What. A. Weekend. Arkansas inks former Memphis HC Ryan Silverfield as the 35th Head Hog in school history. We take fan reactions and more on a Hot Take Monday after Black Friday and Bloody Sunday.
Razorbacks hire Ryan Silverfield as new head football coach
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas has named Ryan Silverfield as the 35th head coach in program history, bringing in the former Memphis leader after six seasons and a 50–25 record.
The university announced the hire Sunday afternoon following a national search conducted by athletics director Hunter Yurachek.
Silverfield guided Memphis to bowl eligibility in each of his six years as head coach.
His teams posted back-to-back double-digit win seasons in 2023 and 2024 and extended the Tigers’ streak of consecutive bowl appearances to 12, the longest run among non-Power-4 programs.
The 2025 team finished with eight wins and secured a ninth straight winning season. Yurachek said those results set Silverfield apart from the field.
“Throughout the search process, Coach Silverfield’s proven ability to win games over a sustained period separated him from the pack,” Yurachek said in the announcement. “His knowledge of our state and region will provide a great foundation for our program moving forward.”
Memphis ranked No. 19 nationally in scoring offense this season, averaging 34.6 points per game. It marked the fourth straight year the Tigers finished in the top 25 in scoring.
Silverfield’s teams have averaged at least 30 points per game each season he has been head coach, illustrating a track record of offensive consistency.
The Tigers also made strides defensively in 2025. Memphis allowed 22.5 points per game, its lowest average under Silverfield, and finished third in the American Conference in total defense by giving up just 361.1 yards per contest.
The unit forced 19 turnovers and posted a plus-9 turnover margin, ranking 13th nationally in that category.
Yurachek noted that Arkansas has made a significant financial commitment to football and believes Silverfield’s vision aligns with the university’s stated goal of reaching the College Football Playoff.
He said that Silverfield’s approach to roster building, program development and staff continuity gave Arkansas confidence in a long-term partnership.
Silverfield served in several roles at Memphis before being promoted to head coach in December 2019. He joined the staff in 2016 as offensive line coach, then worked as run game coordinator, assistant head coach and deputy head coach.
Before arriving at Memphis, he coached at Arizona State, Minnesota, Jacksonville, Central Florida and in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, giving him experience on both sides of the ball.
One of Silverfield’s most notable player development accomplishments came in 2021 when he helped quarterback Seth Henigan earn Freshman All-America honors.
Henigan passed for 3,322 yards and 25 touchdowns, breaking Memphis’ freshman passing record.
Silverfield also helped Memphis win bowl games in consecutive seasons for the first time in program history. The 2024 team went 11–2 and ended the year ranked No. 23 in the Coaches Poll and No. 24 in the AP Poll. That group earned the program’s highest AP finish since 2019.
The coach brings his wife, Katie, and their two daughters, Adeline and Celicia, to Fayetteville.
Yurachek said their transition to Arkansas will begin immediately as Silverfield works to build his first staff with the Hogs and begin roster evaluations.
Silverfield becomes Arkansas’ fourth head coach in the last decade. The school hopes this move provides stability after recent turnover and a challenging stretch in SEC play.
With the program making deeper investment in football, Arkansas aims to move toward postseason contention in the coming years.
Yurachek said the search committee was drawn to Silverfield’s energy and consistent winning record.
“We are confident we now have the coach and resources to make that happen,” he said, adding that the Razorbacks expect to compete for championships again under new leadership.
The move closes a coaching search that began following the decision to restructure the football program earlier this fall.
Silverfield will now take over recruiting efforts and oversee offseason development as Arkansas prepares for 2026. The school did not release contract terms Sunday.
The Razorbacks have previously hired from both inside and outside the Power-5 ranks, and administrators hope Silverfield’s combination of experience, regional ties and proven results can guide the next phase of the program.
While he has never coached in the SEC, his six years leading a successful American Conference program serve as the foundation for his next challenge.
Arkansas believes Silverfield’s offensive consistency and player development background fit what the program needs.
With several roster decisions ahead and staff positions to fill, his first months on the job will focus on establishing system expectations and building a framework for the coming season.
Silverfield’s track record at Memphis
Silverfield’s offensive units at Memphis were among the most productive in the nation over the past four seasons.
Each team scored at least 30 points per game, and the Tigers finished inside the top 20 nationally in scoring three straight years.
The 2025 group averaged 452.8 yards per game and finished with six wins by double digits.
Memphis’ growth on defense was also a factor in Silverfield’s rise. This season’s improvement led to bowl eligibility once again, reinforcing the program’s consistency.
His teams forced turnovers at a high rate and showed steady progress in tackling and red-zone efficiency.
That balance helped Memphis secure its longest bowl streak in program history.
The Tigers’ overall record under Silverfield reflects stability and development, qualities Arkansas administrators highlighted as key reasons for his hiring.
Coaching background and leadership
Before taking over at Memphis, Silverfield held various roles across the college and professional ranks.
His six years with the Minnesota Vikings included positions on both offense and defense, contributing to a broad understanding of game planning.
His earlier coaching stops ranged from small colleges to major programs, shaping a career marked by versatility.
At Memphis, Silverfield built strong relationships with players and staff, a trait Yurachek referenced in Sunday’s announcement.
Arkansas expects those leadership qualities to translate to its locker room as the program undergoes its transition.
Silverfield will now begin staffing decisions and meet with current players.
Arkansas’ athletic department said updates on his first offseason with the Hogs will be released in the coming weeks.
Razorbacks can’t hold halftime lead in 31-17 loss to Missouri
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas had chances.
The Razorbacks led at halftime, had the home crowd behind them and watched their defense create the type of turnover that usually swings rivalry games.
But none of that held up in the second half Saturday as Missouri’s run game and a late special-teams play sent Arkansas to a 31-17 loss at Razorback Stadium.
It was the kind of game Arkansas fans have seen before in this matchup. Missouri leaned on a patient, physical rushing attack, racking up 322 yards on the ground and controlling the final two quarters.
The Razorbacks, meanwhile, couldn’t keep drives alive after halftime and finished with just 246 total yards, far below the pace they needed to stay in step with a Tigers offense that rarely changed its approach.
Beau Pribula completed just four passes for Missouri, but that hardly mattered. His legs and the Tigers’ blocking won the line-of-scrimmage battle.
Pribula ran for 78 yards himself, and the Tigers’ running back rotation kept Arkansas’ defense on the field.
The Razorbacks struggled to get Missouri off schedule, and the pounding runs began to add up as the game wore on.
For Arkansas, a promising start turned into another frustrating finish in a rivalry that has not gone the Razorbacks’ way often in recent years.
Missouri turns halftime deficit into momentum
Arkansas delivered several positive moments in the first half.
True freshman quarterback KJ Jackson showed poise when he hit O’Mega Blake for a 16-yard touchdown in the first quarter. That tied the score at 7-7 and gave the Razorbacks some early rhythm.
The biggest swing for Arkansas came later when linebacker Bradley Shaw scooped up a Beau Pribula fumble and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown.
The play put Arkansas in front 14-7 and sent Razorback Stadium into a full roar. Missouri answered to tie the game, but Camden Lewis’ field goal pushed Arkansas ahead 17-14 heading into halftime.
That was where Arkansas’ highlights ended.
Missouri needed only a handful of plays in the second half to steal back momentum.
The Tigers opened the third quarter with a steady possession before Ahmad Hardy ripped through the middle of Arkansas’ defense for a long touchdown run.
It gave Missouri a 20-17 lead and set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
The Razorbacks couldn’t answer. Missouri kept pushing forward with its rushing attack, and Jamal Roberts added another touchdown to extend the lead.
Arkansas rotated Jackson and Taylen Green at quarterback but struggled to find a rhythm.
A combination of short drives, stalled possessions and missed opportunities kept the Razorbacks from regaining control.
Then came the moment that sealed everything.
Kevin Coleman Jr. fielded a punt in the fourth quarter, found a crease down the sideline and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown. The score made it 31-17 and erased whatever chances Arkansas had left.
Arkansas offense stalls, defense wears down
What Arkansas couldn’t overcome was Missouri’s pace and patience.
The Tigers didn’t hit many big plays outside the key touchdown runs, but they ran often and effectively.
Staying ahead of the chains forced Arkansas to defend long drives and left the Razorback offense on the sideline far too long.
The Razorbacks finished with only two drives longer than 26 yards. Even the early scoring possessions felt hard-earned.
In the second half, Missouri’s front limited Arkansas’ attempts to run or stretch the field, and the Razorbacks didn’t find consistency in the passing game.
Interim coach Bobby Petrino stayed focused on the game afterward and declined to address any questions about his future.
“I’m not going to get into any of that tonight,” he said.
Arkansas fans, meanwhile, left the stadium frustrated by another rivalry game dominated late by Missouri’s physical style.
The Razorbacks had the right start, but the Tigers controlled the areas that usually decide November SEC games — the run game, special teams and second-half execution.
Missouri’s approach wasn’t complicated, and Arkansas couldn’t stop it often enough to change the outcome.
Key takeaways
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Arkansas couldn’t slow Missouri’s 322 rushing yards. The Tigers controlled the second half with steady ground production.
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A fourth-quarter punt return hurt the Razorbacks’ comeback hopes. Kevin Coleman Jr.’s 67-yard touchdown sealed the loss.
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Arkansas’ offense faded after halftime. The Razorbacks tallied only 246 total yards and struggled to sustain drives.
Razorbacks fall late as Duke finishes strong in 80-71 win
CHICAGO — Arkansas made a strong push in the second half but could not sustain it as No. 4 Duke closed with a steady finish to claim an 80-71 win Thursday night at the United Center.
The matchup featured long stretches where both teams traded momentum, but Duke’s poise in the final minutes proved decisive.
Arkansas dropped to 5-2 after the loss. Duke moved to 8-0 behind Cameron Boozer’s 35 points and nine rebounds.
Boozer shot 13 of 18 from the field and was the driving force for the Blue Devils, especially late.
The Razorbacks were led by freshman Darius Acuff Jr., who scored 21 points. His ability to get into the paint helped Arkansas stay within reach whenever Duke tried to build a lead.
Meleek Thomas added 13 points, and Trevon Brazile delivered an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Duke controlled most of the first half and entered halftime with a 41-35 lead. Boozer had already scored 15 by the break.
Arkansas, however, closed the half with a 7-0 run to trim the margin and regain some momentum.
The Hogs opened the second half with energy. Thomas capped a 10-3 run with a 3-pointer to give Arkansas a 60-53 lead with 10:09 left.
It was the first time the Razorbacks had firm control, and the run energized the Arkansas bench.
Duke answered by tightening its defense. The Blue Devils chipped away until Patrick Ngongba II scored inside to put Duke ahead 66-64 with 5:20 to play.
Arkansas struggled to connect on open looks as Duke settled in.
Caleb Foster then delivered one of the game’s biggest plays. His 3-pointer with 2:31 remaining stretched Duke’s lead and halted Arkansas’ momentum.
That basket marked the beginning of Duke’s final push.
Boozer closes strong as Hogs fade in final minutes
Boozer took over the rest of the way. He hit two 3-pointers, drove for a layup, and found Dame Sarr for a dunk in the closing minutes.
Each play came when Arkansas needed a stop, and each time Boozer responded.
The Razorbacks kept competing but could not match Duke’s shot-making down the stretch.
Arkansas’ offense, which had flowed well during the second-half surge, slowed when Duke applied more pressure.
By halftime, Duke had held a small advantage even after Arkansas ended the half on a strong run.
The Razorbacks hoped to carry that boost into the second frame, but Duke’s control of the boards made it hard for Arkansas to build long possessions.
The Hogs’ young backcourt showed maturity at times. Acuff Jr. continued to drive inside, and Thomas gave Arkansas needed scoring from the perimeter.
Their play helped erase a double-digit first-half deficit and briefly put Arkansas in front.
The turning point came between the eight- and five-minute marks. The Razorbacks held a two-point lead and had the ball but did not extend the margin.
Duke answered on the next several trips and swung the game back in its favor.
Brazile’s activity around the rim kept Arkansas within striking distance. His rebounding allowed the Razorbacks to get out in transition, but Duke slowed the pace late and forced Arkansas to score in the half court.
Duke leaned on experience and shot selection in the closing minutes. Boozer’s composure stood out as he continued to score efficiently.
The Blue Devils’ late-game execution made the difference after Arkansas had pushed ahead earlier in the half.
The Hogs now prepare for a major home opportunity next week. Arkansas returns to Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday to host No. 6 Louisville.
The game gives the Razorbacks a chance to respond quickly from Thursday’s loss.
Duke shifts back into conference preparation and will face No. 10 Florida on Tuesday.
The Blue Devils remain unbeaten and continue to rely on Boozer’s consistency.
Key takeaways
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Arkansas briefly led in the second half but could not hold off Duke’s closing run.
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Cameron Boozer’s 35 points and timely shooting powered Duke throughout the night.
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Freshmen Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas provided strong production for the Razorbacks.
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