Overview

• ESPN projections diverge, with one forecast placing Arkansas in the Birmingham Bowl versus Tulane and another leaving the Razorbacks out, while sportsbooks set the win total around 5.5 and FPI estimates roughly 5.9–6.1 victories.
• Speaking at the Little Rock Touchdown Club, Pittman rejected preseason snubs and voiced confidence in his roster, even as his 30–31 record over five seasons has left his job widely viewed as tenuous.
• Arkansas is expected to start six transfer additions on offense, and Bobby Petrino’s unit returns after ranking second in the SEC and 10th nationally in total offense last season.
• Quarterback Taylen Green returns after 3,154 passing yards and 602 rushing in 2024, though his 15–9 touchdown‑to‑interception ratio and lower passer rating highlight areas to improve.
• A road test at Memphis in Week 4 precedes a home game against No. 6 Notre Dame, and trips to No. 24 Tennessee, No. 9 LSU and No. 1 Texas loom, with ESPN’s Rece Davis calling the Memphis game a key early pivot point.