The Arkansas Razorbacks are a program on the rise in college football. The Hogs won nine games last year after winning seven games the previous three years combined. Additionally, head coach Sam Pittman picked up some impressive transfers from the portal, including former Alabama LB Drew Sanders and former LSU CB Dwight McGlothern.
But are the Razorbacks ready to take the next step to being SEC contenders this year? ESPN’s Chris Low rated Arkansas’ schedule as the hardest in the nation. But there are some things going for Arkansas. First, the Hogs don’t have to play Georgia during the regular season. Second, they don’t have to go on the road for their toughest SEC games. They will play Alabama at home and face-off against Texas A&M in Dallas. Additionally, they will host Brian Kelly and LSU at home.
KJ Jefferson is an efficient and experienced QB, who could contend for the Heisman. They also return four starters from last year’s offensive line that helped the team lead the P5 in rushing. They also bring back their top two running backs from last year in Rahiem Sanders and Domonique Johnson.
On defense, the hogs bring back LB Bumper Pool and DB Jalen Catalon. They got more talent at CB through the portal in McGlothern and CB Latavious Brini. These two additions should allow the Hogs to play more man-to-man coverage. This means the Hogs can also add packages to their defense that bring more men to the line of scrimmage.
While the Razorbacks still lack the depth of the top teams like Auburn or Alabama, don’t be surprised if they make the SEC championship game. The talent on the first team and their favorable SEC schedule could allow them to compete.