When it comes to facing the AP No. 1 team, the Arkansas Razorbacks have been a bit like someone trying to arm wrestle a grizzly bear—enthusiastic, brave, but usually overmatched. The Hogs have gone toe-to-toe with No. 1s a total of 27 times in football. Their record? A not-so-glamorous 4–23. But hey, four wins is four more than zero, right?
Arkansas football's history of facing the AP No. 1 team
Their most legendary triumph came in 1964 when they beat top-ranked Texas 14–13 in the Cotton Bowl. That win got them a national title and a permanent spot in every Razorback fan’s heart. They did it again in ’65, stomped Texas in ’81, and pulled off an absolute thriller in 2007—beating LSU 50–48 in triple overtime.
Now, we can’t talk Razorbacks and No. 1s without mentioning the infamous 1969 “Game of the Century.” Arkansas had a comfy 14–0 lead going into the 4th quarter, but Texas came flying back. The Longhorns rallied for a 15–14 win and lost the game in front of the then-President of the United States Richard Nixon.
When it comes to the number of times the Razorbacks face the No. 1 team in the nation, they may be one of the most unlucky teams ever. Notre Dame has also faced the AP No. 1 team 27 times, but as an independent squad, the Fighting Irish get to choose much of their schedule, and many times it was the best team in the country. The next closest team to Arkansas is Oklahoma with 25