Razorbacks face pressure ahead of historic Arkansas State clash

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman made no attempt to downplay the weight of Saturday’s first-ever meeting with Arkansas State, acknowledging that the Razorbacks are the ones carrying the burden when the in-state showdown finally arrives at War Memorial Stadium.

The Hogs enter the game 1–0 after a 52–7 win over Alabama A&M to open the season, but Pittman said his team has the most to prove in what will be one of the most watched matchups in state history.

“I think certainly we’re the ones with the pressure on us. I wouldn’t think that they would have it,” Pittman said Monday. “They’ve been wanting to play the game for a long, long time. For us, it’s about playing sound football and making sure we show up in every phase.”

The game represents a milestone in Arkansas football history. For decades, administrators resisted scheduling Arkansas State, even as other Power Five schools embraced in-state rivalries with Group of Five programs. That reluctance faded in recent years as the landscape shifted with conference realignment, NIL opportunities and fan demand for a matchup that once seemed unthinkable.

While Arkansas handled its opener comfortably, the defensive line struggled in the early moments against Alabama A&M, something Pittman said cannot continue against a more seasoned opponent.

“We just didn’t have any production,” Pittman said of his defensive front. “They’ve got to get in the right gaps, do their jobs. Flashes aren’t enough. We need four quarters of discipline.”

One challenge has been depth along the interior. Defensive tackle David Oke, who missed the opener with injury, is not expected back until Week 3. That absence has forced younger players into bigger roles earlier than anticipated.

Arkansas State surging

The Red Wolves enter the rivalry matchup with momentum of their own. Under head coach Butch Jones, Arkansas State went 8–5 in 2024 and earned a Camellia Bowl victory. They opened the 2025 season with a win, extending optimism for a program that struggled early in Jones’ tenure but has shown consistent progress.

Arkansas State quarterback J.T. Shrout returns for his second season as starter after throwing for more than 3,000 yards in 2024. Pittman praised his opponent’s experience and skill positions.

“They’ve got weapons,” Pittman said. “Their quarterback has been around a long time. They’ve got guys who can make plays down the field, and we know we’ll have to be ready for that.”

Historic stage at War Memorial

Saturday’s game will be played at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, the long-time secondary home for Razorback football. The stadium, which first hosted Arkansas games in 1948, has seen countless memorable moments, but none quite like this one.

State officials and stadium leaders have projected one of the largest crowds in years, with ticket demand surging since the game was announced. Some are predicting the atmosphere is expected to rival major SEC contests in Fayetteville.

That remains to be seen, considering it’s a drive of at least three hours from Fayetteville where the UA is located. They haven’t had anything close to a sellout in a decade or more.

For many fans, the matchup represents not just a football game but a symbolic acknowledgment of the state’s broader football culture. Arkansas State, located in Jonesboro, has built its own tradition with Sun Belt titles and NFL alumni, while Arkansas remains the flagship program.

Pittman on the bigger picture

Pittman also touched on how NIL and transfer portal dynamics have changed the conversation around in-state recruiting. In previous years, Razorback coaches worried that playing Arkansas State would give the Red Wolves more exposure to local recruits. Now, Pittman said, those boundaries are less rigid.

“With NIL and the portal, players are moving more than ever,” he said. “I don’t think this game really changes recruiting the way it might have 10 or 15 years ago.”

Instead, he sees the matchup as a chance to celebrate football across Arkansas. “It’s a big deal for the fans, for the people of the state,” Pittman said. “We’re proud to be part of it.”

Keys to victory

For Arkansas, the keys are straightforward: establish balance on offense behind quarterback Taylen Green, who accounted for four touchdowns in the opener, and shore up a defense that allowed Alabama A&M an early scoring drive before settling in.

The Red Wolves will look to attack a Razorback secondary that ranked in the bottom half of the SEC last season. Wide receiver Corey Rucker, who returned from injury in 2024, is expected to be one of Shrout’s top targets.

Jones, for his part, has downplayed any sense of pressure on his side.

“We’re just excited to compete,” he said last week. “Our kids have earned this opportunity, and we’ll approach it like every other game.”

Outlook

Though Arkansas State will enter as an underdog, its recent improvement combined with the unpredictability of an in-state rivalry adds intrigue. For Pittman and the Razorbacks, anything less than a convincing win will invite scrutiny, especially with a challenging SEC slate looming.

Kickoff is set for Saturday evening, with television coverage on the SEC Network.

Three Takeaways

• Arkansas under pressure — Pittman made clear the Razorbacks bear the responsibility in their first-ever meeting with Arkansas State at War Memorial Stadium.

• Defensive discipline needed — Arkansas’ defensive front struggled in the opener, and Pittman emphasized gap control and consistency as priorities this week.

• Historic matchup — Beyond football, the in-state game reflects broader changes in Arkansas athletics and carries meaning for fans across the state.