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Three reasons Arkansas football will have success in 2024

By Austin Farmer

Nov 18, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks players take a knee prior to the game against the FIU Panthers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 44-20. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks players take a knee prior to the game against the FIU Panthers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 44-20. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports / Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
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The Hogs have fallen on tough times yet again. After suffering a 4–8 season, Sam Pittman's seat is burning hot, fan excitement is extremely low, and the team is full of new faces.

Although Arkansas football is on the verge of collapse in 2024, some things should give you hope. For example, the team's leadership seems to have turned a 180.

As far as what the leadership looks like, transfers make up the bulk of the names coming out of camp. In fact, every representative at SEC media days was either a former transfer or a first-year player for the Razorbacks. 

Taylen Green and Fernando Carmona are two that continuously pop out. Having good team leaders at the offensive line and quarterback positions will be a change of pace from last season. It also means that the newcomers are gelling quickly and earning respect from the old guard.

Three reasons Arkansas football succeeds in 2024

Bobby Petrino

This is the most obvious of the three points. Arkansas fans know Bobby Petrino‘s success personally. His time as the head coach of Arkansas brought the Razorbacks to heights the program has never seen. Arkansas had only its third consecutive double-digit win seasons in history in 2010 and 2011, including two Sugar Bowl invitations.

In 2011, Arkansas came within a game of playing in the BCS national championship bowl. Arkansas was the No. 3 team in the nation, while Alabama and LSU were No. 2 and 1, respectively. The Hogs lost 41 to 17 in their final game against LSU, losing their chance at their first national championship appearance. Petrino and the Razorbacks took their frustration out against Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl, beating them 29-16.

Even outside of Arkansas, Petrino found success. Probably no greater example is his work with Lamar Jackson at Louisville. Jackson recorded two consecutive 3500+ yard seasons in 2016 and 2017, as well as rushing for at least 1500 yards. In 2016, Jackson’s performance was good enough to win the Heisman.

If Bobby Petrino can replicate a portion of success in his first year as offensive coordinator, Arkansas could be extremely explosive. Like Lamar Jackson, Petrino’s hand-picked quarterback, Taylen Green is a 6-foot–6–inch QB who can run like the wind. Arkansas is also not short of weapons with big, fast receivers. Last but not least is Ja'Quinden Jackson at running back, who could go off at any moment.

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