Arkansas appears to have landed its big swing.
After weeks of searching for a stabilizing presence to rescue a program that has spiraled through recent struggles, the Razorbacks are set to hire South Florida head coach Alex Golesh, one of the most coveted Group of Five risers in the nation. Multiple programs with looming or expected openings had been eyeing Golesh, but Arkansas moved decisively and it paid off.
Golesh, widely regarded as one of the sharpest program-builders in college football, emerged early as a top Razorback target. According to sources, Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Womack likely would have been the next man up had Golesh declined, while Ole Miss was considered a real possibility had that job opened. Arkansas pivoted strongly after missing on Eric Morris and had their eyes set on Golesh right after. The chance to join the SEC was enough, and he’ll now don Arkansas red on the sidelines.
A Program Builder Arrives
For Arkansas, this is the kind of hire it desperately needed. The Razorbacks have slipped further in the SEC pecking order in recent seasons, and athletic director Hunter Yurachek knew the program could no longer afford a miss. Golesh’s track record checked every box: a proven rebuilder, an innovative offensive mind, and a coach with major-college experience of the landscape, including a successful stretch in the SEC during his time at Tennessee as an OC. There’s even a small local tie, his wife is from Greenwood, Arkansas, which certainly didn’t hurt.
The numbers tell the story even more clearly. Before Golesh took over, USF endured four brutal seasons of 1–11, 2–10, 1–8, and 4–8. After arriving in Tampa, he immediately stabilized the program, delivering back-to-back 7–6 seasons in 2023 and 2024, and now already reaching eight wins in 2025, with a strong chance to finish 9–3 if the Bulls take care of business down the stretch.
That kind of transformation is exactly what Arkansas believes he can replicate in Fayetteville.
Finishing Business at USF But Not All the Way
South Florida’s 41–38 loss at Navy last weekend, coming just a week after a 55–23 dismantling of UTSA, dropped Golesh’s Bulls to 7–3 overall and 4–2 in AAC play. While still on track for one of the best regular-season finishes in recent school history, the third loss effectively ended their outside hopes of sneaking into the College Football Playoff picture.
With CFP dreams extinguished, sources indicate Golesh is expected to begin his Arkansas tenure immediately after the regular season, likely skipping the bowl game to accelerate recruiting, build his staff, and start assembling a roster ready for SEC competition. Arkansas sees advantage in the timing: Golesh can hit the ground running ahead of the Early Signing Period and transfer portal movement.
Portal Watch: Could Byrum Brown Follow?
One of the most interesting storylines to watch will be the transfer portal. USF has several players who would draw immediate SEC interest, but none would generate more buzz than star quarterback Byrum Brown. The dynamic dual-threat passer has become the face of USF’s resurgence under Golesh, thriving in an offense tailored to his mobility and playmaking instincts.
With Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green out of eligibility and expected to head to the NFL, the Razorbacks suddenly have a major vacancy under center, a perfect opportunity for Golesh to bring in “his guy” should Brown explore a move. There is no official indication yet, but the connection is obvious, and the timing could be ideal.
The Right Fit at the Right Time
Golesh’s appeal isn’t limited to wins and offensive fireworks. Arkansas values that he inherited a broken program, repaired it quickly, and sustained growth, all while staying grounded and connected with players. His experience at Tennessee also gives him a practical understanding of SEC recruiting and roster construction, crucial advantages for any coach stepping into the league’s toughest division.
And perhaps most importantly, Golesh brings a sense of direction at a moment when Arkansas desperately needs identity and momentum.
The Razorbacks didn’t just make a hire. They made a statement.
If Golesh’s past is any indication, Arkansas may have finally found the leader capable of steering the program out of the wilderness and back toward relevance and sooner rather than later.