Athlon Sports projects Arkansas football to finish 14th in the SEC

It's an odd year in the SEC. Texas and Oklahoma are entering the league. There's no Nick Saban, no divisions. It's uncharted territory, a new era, for the conference. And with the volatile nature of the NCAA, more change is probably in the future.

So, trying to predict the outcome of 2024-2025 is, at most, a crap-shoot. Regardless, Athlon Sports tried doing just that, predicting the order of finish for the SEC.

To no one's surprise, the Razorbacks come in near last place in the SEC. Steven Lassen of Athlon Sports predicts Arkansas to finish 14th in front of Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. Here's what he had to say about the Hogs:

"It's a make or break year for coach Sam Pittman after the Razorbacks went 4-8 in '23. Since going 9-4 overall and 4-4 in the SEC in '21, Arkansas is 11-14 overall and just 4-12 in the conference.

"The path to beating preseason expectations starts with an intriguing offense. The return of former head coach Bobby Petrino is one of the top coordinator hires of the offseason, and Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green impressed in the spring. The top five statistical receivers are back from '23, and the return of tight end Luke Hasz after an injury-shortened debut last fall is a huge boost. Additionally, Utah transfer running back Ja'Quinden Jackson should be an impact transfer in the backfield. The offensive line allowed 47 sacks and the Hogs averaged only 3.5 yards a carry last season. Three transfers - Addison Nichols (Tennessee), Keyshawn Blackstock (Michigan State), and Fernando Carmona (San Jose State - will help but big question marks remain here.

"The defense showed signs of progress early under new coordinator Travis Williams last season but faded in November by allowing over 36 points in three of the last four contests. Building on last year's progress is attainable, especially with end Landon Jackson (a preseason Athlon Sports All-American) back, along with Eric Gregory and Cameron Ball in the trenches. Georgia transfer Xavian Sorey is a promising addition at linebacker, while the secondary returns rising star cornerback Jaylon Braxton and veterans in Hudson Clark and Jayden Johnson."

Athlon Sports' projected order of finish for the SEC:

1. Georgia
2. Texas
3. Ole Miss
4. Alabama
5. Missouri
6. LSU
7. Tennessee
8. Oklahoma
9. Texas A&M
10. Auburn
11. Florida
12. Kentucky
13. South Carolina
14. Arkansas
15. Mississippi State
16. Vanderbilt