Razorbackers staff weigh in on Arkansas football's opener vs. Alabama A&M

The wait is over!

It's finally time for Arkansas football as the Razorbacks open up the season against Alabama A&M. Here are the official Razorbackers staff score predictions for Saturday's game:

Arkansas football vs Alabama A&M Razorbacker staff predictions

Antonio

Although Alabama A&M doesn’t represent the kind of challenging opponent the Arkansas Razorbacks will face nearly every week, one can expect the Hogs’ performance, especially offensively, to give Razorback Nation reasons to believe its team can be the most surprising one in the SEC, winning two to three more games than most predict.

During the first half, the Hogs will be eager to show their dominance, and they will do so on both sides of the ball. At halftime, the Hogs will lead 42-3.

In the second half, Arkansas’ scoring will drop dramatically as Sam Pittman inserts the second and third teams to protect his players’ health, which is understandable given the brutal schedule ahead. The Razorbacks will add two more touchdowns. With the Hogs’ second and third teams in the game, Alabama A&M will score a touchdown and its second field goal.

Arkansas 56 – Alabama A&M 13

Pat

Since we didn’t get a chance to preview the 2025 Razorbacks back in the Spring, we’re having to settle for the season opener against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. The SWAC has become so deprived of resources that it’s not even appropriate to call these games a glorified scrimmage, and with the impending changes from the NCAA, the wealth gap will continue to mirror what’s happening in the larger society.

The Bulldogs lost to Auburn last season by a lopsided score similar to the amount of resistance the UAPB Golden Lions could muster against the Razorbacks. Arkansas scored touchdowns on all 10 of its possessions to open last season, so the only question is: Can they pull off an encore performance Saturday?

With the way the offense has reportedly performed against their own defense — including the starters — I’m not betting against it. I’d have a better chance of winning the Razorback Raffle. My main concern is how the defense will look, but the answers there will have to wait a few more weeks.

Arkansas 77 – Alabama A&M 7

Jackson

I believe Arkansas will not have any problems going up against Alabama A&M. This is going to be a game where we are going to look at how much the team has improved overall since last season. This will answer questions like, “Is the offense going to live up to last year?” and “Will the defense be better with a mix of youth and veteran leadership?”

I expect to see the Hogs come out pass-heavy to test out QB Taylen Green’s arm. I want to see how much his accuracy has improved after putting together a 60.4% completion percentage. If anything, this game is going to be an opportunity for the Razorbacks to see where they are against competition.

Arkansas 52 – Alabama A&M 7

Austin

Offensively, Arkansas is primed to explode from its production from last season. They return Taylen Green, reloaded at running back and wide receiver, and the offensive line may be as good as it's been since Sam Pittman took the reins over the program in 2020.

On the other hand, the defense has big question marks in the secondary and on the defensive line. Keyshawn Blackstock had to move position from right guard to defensive tackle—a position he hasn't played since high school to help with depth issues after David Oke's knee injury. The seconday is much bigger than what Arkansas has had in some time, which should be a good thing, but will the size hurt their ability to cover in the SEC?

While tomorrow's game won't answer all those questions, it will offer a glimpse of what's to come without much risk of defeat. That's why teams like Arkansas play the Alabama A&Ms of the world because it won't likely be anything close to a competition.

Arkansas 63 – Alabama A&M 7