Football
Razorbacks’ path to success: Eight ranked teams await in 2025
Arkansas faces one of the nation’s toughest schedules in 2025, with eight opponents ranked in ESPN’s FPI Top 25
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Razorbacks enter the 2025 season with measured optimism, as ESPN’s Football Power Index ranks them 22nd nationally, showcasing both the program’s potential and the daunting challenge ahead.
Sam Pittman, entering his sixth season at the helm, faces a schedule that would make any coach pause.
Eight of Arkansas’s 2025 opponents appear in the FPI Top 25, including top-ranked Texas, seventh-ranked Notre Dame, and a gauntlet of SEC powerhouses.
The Razorbacks’ projected win total of 6.1 games might seem modest, but context matters.
According to early power rankings, Arkansas sits 14th in the SEC, though the narrow margins between teams suggest potential for upward mobility.
“The schedule is challenging, but that’s what makes the SEC special,” Pittman said during spring practice. “We’ve proven we can compete with anyone when we execute our game plan.”
The Razorbacks have significantly retooled their roster through the transfer portal.
The program has welcomed 31 incoming transfers, addressing key positions and adding depth across the board. This strategic approach to roster building has become a hallmark of Pittman’s tenure.
The running back room looks particularly promising, with senior Mike Washington Jr. leading a talented group that includes sophomore Braylen Russell and redshirt junior Rodney Hill.
This depth at running back could prove crucial in the SEC’s physical style of play.
The season opener against Alabama A&M provides an opportunity to build momentum before a challenging three-game road stretch.
The September 6 matchup against Arkansas State in Little Rock carries extra significance as the first-ever meeting between the in-state programs.
Perhaps the most intriguing home game comes on September 27 when Notre Dame visits Fayetteville.
The Fighting Irish, coming off a national championship game appearance, represent both a massive challenge and opportunity for the program.
Former Arkansas quarterback Quinn Grovey, now a program analyst, sees reason for hope.
“The talent level has improved each year under coach Pittman,” Grovey notes. “The key will be staying healthy through that brutal October stretch.”
That stretch includes consecutive home games against Texas A&M, Auburn, and Mississippi State. The Razorbacks’ success during this period could define their season.
The ESPN FPI gives Arkansas an 8.2% chance to make the expanded playoffs, reflecting both the difficulty of their schedule and the potential for breakthrough performances.
While the 0.5% chance to win the SEC might seem small, it represents the unpredictable nature of college football.
The coaching staff has assembled their highest-rated recruiting class under Pittman, combining high school talent with strategic transfer portal additions.
This blend of youth and experience could provide the depth needed to navigate the challenging schedule.
Defensive coordinator Travis Williams, entering his second season, has emphasized creating more turnovers during spring practice.
The defense’s ability to generate momentum-changing plays could prove crucial in close games.
The season’s final stretch presents perhaps the biggest challenge, with road games against LSU and Texas before the traditional finale against Missouri. The Texas game, in particular, carries extra weight as the Longhorns enter their second SEC season ranked first in the FPI.
“We understand the challenge ahead,” Pittman stated during spring practice. “But this team has the right mindset. We’re not just looking to compete; we’re looking to win these games.”
The Razorbacks’ special teams unit, often overlooked, could play a crucial role in tight contests. The staff has emphasized this phase during spring practice, recognizing its importance in SEC play.
According to early SEC power rankings, the conference appears more competitive than ever, with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging landscape.
While the 63.5% chance of reaching bowl eligibility might not excite the fan base, the program’s steady improvement under Pittman suggests the potential for exceeding expectations.
The key will be navigating the early season schedule while developing depth for the crucial conference matchups.
Pittman will say the Hogs can only control what they can control. In the SEC, that might be the most important factor of all.
