Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams stood on the practice field Monday and used a culinary metaphor to describe the Razorbacks’ defense as fall camp entered a pivotal stretch.

“We have a lot of ingredients, and we have to cook the meal,” Williams told reporters after practice. “We’ve got to put the ingredients in the right spot so the meal can be right. But we have the ingredients now.

“We’ve got to make sure, ‘OK, it’s not mildewed. It’s not spoiled.’ And what that means is, if it’s not our standard, they’re not getting to the ball. [If] they’re not playing a physical brand of ball, that’s not part of our ingredients”

The Razorbacks are trying to rebound from a season marked by defensive breakdowns and big plays allowed. Their first closed scrimmage of fall camp reinforced that work remains.

Coach Sam Pittman said the defense “allowed too many big plays” Saturday, including six gains of 15 yards or more by the first-team offense against the defensive twos and three plays of at least 45 yards surrendered by the second-team defense.

Even the starters struggled at times. The first-team defense allowed a 63-yard touchdown pass from KJ Jackson to Monte Harrison, as well as an 18-yard touchdown from Taylen Green to Mike Washington.

“Our twos started off and we didn’t start off like we should. Not to our standards,” Williams said. “The ones go out there and they get a three-and-out, and the next drive was a four-and-out. And then the third [drive], it was a third-and-16 and we gave up an explosive pass. So, we’ve got to do better there.”

The defense did improve in the two-minute and red zone periods. Williams and Pittman agreed those moments showed flashes of progress, but consistency remains the focus as the Razorbacks prepare for their season opener.

Williams said most of the breakdowns were tied to pre- and post-snap communication. The staff has emphasized communication throughout camp, making it a daily priority.

“It’s not anything we can’t fix. It’s not that we don’t have the talent or the guys to do it,” linebacker Stephen Dix said. “The margin for error being small, it’s just talking and saying, ‘Hey, I’ve got this guy. You’ve got him.

“If they do this, we’re going to execute this.’ Whatever it may be. So I think it’s just communication. We get that on lock, we’ll be a dominant defense.”

The Razorbacks are expected to incorporate more blitzing and aim for more turnovers than last season, according to Williams.

“How you scare offenses, it’s not about the play calls,” Williams said. “It’s people just smothering the ball. We have to get to the ball like our life depends on it. Every snap, no matter who’s out there.”

Williams, now in his third season as defensive coordinator, has a reputation for high-energy units.

Arkansas is returning six defensive starters and has added several transfers, with hopes that the new mix of talent will improve man coverage and create more pressure, according to a preseason forecast.

Pittman said the defense’s size and athleticism will be crucial.

“We’re big and we’re talented. We can run. Corner has a lot of depth there,” Pittman said earlier this summer.

The Razorbacks are expected to continue using the 3-3-5 alignment that appeared in the spring, putting more speed and versatility on the field.

Secondary depth is a concern, but transfers and underclassmen are pushing for playing time.

According to Pro Football Focus, only five of the 16 defenders who played at least 300 snaps last season are back for 2025.

Pittman’s job status has drawn national attention, but he remains confident the defense can improve. “I think we’re pretty talented,” Pittman said. “We’ve just got to prove it on the field.”

Williams said the defense’s identity will be defined by communication and effort.

“If you’re a football coach, coach football. Don’t complain,” he said. “It is what it is. At the end of the day, nobody cares anyway. So defensively, we’re going to play intimidating defense.”

The Razorbacks have just under three weeks to find the right formula. The season starts Aug. 30 in Razorback Stadium against Alabama A&M at 3:15 p.m. The game will be televised on SEC Network.