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Razorbacks face new challenges under SEC’s nine-game football schedule

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks face new challenges under SEC’s nine-game football schedule

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Southeastern Conference’s decision to adopt a nine-game football schedule starting in 2026 will bring major changes to Arkansas.

For a rebuilding program, it will increase both the difficulty of the Razorbacks’ path to bowl eligibility and the frequency of high-profile matchups in Fayetteville.

The SEC announced Thursday that each team will face three permanent conference opponents while rotating through the remaining six teams each year.

This change ensures every team will play every other SEC program at least once every two years, and in each stadium every four years. For Arkansas, which has played eight league games since joining the SEC in 1992, the move marks a significant shift.

The new format arrives as the College Football Playoff Committee prepares to implement a new “record strength” metric in 2025. The metric gives teams extra credit for wins over quality opponents and lessens the penalty for losses to top-ranked teams.

Considering the Razorbacks keep having some of the toughest schedules in the country, it’s just going to make life a little harder.

The Hogs will keep their annual rivalry with Missouri, which has been a staple since the Tigers joined the conference.

Other permanent opponents for Arkansas have yet to be finalized, but traditional matchups with schools like Texas, Texas A&M, and LSU are expected to remain prominent.

For Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman, the change means even more preparation for a brutal conference slate.

“We know how tough this league is,” Pittman said earlier this year. “Adding another SEC opponent just makes it that much tougher, but our guys thrive on that challenge.”

The move also carries financial implications. ESPN, which holds broadcast rights for SEC football, is expected to boost its rights payments in response to the expanded slate of marquee games.

That means more revenue for Arkansas athletics, which could help fund facility upgrades and support other sports.

Not everyone is welcoming the change. Some Hog fans worry that a ninth conference game could make bowl eligibility more difficult, especially for teams that hover around the six-win mark.

The ACC is expected to follow the SEC’s lead and move to a nine-game conference schedule, which would bring all major conferences in line with the new College Football Playoff standards.

This alignment could make playoff selection more straightforward, but it also raises the bar for teams like the Razorbacks, who will have to navigate an even tougher regular season.

The new schedule is set to debut in the 2026 season, giving Arkansas at least one year to prepare for a new era in SEC football.

For Arkansas, the move to nine SEC games represents both a challenge and an opportunity — a chance to prove itself against the best and to bring more big moments to Razorback Stadium.

They just have to figure a way to get the kind of players that can handle those bigger moments.

Blackstock moves to defensive tackle as Razorbacks seek depth after injury

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Blackstock moves to defensive tackle as Razorbacks seek depth after injury

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas senior offensive lineman Keyshawn Blackstock has been moved to defensive tackle amid mounting concerns about depth at the position, coach Sam Pittman said Wednesday on his first radio show of the season.

Blackstock, 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, shifted from right guard to defensive tackle during preseason camp following a knee injury to defensive tackle David Oke. Oke will miss the start of the 2025 season, Pittman said after the team’s second fall scrimmage. The move comes as Arkansas, which finished 4-8 last season, seeks to bolster its defensive line before the opener.

“We’re thin. Hell yeah, sure do,” Pittman said Wednesday night on his radio show, referencing the Razorbacks’ lack of depth on the defensive front. “We need another big over there and a guy that’s a veteran, so we’ll have to figure that out between now and Monday.”

Blackstock, a redshirt senior, started nine games at right tackle last season and appeared in all 12. This fall, redshirt freshman Kobe Branham moved ahead of Blackstock at right guard, allowing the coaching staff flexibility to address the defensive line shortage.

Pittman said the Razorbacks are confident in several young offensive linemen, including freshman Blake Cherry, who has moved into the backup left guard spot and could play either side if needed. E’Marion Harris, a returning starter at both guard and tackle, is currently ahead of Shaq McRoy, a redshirt freshman, at right tackle.

The Razorbacks’ defensive tackle rotation suffered a blow with Oke sidelined. Behind likely starters Cameron Ball, Danny Saili and Ian Geffrard, depth is limited to true freshmen and redshirt sophomore Kaleb James, who has seen little game action.

Blackstock is expected to see significant playing time, likely as the fourth defensive tackle.

“He’s big. He’s got great balance,” Pittman said. “He has great balance. I’m gonna say it, he really does. He’s been in a college weight room for a number of years.”

The position change is not ideal, Pittman said, but reflects the Razorbacks’ willingness to adjust amid injuries and a transfer portal that closed in April.

“When the portal closed back on April 25, my first thought was that they needed to stay healthy on the defensive line,” Pittman said. “We believe in our young freshmen, we do. Whether they’re ready or not right now, we’ve got to go have an honest conversation about that.”

Arkansas’ offense is expected to remain solid despite Blackstock’s move, thanks to improved depth and the emergence of underclassmen.

“There are plenty of easy moves they could make if an issue arises on the offensive line,” Pittman said.

Blackstock’s transition comes as Arkansas prepares for a challenging 2025 schedule. The Razorbacks open the season with a roster that will rely heavily on adaptability and contributions from new faces on the defensive line.

The move highlights the ongoing challenge for SEC teams in managing rosters with transfer rules and injury risks.

Arkansas will monitor Blackstock’s progress as he adjusts to his new position. The coaching staff will also continue to evaluate young defensive linemen as the Razorbacks look to shore up their rotation before the season begins.

Oke, a transfer who was expected to contribute immediately, could miss several games. His absence, according to Pittman, forced the staff to make “an honest conversation” about roster flexibility and player development.

The Razorbacks will open the 2025 season in September against Alabama A&M in Razorback Stadium at 3:15 p.m. The game will be televised on SEC Network.

Fans can also listen to the game on HitThatLine.com in selected broadcast markets or the Razorback Sports Network in ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.5 in Harrison-Mountain Home.

Ruscin and Zach podcast August 20th

Bill Nevin
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Ruscin and Zach podcast August 20th

https://bleav.com/shows/hit-that-line/?post_type=gp_podcast_episode&p=5962&preview=true

Arkansas adds three-minute delay to field rushes to avoid SEC fines

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Arkansas adds three-minute delay to field rushes to avoid SEC fines

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas football fans will be required to wait three minutes before rushing the field after games next season, as part of a new policy intended to comply with SEC rules and avoid a $500,000 fine for each violation.

The policy, announced Wednesday by the UA, will see a three-minute countdown placed on the videoboards at Razorback Stadium after a “momentous win.” The delay is meant to allow the visiting team, staff and officials to exit the field before fans join the Razorbacks to celebrate.

“The safety of our student-athletes and the student-athletes from the visiting institution is extremely important to all of us,” athletics director Hunter Yurachek said in a statement. “By implementing this new policy, we are allowing the visiting team to clear the field so our fans can safely join our team on the field to celebrate the big win. We look forward to our fans and students complying with this policy the first time we get to implement it so we can all enjoy a huge win.”

The SEC increased its field and court storming penalty to $500,000 per incident beginning with the 2025 season. The fine is awarded to the visiting institution after a conference event and to the league office in non-conference games.

Arkansas has a history of field rushes that resulted in fines, including $100,000 in 2021 after fans celebrated an upset win over Texas and $250,000 in 2024 following a win against Tennessee.

The SEC’s updated fine structure comes after a series of high-profile incidents across the conference, including Tennessee fans tearing down goalposts in 2022 and fines for Ole Miss and LSU in 2023. The NCAA leaves enforcement to individual conferences, but the SEC’s penalty is the largest among major college sports leagues.

Yurachek said the policy is intended to strike a balance between tradition and safety.

The Razorbacks open the 2025 season under coach Sam Pittman on Aug. 30 against Alabama A&M. The home schedule includes the team’s first-ever matchup with Notre Dame on Sept. 27, as well as games against Texas A&M, Auburn, Mississippi State and Missouri.

The university is urging fans to comply with the new rule to avoid penalties and ensure safety.

“If that means waiting three minutes, I think we can all handle that,” Yurachek said. “The last thing we want is to lose a big win to a technicality or see someone get hurt when it could’ve been avoided.”

Whether the new delay will fully prevent premature field rushes is uncertain. Previous efforts to limit postgame field access, such as increased security and public address announcements, have met with limited success. The new $500,000 fine, payable to the opposing school, is expected to serve as a significant deterrent.

Field rushing is a long-standing part of college football culture, especially in the SEC. Arkansas’ new policy aims to preserve the tradition while aligning with conference regulations.

For now, Razorbacks fans will have to wait — at least three minutes — for their chance to celebrate on the field.

Eastside Liquor🍺 Half🕛time Podcast 8.20.25

Tye Richardson
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Eastside Liquor🍺 Half🕛time Podcast 8.20.25


College Football playoffs, tales of early fatherhood, appreciating the Valley Girl Soundtrack and more on Arkansas Football.

Guests: Grant Hall, Dudley Dawson and Clay Henry!

Democrat-Gazette’s Richard Davenport on Razorbacks can’t afford slow start

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Democrat-Gazette’s Richard Davenport on Razorbacks can’t afford slow start

While Alabama A&M projected to be a win, Hogs need to get out of the gate fast and put questions to rest early in season opener.

Ruscin and Zach podcast Aug 19

Bill Nevin
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Ruscin and Zach podcast Aug 19

Zach makes fun of meat choices

Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 8-20-25

Tye Richardson
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Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 8-20-25


Tye & Tommy discuss their beefs, NIL vs schedule, Richard Davenport plus Auburn declaring championships

Shanks brings speed, versatility to Razorbacks’ offense, return game

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Shanks brings speed, versatility to Razorbacks’ offense, return game

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Kam Shanks, a transfer wide receiver and return specialist from UAB, is expected to play a big role for Arkansas this fall.

The hope is he’s bringing speed and versatility to both the offense and special teams.

Shanks, a 5-foot-9, 168-pound redshirt sophomore, led the nation in punt return yards last season with 329, averaging 20.6 yards per return and scoring two touchdowns.

He was named first-team All-AAC as a return specialist and third-team All-AAC as a receiver, finishing the 2023 season with 62 receptions for 656 yards and six touchdowns for the Blazers.

On Nov. 5, Shanks produced 311 all-purpose yards in a 59-21 win over Tulsa, earning Hornung Award National Player of the Week honors. He also caught five passes for 31 yards and a touchdown against Arkansas in a 37-27 loss at Razorback Stadium.

Arkansas offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino said Shanks’ skill set allows him to outperform his size.

“He’s little, but he doesn’t play little because he can elevate and turn his body,” Petrino said Tuesday. “Short guys that can’t jump and turn in the air are hard targets to hit, but you can actually throw him open and he’s able to elevate and turn and make those catches.”

Petrino said the coaching staff is working to integrate Shanks into the offense, focusing on timing and chemistry with the team’s quarterbacks.

“It’s nice to have him back out there because we need the time with the quarterbacks working with him to understand where he’s going to be, what his quickness gives us, because he’s super quick, and he’s a hard matchup because of that quickness,” Petrino said.

Shanks has earned several preseason honors, including spots on the Jet Award and Hornung Award watch lists. He was named preseason first-team All-SEC by Phil Steele, and first-team All-American by The Sporting News and Athlon Sports, all as a return specialist.

Arkansas special teams coach Scott Fountain said the decision to pursue a dedicated punt returner in the transfer portal was a priority this offseason.

“If you watch Kam’s film last year, he had three house calls in one season. One got called back, so it got annulled, but he was impressive and did some good things,” Fountain said. “He had no returns in our game, so that was a good thing. But we were worried about him going into the game, concerned about him.”

Fountain said he hopes the addition of Shanks will improve a special teams unit that has struggled in recent seasons.

“I love to return punts. I’ve had a lot of good punt returners in my career, and I really hope this would be an exciting year for us in that area,” Fountain said.

Petrino compared Shanks to former Arkansas standout Joe Adams, who won the first Jet Award in 2011 after scoring four punt return touchdowns.

“His quickness as a receiver and his toughness, that would remind me a lot of Joe,” Petrino said. “Joe was unbelievably quick, change-of-direction, stop and go, and then tough and enjoying running the ball. When you’ve got that mental toughness, it helps a lot.”

Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Kam Shanks makes a catch during preseason camp practices
Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Kam Shanks makes a catch during preseason camp practices on the outdoor fields in Fayetteville, Ark. | Andy Hodges-HitThatLine Images

Shanks’ transfer to Arkansas was part of a larger effort to retool the Razorbacks’ offense. After his successful season at UAB, he attracted interest from several Power Five programs before choosing Arkansas. Hogs coach Sam Pittman and the staff have emphasized Shanks’ potential role in a more dynamic offense.

Shanks has spent the offseason developing rapport with Arkansas’ quarterbacks and learning the Razorbacks’ system. The team hopes his quickness and ability to create separation will provide a needed spark to the offense, which struggled with consistency last season.

The Razorbacks are coming off a 7-6 season. The addition of Shanks is expected to boost both special teams and offensive production. As the season approaches, Shanks will be watched closely as he transitions to SEC competition.

It could fill a big hole in something the Hogs have been missing for awhile on a consistent basis.

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Razorbacks’ Carmona, Ball named to preseason All-SEC football teams

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks’ Carmona, Ball named to preseason All-SEC football teams

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas offensive lineman Fernando Carmona Jr. and defensive tackle Cam Ball have been named to the Preseason All-SEC teams by the league’s coaches, the league announced Tuesday.

Carmona, a senior and transfer from San Jose State, was selected to the All-SEC First Team after starting every game at left tackle for the Razorbacks last season.

Ball, a senior from Atlanta, was named to the Third Team following a breakout 2024 campaign in which he recorded a career-high 47 tackles, including four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Ball, who joined Arkansas in 2021, is expected to start on the defensive line this season. He said he turned down offers from other programs after the 2024 season, opting to remain with the Razorbacks.

“I had opportunities to leave, but it was no point to just pack up and go for a matter of a year or so, and lose all the connections and relationships I built in this state,” Ball said last week. “The people. I love the people here in Arkansas. Not only in Fayetteville, but I’ve been all around Arkansas and I just love this state in general.”

Carmona moved from left tackle to left guard this offseason, making way for transfer Corey Robinson II. The coaching staff praised his adaptability and experience.

“Fernando’s one of those guys you just trust,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said. “He brings experience, but it’s his leadership that sets the tone for the whole offensive line.”

Ball’s decision to stay at Arkansas was significant for a program that has seen several players depart via the transfer portal in recent years.

“Cam’s presence means everything to our defense,” defensive coordinator Travis Williams said. “He’s the heartbeat up front and a mentor to the younger guys.”

The Razorbacks finished 4-8 last season and are looking for improvement as Pittman enters his fifth year as head coach. Arkansas opens its season Aug. 30 against Alabama A&M at Razorback Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3:15 p.m. on the SEC Network.

Both Carmona and Ball are in their final seasons of eligibility. Carmona was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice in 2024 and was selected to the Outland Trophy watch list. Ball has played in 37 games at Arkansas, starting 17.

The SEC preseason teams are determined by votes from the league’s coaches ahead of each season. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players.

Arkansas will look to its veteran leaders as it navigates a challenging SEC schedule that includes games against LSU, Alabama, and Texas A&M.

“It’s great to be recognized, but I’m here to win games,” Carmona said. “That’s the only thing that matters, what we do as a team.”

The Razorbacks’ preseason accolades highlight key players as Arkansas seeks to rebound and compete in the SEC this fall.

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