guys who never played a down predicted us,” Pittman said with a grin. “But I know that we have a really good freshman class. If you don’t want to rank us, that’s fine… we’ll surprise a lot of people.”
Pittman’s confidence isn’t without reason. While Arkansas finished 3-5 in SEC play last season, the record doesn’t tell the full story. Four of those five losses came by 10 points or fewer — three of which slipped away in the fourth quarter. That kind of narrow margin underscores Pittman’s belief that the Razorbacks are much closer to competing than many are giving them credit for.
“We’ve got a really good football team,” he added. “We’re excited to get out there and play.”
A big reason for that optimism is quarterback Taylen Green, who returns for his second season in Fayetteville after a strong 2024 campaign. Green threw for 3,154 yards and added another 602 on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat ability and playmaking potential. With another year in the system, he’s expected to be the centerpiece of Arkansas’s offense.
However, questions remain — particularly at wide receiver. After several departures, the Razorbacks have brought in six new receivers from the transfer portal. While untested in SEC play, Pittman is excited about the size, speed, and versatility this group brings to the table. The hope is that this revamped receiving corps can quickly build chemistry with Green and elevate the passing game.
On the defensive side, Arkansas returns eight starters, a solid foundation to build upon. Linebacker Xavian Sorey and defensive tackle Cam Ball — who earned preseason All-SEC honors — are expected to anchor a unit that could quietly become one of the conference’s more physical groups.
In a tough SEC West, the road won’t be easy. But with experience at key positions and a head coach who clearly believes in his squad, Arkansas might just be one of the surprise teams of the 2025 season.