It is time for change in Little Rock.
On Saturday, the Arkansas Razorbacks have been no match for Related Press No. 22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-2), shedding 56-13, their worst non-conference home loss since 1987, after they fell to then-independent Miami (Fl), 51-7. The Razorbacks have been out-gained, 641-365, with the Combating Irish changing into the second workforce (first non-conference) since 1995 to throw for 400 yards and rush for 150 yards at Arkansas. (h/t Stathead)
The resounding defeat placed on tape what most had already realized about Arkansas (2-3, 0-1 in SEC) beneath head coach Sam Pittman. This system is caught in stasis and watching the remainder of the SEC and faculty soccer elite go it by.
The schedule solely will get more durable from right here
The 56 factors allowed by the Razorbacks have been their most towards a non-conference opponent beneath Pittman. General, Arkansas is 32-34 since Pittman became head coach in 2020. Solely Auburn (31-34), Mississippi State (31-34) and Vanderbilt (20-42) have a worse win proportion amongst SEC groups throughout that span.
Based mostly on the workforce’s effort towards Notre Dame, the 2025 season may nonetheless get a lot uglier. All seven of Arkansas’ remaining video games are towards groups at present with a profitable file, together with 5 within the AP ballot. Following a Week 6 bye, Arkansas performs at No. 15 Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 in SEC), adopted by video games towards No. 9 Texas A&M (3-0), Auburn (3-1, 0-1 in SEC), Mississippi State (4-0), No. 4 LSU (4-0, 1-0 in SEC), No. 10 Texas (3-1) and No. 20 Missouri (4-0, 1-0 in SEC).
It is unlikely issues will get higher for Arkansas beneath Sam Pittman
Issues appear unlikely to enhance a lot in future seasons. According to 247Sports, the Razorbacks are No. 11 within the SEC in 2026 recruiting rankings. This system can be in the midst of the pack within the switch portal, so it most likely will not be capable of depend on it for a direct turnaround.
It is time for Arkansas to shake issues up. The established order is not working, and it hasn’t for some time. Since 2012, the Razorbacks are one in all two SEC applications with no 10-win season, becoming a member of Vanderbilt. Saturday’s loss was a stark reminder of how far Arkansas is from being related to the nationwide dialog. And that is unlikely to alter so long as Pittman is head coach.
