With the 2023-24 athletic season coming to an end, the time for the college football talking season is just getting started. ESPN came out with its first preseason Football Power Index (FPI) ratings, and expectedly, Arkansas football isn't well-liked by it.
With an FPI of 4.6, Arkansas ranks as the No. 44 team in the country and the No. 14 team in the SEC. The only SEC teams lower than Arkansas are a rebuilding Mississippi State and perennial punching bag, Vanderbilt. The projected win/loss for the Hogs is 5.5-6.5.
The Razorbacks' 4-8 season and the losses of intrinsic players like KJ Jefferson, Raheim Sanders, and Chris "Pooh" Paul are undoubtedly the reasons for Arkansas's low debut in the FPI.
Confidence in coach Sam Pittman is at an all-time low. If it weren't for hiring Bobby Petrino as the offensive coordinator, there probably wouldn't be any excitement going into the season.
This is a pivotal year for Coach Pittman and other than his first season, this team has the most unproven pieces of his tenure. Wide receiver and defensive line boast the most returning talent, but every other position will have many new faces.
Of the new transfers, Talen Green at quarterback and Ja'Quinden Jackson at running back look like the real deal. On the other hand, the offensive line and linebackers still have a lot to prove. If those positions pan out, Arkansas could shoot up the FPI. Unfortunately, depth will still be an issue, so staying healthy will be the biggest factor in the Razorbacks' success this season.