Mike Irwin – 11:35
Charlie Liggett – 12:20
Connor O’Gara – 1:20
Razorbacks coach Kelsi Musick previewing season opener Tuesday night
With Louisiana Tech coming to Bud Walton Arena on Tuesday night, first game for Musick something she’s looking forward to finally.
Arkansas hosts Southern Monday at 6 p.m. in season opener
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas opens the men’s basketball season Monday night when they host the Southern Jaguars at Bud Walton Arena.
Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. with television coverage on SEC Network. On radio you can listen here on HitThatLine.com or on the radio at ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
The game marks the official start of the John Calipari era in Fayetteville as Arkansas looks to build momentum early against a veteran Southern team.
Southern, out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, returns several key players from last year’s 19-10 squad. Meanwhile, Arkansas aims to blend its transfers and returning core after a strong preseason showing.
Calipari’s Razorbacks swept their two exhibition games, defeating Cincinnati 89-61 and Memphis 99-75. Monday’s contest gives the team its first official chance to perform under regular season pressure in front of a home crowd.
Broadcast and streaming information
The game will air live on SEC Network with a 6 p.m. tip. Radio broadcasts will be available across Arkansas, and listen here on HitThatLine.com or on the radio at ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home..
Streaming fans should be aware that YouTube TV subscribers currently cannot access SEC Network due to an ongoing contract dispute.
Fans can still watch through alternate providers that carry the channel or listen via radio networks.
Bud Walton Arena, which seats more than 19,000 fans, is expected to be near capacity for the opener.
Parking and entry guidelines will follow standard game-day procedures, and fans are encouraged to arrive early.
Southern’s background and mindset
Southern enters under third-year head coach Kevin Johnson, who has guided the Jaguars to consistent success in the SWAC. Last season, they finished 19-10 overall and captured the league’s regular season title.
The Jaguars are known for disciplined defense and a balanced offense, which could present an early test for Arkansas. Johnson’s squad will look to slow tempo and attack in transition when possible.
Arkansas forward Nick Pringle said the Razorbacks are approaching the matchup with focus and respect.
“They won their conference last year,” Pringle said. “They’re supposed to win this year. So every one is going to count for us this year. That’s the type of team that would shock you. We want to take this as any game.”
Pringle added that complacency is something the team has discussed repeatedly. “Complacency is one of the words that I use a lot, just with the group of guys we have,” he said.
Arkansas’ approach under Calipari
In his second season at Arkansas, Calipari has emphasized defense, tempo, and maturity. The Razorbacks finished 22-14 last year and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen before falling to Texas Tech.
Preseason exhibitions offered a glimpse of what Arkansas hopes to showcase — depth, size, and unselfish play. Calipari’s rotations featured both veterans and newcomers, with several transfers contributing early.
Pringle said Calipari has balanced encouragement with accountability.
“Coach is very honest with us, so he tells us when we’re doing good and he tells us when we’re lacking or doing bad,” Pringle said. “It’s been both, really, and that’s how it should be, especially this early in the season.”
He added that Calipari’s expectations were clear from the start.
“From our performances, especially the first one, he was very excited about what we put out. He challenged us a bit.”
What to watch Monday night
The opener will reveal how Arkansas executes against a well-coached, experienced opponent. Three key questions surround the matchup.
First, how quickly will the Razorbacks find consistency under Calipari’s system? The new pieces must blend with returning leaders to create a cohesive lineup.
Second, can Southern carry its SWAC success onto a Power Five stage? The Jaguars’ defensive intensity could test Arkansas’ spacing and shot selection.
Third, how will the Razorbacks respond to their first real game action of the season? Early turnovers and shot discipline could decide momentum in the first half.
Pringle said the team is eager to show progress. “We want to showcase to our fans what we want to do for this first game and throughout the season,” he said.
Game logistics and outlook
Both teams enter 0-0, but each brings contrasting styles. Arkansas will look to push pace and dominate in the paint.
Southern aims to control tempo and limit second-chance points.
The Razorbacks hope a strong start at home will set the foundation for the coming non-conference schedule before SEC play begins later this winter.
Southern, coming off a championship year, seeks to add another statement win to its program history.
Key Takeaways:
-
Arkansas hosts Southern on Monday at 6 p.m. CST at Bud Walton Arena with coverage on SEC Network.
-
Southern, last year’s SWAC champion, brings a disciplined approach under coach Kevin Johnson.
-
Forward Nick Pringle emphasized avoiding complacency as Arkansas begins its first full season under John Calipari.
Former Razorback Little drills 68-yard field goal, sets NFL record for longest kick
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a moment sure to be remembered for years, Cam Little of the Jacksonville Jaguars drilled a 68-yard field goal just before halftime, setting a new NFL record for the longest field goal in a regular-season game.
The kick came in the Jaguars’ 30-29 overtime win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
The previous record of 66 yards belonged to Baltimore’s Justin Tucker, who hit his in 2021.
Little’s kick added two yards to that mark, making him the first player in league history to convert from beyond 67 yards in a game that counts.
A second-year kicker from Arkansas, Little was coming off a stretch of misses that had drawn attention. Jacksonville coach Liam Coen, however, said the organization had “no plans to bring in another kicker,” expressing confidence in the young player’s ability to bounce back.
Coen’s decision was rewarded when Little’s strike cleared the crossbar with room to spare. The ball left his foot cleanly and cut through the indoor air at Allegiant Stadium, sending the Jaguars’ sideline into celebration as time expired in the half.
Trevor Lawrence, who helped move the team into position with two quick completions, said afterward that he had “no doubt” Little would make it.
“Cam’s got the leg,” Lawrence said. “It was more about giving him a chance.”
How the record kick unfolded
With 28 seconds remaining before halftime, Jacksonville started its drive at its own 31-yard line after a touchback.
Lawrence hit Christian Kirk for 14 yards and then Evan Engram for another five, setting up a long-shot attempt. After a quick spike, Little lined up for a 68-yarder that would make history.
The ball traveled cleanly through the uprights and into the net, sparking cheers from both benches.
Even Raiders players offered applause after the officials confirmed the kick was good.
Little’s previous longest in a regular-season game had been 59 yards, set last year as a rookie.
He had also made a 70-yard field goal in a preseason warm-up earlier in 2025, but those kicks do not count toward official records.
The field goal was part of a tight game that eventually required overtime, where Jacksonville secured the win on a short touchdown run.
For Little, though, the moment came earlier — with a kick that instantly rewrote the league’s kicking history.
Per ESPN Research, there have been seven field goals of at least 60 yards this season, the most ever in one year.
The previous record was five, indicating how modern training and leg strength have changed the way teams approach long-distance attempts.
Little’s kick moved that standard even higher, setting a mark that could stand for years.
From Arkansas standout to NFL record-holder
Little’s rise began at Arkansas, where he became one of the most accurate kickers in program history.
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he quickly earned Jacksonville’s trust.
As a rookie, he went 21-of-25 on field goals and was nearly perfect from inside 40 yards. But early this season, he hit a rough patch, missing three of his last four attempts before the record-setting day.
Rather than make changes, Coen and special teams coordinator Heath Farwell stayed patient. “We just told him to keep swinging,” Coen said. “Sometimes the next kick is the one that changes everything.”
That next kick, in this case, was one for history. Little’s 68-yarder not only erased Tucker’s 66-yard record but also gave the Jaguars a halftime boost that carried through the second half and into their narrow overtime win.
What the record means
Little’s record-setting field goal is another sign of how far NFL special teams have evolved.
Improved field conditions, refined mechanics, and modern strength programs have expanded what is possible for kickers.
For Jacksonville, it’s also a sign of stability. Little’s leg could become a major strategic advantage late in halves or close games.
Instead of punting near midfield, the Jaguars can now realistically consider field goal attempts from almost anywhere beyond the 50-yard line.
The kick also capped a comeback story. From a slump that had some questioning his confidence, Little emerged with a record that may define his career.
“It’s special,” Little said after the game. “You dream about moments like that. I just tried to stay calm, trust my swing, and let it happen.”
Key takeaways
-
Cam Little broke the NFL regular-season record with a 68-yard field goal.
-
The kick helped Jacksonville earn a 30-29 overtime win over the Raiders.
-
The Jaguars’ trust in Little after early-season struggles paid off in historic fashion.
Auburn fires Hugh Freeze, raising stakes in Razorbacks’ coaching search
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Auburn’s decision to fire Hugh Freeze after two and a half seasons could have immediate consequences for Arkansas’ coaching search.
The move adds another SEC opening to an already crowded field being the fourth firing in the league and forcing the Razorbacks to accelerate his process before the competition for proven head coaches intensifies.
Freeze’s dismissal Sunday, first reported by ESPN, came after a 4-5 start and a 1-5 league record. Auburn went 15-19 under Freeze, including 6-16 in SEC play, and owes him a $15.8 million buyout through 2028.
For Arkansas, which is navigating a mid-season transition under interim coach Bobby Petrino, the change in Auburn creates both opportunity and urgency.
Recruiting overlap could shift south
Arkansas and Auburn routinely target many of the same high-school players in the Southeast, including prospects in Alabama, Mississippi, and east Texas.
Freeze’s departure could prompt some Auburn commits or transfer-portal targets to reopen their recruitment — a development Arkansas recruiters may monitor closely.
Auburn had signed back-to-back top-10 recruiting classes under Freeze and had added notable transfers such as quarterback Jackson Arnold and wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. With Freeze gone, the Tigers’ class could destabilize, and Arkansas could quietly benefit if uncertainty lingers on the Plains.
More broadly, the move signals to every SEC program that administrative patience is wearing thin.
Auburn fired Freeze just nine games into his third season, sending a reminder that results — not potential — determine longevity.
That reality looms large for Yurachek as he searches for Arkansas’ next coach following consecutive late-game collapses under Petrino.
Auburn’s collapse forces reset
Freeze took the Auburn job believing he could restore a national brand that had faded since the Gus Malzahn era.
His early optimism faded quickly once SEC play began.
The Tigers opened 3-0 in non-conference games, including a 38-24 win over Baylor, but lost their first four league contests and never recovered. Saturday’s 10-3 home loss to Kentucky proved the breaking point, as “Fire Hugh!” chants echoed through Jordan-Hare Stadium.
“I think it’s as settled as we’ve been as a program,” Freeze said back in April. “We’re on our way to getting where we want to be and where we should be.” Instead, Auburn slipped further behind rivals Alabama, LSU, and now Ole Miss in the SEC standings.
Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin will serve as interim coach while Auburn begins another high-profile national search.
Razorbacks’ timing becomes critical
Arkansas’ own search had already begun quietly behind the scenes, but Auburn’s sudden vacancy could compress the timeline.
Several of the same candidates likely to interest Arkansas — including up-and-coming Power 5 coordinators and Group of 5 head coaches — may also draw Auburn’s attention.
That overlap means Yurachek must decide whether to move decisively now or risk being left behind if Auburn strikes first.
The Razorbacks could frame their program as a more stable environment with less administrative turnover and a passionate fan base, though Auburn’s recent success in NIL funding and facilities remains a strong selling point.
The optics of Auburn’s decision could also affect Arkansas boosters.
Seeing a peer program act quickly after back-to-back losses may increase pressure on the Razorbacks’ administration to make their move official before December’s recruiting window.
Ripple effects across the SEC
Freeze’s buyout, reported at $15.8 million, illustrates how aggressive SEC schools are willing to be to change course.
If Auburn targets the same type of proven offensive mind Arkansas covets, the bidding war could escalate. If the Tigers pursue a splashy name such as Lane Kiffin or another sitting Power 5 coach, Arkansas might pivot toward a younger, developmental hire.
Either way, Freeze’s firing removes one familiar face from the SEC and creates another open chair in the coaching carousel — one that Arkansas must navigate carefully to avoid another extended rebuild.
Key takeaways
-
Auburn’s firing of Hugh Freeze accelerates Arkansas’ coaching timeline as both SEC programs now compete for top candidates.
-
Recruiting overlaps between Auburn and Arkansas could shift in the Razorbacks’ favor if Tiger commits reconsider their choices.
-
The move underscores the SEC’s unforgiving results-driven environment, reinforcing pressure on Arkansas to find long-term stability.
Razorbacks set penalty record in loss, Petrino questions officiating
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas interim coach Bobby Petrino said little about the officiating Saturday night, but what he didn’t say might have been louder.
The Razorbacks set school records for both penalties and penalty yardage in a 38-35 loss to Mississippi State at Razorback Stadium, drawing 18 flags for 193 yards. By contrast, the Bulldogs were flagged only four times for 30 yards.
“I do want to say something, but I can’t,” Petrino said after the game. “That’s how they handcuff you. But I’ll just say, watch the video. And the one thing I can say is they picked our quarterback up and suplexed him, which is a really bad deal.”
The fourth-quarter collapse dropped Arkansas to 3-6 overall and 0-6 in the SEC, continuing a season marked by narrow losses and missed chances.
The Bulldogs (5-4, 2-4) turned an 11-point deficit into a late comeback capped by Blake Shapen’s 18-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Evans with 43 seconds left.
The Razorbacks have now lost three straight games in which they’ve led by double digits in the second half.
Penalties unravel promising start
Arkansas entered the game averaging 5.5 penalties per contest, one of the lowest totals in the SEC. But midway through the third quarter, the game took a turn.
After a successful two-point conversion gave Arkansas a 28-14 lead, receiver CJ Brown was flagged for a personal foul — despite appearing to be part of the play formation.
Petrino then drew his own unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, pushing the kickoff back to the Razorbacks’ 10-yard line.
The Bulldogs returned that kickoff past midfield, and Arkansas fullback Maddox Lassiter made it worse with a late-hit penalty.
Minutes later, safety Larry Worth III was ejected for targeting. The sequence flipped field position and shifted momentum entirely in Mississippi State’s favor.
From there, the Razorbacks were hit with roughing-the-passer, pass interference, and holding calls in rapid succession. Each penalty extended Bulldog drives or negated positive plays.
By night’s end, Arkansas had nearly as many penalty yards (193) as passing yards (194).
Players shoulder responsibility
While Petrino hinted that officiating played a role, his players were more direct about accountability.
“It was frustrating, but a lot of those penalties were self-inflicted wounds,” defensive lineman Cam Ball said. “We’ve got to be more disciplined. We can’t make bonehead mistakes. We can’t put it on the refs — we just got to do better.”
Ball’s comments echoed what several players said afterward: frustration with the officiating, but acknowledgment that the Razorbacks lacked composure. Penalties wiped out third-down stops, explosive runs, and red-zone opportunities.
“Once the momentum started going their way, we didn’t handle it well,” running back Isaiah Augustave said. “You can’t give any team that many free yards in the SEC.”
Historical perspective and national reaction
The penalty total broke Arkansas’ previous single-game record of 16, set in 2011. The 193 yards were the most in any SEC game this season.
College football outlets took note. Sports Illustrated pointed out that the Razorbacks had been one of the nation’s least-penalized teams until Saturday’s collapse. Meanwhile, social media erupted with complaints about the officiating crew.
The SEC has not publicly commented on the game’s officiating, but its replay protocols and officiating quality have come under scrutiny in recent weeks across the league.
Petrino seeks answers ahead of LSU matchup
Petrino said he expects the Razorbacks to turn in the game tape for review.
“You hope they’ll take a look at it,” he said. “But our job is to fix what we can control.”
Arkansas will have a bye week before facing LSU on Nov. 14. Petrino said the team’s focus must shift to correcting discipline issues that have undermined its season.
“This one hurts because we did a lot right,” Petrino said. “But you can’t overcome that many penalties, especially in the SEC. We’ve got to move on, get better, and learn from it.”
Three key takeaways
-
Arkansas was penalized 18 times for 193 yards, setting new single-game program records.
-
Players and coaches cited both officiating and self-discipline as factors in the loss.
-
The Razorbacks enter a bye week still searching for their first SEC win of the season.
Razorbacks lose 38-35 to Mississippi State after fourth-quarter collapse
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas had every chance to win.
The Razorbacks built a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, but mistakes and penalties turned a strong start into heartbreak.
Mississippi State came back to win 38-35 on an 18-yard touchdown pass with just 18 seconds left Saturday night at Razorback Stadium.
The Razorbacks (2-7, 0-5 SEC) played one of their best offensive games of the season, but 18 penalties for 193 yards — both school records — proved too much to overcome.
The loss dropped Arkansas to 0-5 in conference play and stretched its losing streak to seven games overall. They will finish the season on the road against LSU and Texas before wrapping it up Nov. 29 at home against Missouri.
Interim coach Bobby Petrino said after the game that discipline was the biggest problem.
“When you put yourself behind the sticks with that many penalties, it’s impossible to sustain,” Petrino said. “We’ve got to stop beating ourselves.”
Arkansas starts fast with balanced offense
Arkansas’ offense looked sharp early. Quarterback Taylen Green threw two touchdowns and ran for another, helping the Razorbacks take a 28-14 lead late in the third quarter.
Running back Mike Washington Jr. added a 20-yard touchdown run, and receiver Rohan Jones caught a scoring pass that had the home crowd of nearly 70,000 roaring.
The Razorbacks gained 453 yards of total offense, their second-highest mark of the season.
The offensive line gave Green time to throw, and the defense forced two turnovers in the first half. For most of the night, it looked like Arkansas would finally earn its first SEC win of the year.
Then came the mistakes. False starts, holding calls and defensive pass interference flags piled up. Ten penalties came in the second half alone, many at key moments.
One roughing-the-passer call wiped out an interception that would have ended a Mississippi State drive.
Asked about the officiating, Petrino gave a short answer.
“You know I can’t say anything. That’s how they handcuff you. I’d just say watch the video,” he told reporters.
Mississippi State takes advantage
Mississippi State (5-4, 1-4 SEC) didn’t waste its chances.
Quarterback Blake Shapen and receiver Anthony Evans III connected for five catches and 111 yards, including the game-winning score. The Bulldogs scored three touchdowns in the final 13 minutes to complete the comeback.
When Shapen briefly left the game in the third quarter, backup Kamario Taylor kept the offense moving, leading two scoring drives.
“We knew we had the right matchups,” Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby said. “Blake made the throw we needed when it mattered most.”
The win was Mississippi State’s first SEC victory since 2023 — also against Arkansas. For the Razorbacks, it was another painful example of a game slipping away late.
Arkansas’ defense struggled late, giving up 24 points in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs outgained the Razorbacks 203-61 in the final quarter and controlled the ball for nearly 10 minutes.
Razorbacks’ penalties prove costly
The 18 penalties set a school record and erased several big plays. A 40-yard touchdown pass from Green to Isaiah Satania was wiped out by a holding call. Another long gain on a screen pass was negated by a block in the back.
“Eighteen flags — that’s completely unacceptable,” Petrino said. “You can’t win football games playing behind the chains like that. We’ll get that fixed.”
Satania finished with 112 receiving yards, but Arkansas couldn’t build on his performance. Fans booed as the team left the field, while Mississippi State players celebrated on the Razorback logo.
The Razorbacks now lead the SEC in total penalty yards for the season.
It’s a trend that has frustrated players and fans throughout a year full of close losses.
What’s next for the Hogs
The loss leaves Arkansas with two games left to try to finish the season on a positive note.
The Razorbacks travel to LSU on Nov. 15 before hosting Missouri in the regular-season finale. They must win both to avoid their first two-win season since 2019.
Despite the disappointment, Petrino said his players still believe in finishing strong. “We’ve still got games left to play,” he said. “There’s no quit in that locker room.”
Mississippi State, now 5-4 overall, hosts Georgia next week with a chance to reach bowl eligibility under Lebby, who earned his first SEC win as a head coach.
Key takeaways
- Penalties cost Arkansas again: The Razorbacks set a school record with 18 penalties for 193 yards.
- Fourth-quarter meltdown: Arkansas gave up 24 points in the final 13 minutes after leading by 14.
- Focus on discipline: Coach Bobby Petrino said cutting down on mistakes is the top priority before facing LSU.
Fox Sports’ Aaron Torres on coaching search, but take Rhett Lashlee out now
With the news that SMU signed coach Rhett Lashlee to a new lucrative deal, it has messed up a lot of hot boards, including Matt Jones on ESPN Arkansas.
Pringle embracing final season with Razorbacks knowing his role
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — For Nick Pringle, the road to this moment has been winding from junior college to the NCAA Final Four, then a new home in Fayetteville with Arkansas.
But as the sixth-year senior gears up for his last collegiate season, his focus isn’t on individual stats. It’s on elevating the group around him.
Rather than start with lofty goals, Pringle is zeroing in on the process and perspective.
“I just can’t wait to see us at our full potential,” he said. “We’re high on the scale, but we’re just scratching the surface. And I don’t think we understand how good we really can be.”
Pringle’s journey has been far from conventional. At Wofford, he experienced a winning freshman season, then helped Dodge City Community College reach the national tournament.
At Alabama, he played for a Final Four-bound team before transferring to South Carolina, where his lone season ended without a winning record. Through it all, Pringle has learned what winning basketball requires.
“Being the elder statesman has made me something of a teacher for the Razorbacks,” he said.
That showed in a 45-minute Zoom press conference that may be one of the longest in memory if not the record.
Pringle arrived in Fayetteville during the offseason and has already been part of exhibition wins over Cincinnati and Memphis. Though his minutes and role will matter less than the culture he brings, Pringle believes the group is poised.
“We know it,” he said of the team’s potential. “But it’s all part of not being complacent and continuing day by day to compete with each other and make the most out of it.”
As a vocal and energetic presence, he has embraced the role of mentor to younger players.
The shift from being the one coached to being the one coaching younger teammates is one he welcomes. His leadership complements a roster blending transfers, veterans and underclassmen under second-year Arkansas head coach John Calipari.
Arkansas opens the season at home Monday against Southern University, winners of last year’s Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season title. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. at Bud Walton Arena.
“We want to focus 100% on them,” Pringle said of Southern. “We want to showcase to our fans what we want to do for this first game and throughout the season. Little do people know, that’s the type of team that would shock you.”
Southern coach Kevin Johnson has shown in past seasons that his team can win in SEC venues, including an upset over Mississippi State in 2023.
The Jaguars return three of their top four contributors from last year — Cam Amboree, Michael Jacobs and AJ Barnes — and were picked second in this year’s SWAC preseason poll.
More than anything, Pringle views this season as personal redemption. After a year at South Carolina in which he felt he didn’t fulfill his goals, he transferred to Arkansas to pursue one last run.
“I didn’t think I did enough at South Carolina. Yes, my stats got better, but I didn’t feel like a winner,” he said. “I want my story to be better. I want other people to be involved with my success.
“Choosing to come here, I did not know it would be as good as it is now, but putting the pieces together and seeing how things [have] been going and us challenging each other day by day, it’s really a dream come true.”
Given what he’s experienced across college stops, Pringle is approaching this season with a clear role to not just to produce numbers but elevate the team.
With the Razorbacks entering the season ranked 14th in some preseason polls, the program is aiming higher.
Calipari is hoping the experience pays off.
Bet Saracen’s Neal Atkinson on Razorbacks’ game against Mississippi State
With lots of sports going on these days, how odds showing possibility of high-scoring game for Hogs against Bulldogs.
