Buckle up, Razorback fans! The highly anticipated 2025 Arkansas football schedule is upon us, promising a season filled with electrifying matchups and unbreakable bonds. With a blend of formidable opponents and intriguing storylines, this schedule is poised to captivate the hearts of every true Razorback believer. From the roar of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium to the thrill of hard-fought road battles, the 2025 campaign promises an unforgettable journey for the Arkansas faithful.
The season opener on September 6th kicks off with a clash of titans as the Razorbacks welcome the University of Alabama Crimson Tide to Fayetteville. This SEC West showdown is sure to ignite the passion of fans from both sides, setting the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating season. The following week, Arkansas travels to Provo, Utah, to face the Brigham Young University Cougars. This non-conference matchup provides the Razorbacks with an early opportunity to showcase their depth and grit against a formidable opponent from the Big 12.
As the schedule progresses, Arkansas will encounter a gauntlet of SEC opponents, including a road trip to College Station to face the Texas A&M Aggies. This rivalry game is always a heated affair, with both teams vying for conference supremacy. The Razorbacks will also welcome the Florida Gators, Ole Miss Rebels, and Mississippi State Bulldogs to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. These matchups are sure to generate intense atmospheres and test the mettle of the Arkansas team. With the stakes high and the roar of the crowd deafening, each game promises to be a battle of wills and a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Razorback nation.
Razorbacks Primed for Success in 2025
Arkansas’s 2025 Football Schedule Released
The Arkansas Razorbacks are set to embark on an exciting 2025 football campaign, with their highly anticipated schedule recently being released. The Razorbacks will face a challenging slate of opponents, including matchups against some of the top teams in the country. With a talented roster and a passionate fan base, Arkansas is poised to make a run at a successful season in 2025.
Key Matchups
One of the most anticipated games on Arkansas’s 2025 schedule is their home matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide on October 4. Alabama is consistently one of the top teams in the country, and this game will be a major test for the Razorbacks. Arkansas will also face another tough SEC West opponent, the Texas A&M Aggies, on October 25 at Kyle Field. The Razorbacks will close out their regular season with a home game against the LSU Tigers on November 22.
Road Warriors
Arkansas will face some tough road tests in 2025, including trips to Auburn, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. The Razorbacks will open their SEC road schedule at Auburn on September 20, followed by a trip to Starkville to face Mississippi State on October 11. Arkansas will then wrap up their road schedule with a game at Ole Miss on November 1. These games will all be challenging, but the Razorbacks have the talent and experience to come away with some big wins.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | UAPB | Fayetteville, AR |
| September 13 | BYU | Provo, UT |
| September 20 | Auburn | Auburn, AL |
| September 27 | Florida A&M | Fayetteville, AR |
| October 4 | Alabama | Fayetteville, AR |
| October 11 | Mississippi State | Starkville, MS |
| October 18 | South Carolina | Columbia, SC |
| October 25 | Texas A&M | College Station, TX |
| November 1 | Ole Miss | Oxford, MS |
| November 8 | Liberty | Fayetteville, AR |
| November 15 | Missouri | Fayetteville, AR |
| November 22 | LSU | Fayetteville, AR |
Sam Pittman’s Vision Takes Shape
When Sam Pittman took over as head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2020, he inherited a program that had struggled for over a decade. But Pittman, a former offensive line coach, quickly began to implement his vision for a physical and disciplined team.
Building a Foundation
Pittman’s first step was to build a strong foundation. He recruited tough and physical players, particularly in the trenches. He also emphasized a strong running game, which would be the cornerstone of his offensive philosophy. In his first season, the Razorbacks showed improvement, finishing with a 3-7 record after winning just two games the previous season.
Improving Results
In 2021, Pittman’s vision began to take shape. The Razorbacks finished with a 9-4 record, their best season since 2011. They upset Texas A&M in overtime, ended a 10-game losing streak against Texas, and qualified for a bowl game. The team’s improvement was largely due to a dominant running game led by running back Treylon Burks. Burks rushed for over 1,100 yards and scored 12 touchdowns, becoming one of the top players in the SEC.
| Year | Record | Bowl Game |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3-7 | N/A |
| 2021 | 9-4 | Outback Bowl |
In 2022, the Razorbacks took another step forward, finishing with a 10-4 record and earning a spot in the Liberty Bowl. Quarterback KJ Jefferson emerged as a star, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 27 touchdowns. The defense also played well, ranking among the top 25 in the nation in several categories.
Pittman’s vision for Arkansas football is clear. He wants to build a physical and disciplined team that can compete for championships. The Razorbacks have made significant progress under his leadership, and they appear poised to continue to improve in the years to come.
Non-Conference Slate Offers Intriguing Challenges
The Razorbacks’ 2025 non-conference schedule features a intriguing blend of Power Five opponents, Group of Five foes, and FCS matchups. The season opener against UTEP on August 30th will mark the first meeting between the two schools since 2014. Arkansas will then host the Memphis Tigers on September 6th for the first time since 2016. The Razorbacks will face their first road test of the season at Baylor on September 13th, a rematch of the thrilling 38-27 Arkansas victory in 2022.
The following week, Arkansas makes the short trip to the Little Rock Athletic Complex to take on FCS power Montana on September 20th. The Grizzlies have won two of the past three FCS National Championships and will provide a tough early-season test for the Razorbacks. Arkansas will close out their non-conference slate with a home game against the Colorado State Rams on September 27th. The Rams, led by former Arkansas offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-9 record in 2022.
A Closer Look at Montana
The Montana Grizzlies are a perennial FCS powerhouse, having won 23 conference championships and two FCS National Championships since 1995. They are known for their physical, run-heavy offense and swarming defense. In 2022, Montana led the FCS in scoring and ranked among the top 10 in rushing and total defense. They will enter the 2025 season as one of the favorites to win the FCS National Championship and will provide a major challenge for the Razorbacks.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 30th | UTEP | Fayetteville, Arkansas |
| September 6th | Memphis | Fayetteville, Arkansas |
| September 13th | Baylor | Waco, Texas |
| September 20th | Montana | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| September 27th | Colorado State | Fayetteville, Arkansas |
Key Matchups to Watch
September 6: vs. Eastern Michigan
Arkansas will start the season with a home game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles. The Eagles finished last season with a 7-5 record, but they lost some key players from that team. Arkansas will be looking to make a statement in this game and start the season off on the right foot.
September 13: vs. North Texas
The Mean Green finished last season with a 5-7 record, but they return a lot of talent from that team. This should be a good test for Arkansas early in the season.
September 20: at Missouri
The Tigers are coming off a disappointing 6-7 season, but they have a lot of talent returning. This is a rivalry game, so it will be a lot of fun to watch.
October 4: vs. BYU
The Cougars are coming off a 10-3 season, and they are ranked No. 12 in the preseason AP Poll. This is the toughest game on Arkansas’ schedule, and it will be a big test for the Razorbacks.
October 25: vs. Liberty
The Flames finished last season with a 10-1 record, and they are ranked No. 25 in the preseason AP Poll. This is another tough game for Arkansas, but it is also an opportunity for the Razorbacks to show that they can compete with the best teams in the country.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Eastern Michigan | Fayetteville |
| September 13 | North Texas | Fayetteville |
| September 20 | Missouri | Columbia |
| October 4 | BYU | Fayetteville |
| October 25 | Liberty | Fayetteville |
Offensive Strengths
The Razorbacks offense will be led by quarterback KJ Jefferson, who is one of the top passers in the SEC. Jefferson has a strong arm and is also a threat to run, which makes him a difficult player to defend. The running game is also expected to be a strength, with running backs Dominique Johnson and Raheim Sanders expected to carry the load. Sanders, in particular, is a rising star in the SEC and is expected to have a breakout season in 2025.
Offensive Weaknesses
The biggest weakness for the Razorbacks offense is the offensive line. The line is young and inexperienced, and it will need to improve in order for the offense to reach its full potential. If the offensive line can’t get the job done, it will put a lot of pressure on Jefferson and the rest of the offense.
Defensive Strengths
The Razorbacks defense is expected to be one of the best in the SEC in 2025. The defense is led by linebacker Bumper Pool, who is one of the best players in the country. Pool is a tackling machine and is also a threat to intercept passes. The secondary is also expected to be a strength, with safety Jalen Catalon and cornerback Dwight McGlothern leading the way. Catalon is a ball hawk and is also a good tackler, while McGlothern is one of the best cover corners in the SEC.
Defensive Weaknesses
The biggest weakness for the Razorbacks defense is the pass rush. The Razorbacks struggled to get to the quarterback in 2024, and they will need to improve in that area in 2025. The defensive line is young and inexperienced, and it will need to develop quickly in order for the Razorbacks to have a successful season.
Overall Strengths and Weaknesses
The Razorbacks have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but they also have some weaknesses that they will need to address. The offense has a lot of potential, but it will need the offensive line to improve in order to reach its full potential. The defense is expected to be one of the best in the SEC, but it will need to improve its pass rush in order to be truly elite.
2025 Schedule
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| September 6 | UAPB |
| September 13 | Texas A&M |
| September 20 | @ TCU |
| September 27 | @ Ole Miss |
| October 4 | New Mexico State |
| October 11 | @ Alabama |
| October 18 | BYU |
| October 25 | @ Vanderbilt |
| November 1 | Florida |
| November 8 | LSU |
| November 15 | @ Mizzou |
| November 22 | Mississippi State |
Player Profiles to Watch
The Arkansas Razorbacks have a promising roster for the 2025 season, with several talented players poised to make a significant impact. Here are some key players to watch:
KJ Jefferson (QB): The fifth-year senior enters 2025 as the clear-cut starting quarterback after a breakthrough 2024 season. Jefferson is a dual-threat playmaker who combines his strong arm with impressive running ability.
Raheim “Rocket” Sanders (RB): Widely regarded as one of the most explosive playmakers in the country, Sanders enters his junior season as the Razorbacks’ feature back. His lightning-fast speed and elusive running style make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Jadon Haselwood (WR): A transfer from Oklahoma, Haselwood brings NFL-caliber talent to Fayetteville. The 6’3″, 220-pound wide receiver is a gifted pass-catcher with exceptional route-running skills.
Isaiah Nichols (OL): The 6’6″, 320-pound left tackle has emerged as one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC. Nichols is a dominant run blocker who also possesses the athleticism to protect the quarterback in the passing game.
Bumper Pool (LB): One of the most experienced players on the roster, Pool enters his junior season as a key leader on the defense. The inside linebacker is a tackling machine with a knack for making game-changing plays.
Jalen Catalon (S): Catalon is a ball-hawking safety who has recorded 10 interceptions in his first two seasons with the Razorbacks. His athleticism and instincts make him a force in the secondary.
Jake Bates (DE): A rising star on the defensive line, Bates has shown flashes of his immense potential. The 6’4″, 290-pound defensive end possesses a lightning-fast first step and a high motor.
A.J. Green (CB): Green is a speedy and physical cornerback who has established himself as a key piece in the Razorbacks’ secondary. His athleticism allows him to cover a lot of ground and make plays both in the short and deep passing game.
Jordon Curtis (TE): Curtis is a versatile tight end who provides the Razorbacks with a valuable target in the passing game. His size, athleticism, and hands make him a mismatch for opposing defenses.
Hudson Henry (K): Henry is one of the most accurate kickers in the SEC. His consistent leg makes him a valuable asset in close games and allows the Razorbacks to put points on the board from long range.
| No. | Player | Pos. | Yr. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KJ Jefferson | QB | Sr. |
| 2 | Raheim “Rocket” Sanders | RB | Jr. |
| 3 | Jadon Haselwood | WR | Jr. |
Season Preview
The Arkansas Razorbacks will look to continue their recent success in 2025 under the leadership of head coach Sam Pittman. After finishing the 2024 season with a 9-4 record and a Liberty Bowl victory, the Razorbacks will aim to take the next step and compete for an SEC championship in 2025.
Predictions
The Razorbacks are projected to finish in the top half of the SEC West in 2025. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives Arkansas a 9.7% chance of winning the SEC West and a 5.1% chance of winning the SEC Championship Game.
| Year | SEC West | SEC Overall | Bowl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3rd | 5th | Outback |
| 2022 | 2nd | 4th | Liberty |
| 2023 | 2nd | 4th | Texas |
| 2024 | 3rd | 5th | Liberty |
| 2025 | 2nd | 4th | Citrus |
The Razorbacks have a favorable schedule in 2025, with only one game against a team currently ranked in the top 25. They will open the season at home against Missouri State, followed by a road game at Kansas State. The Razorbacks will then play their SEC opener at home against Alabama, followed by a road game at BYU and a home game against South Carolina.
Arkansas 2025 Football Schedule
The Arkansas Razorbacks football team will have a challenging schedule in 2025. The Razorbacks will open the season at home against the Texas A&M Aggies on September 6th. They will then travel to Fayetteville to face the Arkansas State Red Wolves on September 13th. Arkansas will then host the Missouri Tigers on September 20th. The Razorbacks will then travel to Baton Rouge to face the LSU Tigers on September 27th. Arkansas will then host the Alabama Crimson Tide on October 4th. The Razorbacks will then travel to Oxford to face the Ole Miss Rebels on October 11th. Arkansas will then host the South Carolina Gamecocks on October 18th. The Razorbacks will then travel to College Station to face the Texas A&M Aggies on October 25th. Arkansas will then host the Auburn Tigers on November 1st. The Razorbacks will then travel to Nashville to face the Vanderbilt Commodores on November 8th. Arkansas will then host the Mississippi State Bulldogs on November 15th. The Razorbacks will then travel to Columbia to face the Missouri Tigers on November 22nd.
People Also Ask About Arkansas 2025 Football Schedule
When is the Arkansas Razorbacks’ first game in 2025?
The Arkansas Razorbacks’ first game in 2025 is against the Texas A&M Aggies on September 6th.
How many home games do the Arkansas Razorbacks have in 2025?
The Arkansas Razorbacks have seven home games in 2025.
Who is the Arkansas Razorbacks’ toughest opponent in 2025?
The Arkansas Razorbacks’ toughest opponent in 2025 is the Alabama Crimson Tide.
