The best-case scenario for Arkansas football in 2024

Conclusion

Arkansas has the pieces to shock the SEC. Relying on transfers will always be a gamble, but all they needed to do was find the right pieces to fix what was broken last season.

If the Hogs can improve on the offensive line, Petrino can implement his offense, and the defense can repeat last year's performance, there's no reason this team shouldn't get to a bowl game. But six wins isn't the best-case scenario.

If everything above pans out and the ball bounces their way more than not, the Hogs could have an eight-win season. If they take care of business in the nonconference, Arkansas could get wins against Mississippi State, Texas A&M, LSU, and Auburn.

State and A&M are in their first seasons with new head coaches. It's always a volatile time, and luckily, Arkansas gets the Aggies early. Mississippi State, on the other hand, is completely rebuilding. LSU lost its Heisman Trophy-winning QB to the NFL Draft, so that should be a chip in its armor. If Arkansas's aggressive defense can fluster Garrett Nussmeier, the Hogs should have a chance.

Auburn will be good in Hugh Freeze's second season; they'll likely have 7-8 wins. But Pittman is 0-2 against Freeze. In a do-or-die year for Pittman, this could be the chance to finally land a punch against the former Ole Miss coach.