The countdown to Omaha is drawing nearer by the show, how much would you struggle at Oakmont? Football gametime window reaction.
Guests: Tom Murphy!
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 6-12-25
Hogs to host Louisville in SEC/ACC Challenge basketball showdown
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There will be a big-time college basketball matchup this fall as Arkansas hosts Louisville Cardinals in the third annual SEC/ACC Challenge.
The game, reported by CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, adds another chapter to a quietly intense rivalry, with both programs aiming to make a statement early in the 2025-26 season.
Arkansas vs. Louisville: A Tied Rivalry Reignites
When the Razorbacks and Cardinals tip off at Bud Walton Arena, it will mark their ninth all-time meeting, with the series split evenly at 4-4.
Their last game came at the 2022 Maui Invitational, a game Arkansas dominated with an 80-54 victory.
Notably, Louisville was then coached by Kenny Payne, who has since joined Arkansas as an assistant, adding extra intrigue to this year’s match-up.
Louisville, under first-year head coach Pat Kelsey, finished last season with an impressive 27-8 record, going 18-2 in ACC play and earning its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2019.
Although the Cardinals’ run ended with a first-round loss to Creighton, the turnaround under Kelsey has re-energized the program.
“We’re building something special in Louisville. Our guys have bought in, and the city is hungry for success,.” Kelsey told the press after last season,
Calipari’s Familiar Foe
For new Arkansas head coach John Calipari, the Louisville Cardinals are a familiar opponent. During his tenure at Kentucky, Calipari faced Louisville 27 times, amassing a 19-8 record.
“Louisville brings out the best in any team,” Calipari said in a 2022 interview. “It’s never just another game.”
Calipari’s arrival in Fayetteville has generated a wave of excitement, especially with the Razorbacks’ strong recruiting haul.
Five-star guards Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas headline the class of 2025, joined by in-state standout Isaiah Sealy and Lithuanian power forward Karim Rtail. In the transfer portal, Arkansas landed senior big men Nick Pringle and Malique Ewin, adding critical experience and depth.
A Loaded Non-Conference Slate
Arkansas’ non-conference schedule is shaping up to be one of the best in the country.
The Razorbacks are also set to host Baylor and face Duke in Chicago on Thanksgiving Day, followed by a high-profile game against the Houston Cougars at Barclays Center.
According to sources at HawgSports, additional neutral-site games may be in the works, making the 2025-26 campaign a true test for Calipari’s squad.
Central Arkansas will also travel to Fayetteville, continuing a tradition of in-state matchups.
Meanwhile, the SEC schedule offers another highlight when Kentucky will make a lone trip to Fayetteville, with no return game in Lexington this season. That means Bud Walton Arena will host two of college basketball’s biggest brands in a single season.
What’s at Stake
For Arkansas, the SEC/ACC Challenge offers a chance to remain perfect in the conference matchup.
The Razorbacks are 2-0, having defeated Duke in Fayetteville and Miami on the road.
“We want to prove we can compete with anyone, anywhere,” sophomore guard Layden Blocker told HawgSports. “Games like this are why you come to Arkansas.”
Louisville, on the other hand, is eager to show that last season’s turnaround is just the beginning. The Cardinals’ experienced core and energetic defense will be tested by the Razorbacks’ newly constructed roster and the raucous Fayetteville crowd.
Looking Ahead
The SEC/ACC Challenge continues to raise the stakes in non-conference play and has quickly become a must-see event for college basketball fans.
For Arkansas and Louisville, this is more than a single game—it’s a preview of two programs on the rise, led by coaches with something to prove.
Fans can stay updated on the latest Razorback news by tuning into HawgSports Live, Arkansas’ top-rated podcast. For behind-the-scenes recruiting news and game analysis, it’s a must-listen.
As November approaches, folks around Fayetteville are talking about basketball in June with the baseball team in the College World Series.
Ruscin & Zach June 11
Arkansas gets Notre Dame at 11. We talk about why the start times are disappointing, they only have themselves to blame. Then we grill Bill.
Hogs-Notre Dame: Kickoff time, broadcast, 2025 Razorbacks schedule
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas football’s 2025 season is loaded with firsts and marquee matchups, but no game stands out more than the historic non-conference clash with Notre Dame.
For the first time ever, the Arkansas Razorbacks will meet the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 27 at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. and fans nationwide will be able to catch the action live on ABC.
This meeting isn’t just another non-conference date. For Arkansas, it’s a chance to take on one of college football’s most storied programs.
Notre Dame, coming off a national championship game appearance, brings national attention and a unique challenge for Sam Pittman’s Razorbacks.
“We’re excited to bring a program like Notre Dame to Fayetteville,” Pittman said in a recent press conference. “It’s the kind of matchup our players and fans dream about.”
The Razorbacks’ schedule is one of the most anticipated in recent years, partly thanks to new SEC television deals and creative kickoff windows.
The SEC will once again use four kickoff time windows. They will be early (11 a.m.-Noon), afternoon (2:30-3:30 p.m.), Night (5-7 p.m.), and Flex (2:30-7 p.m.).
Games in the Flex window will have their official kickoff times set 12 days ahead, giving the networks flexibility and fans a bit of suspense.
“The new SEC broadcasting structure means fans have more chances to catch marquee games at optimal times,” as ESPN’s Chris Low said.
Arkansas opens the season at home against Alabama A&M on August 30, a first-ever meeting for the two programs.
Kickoff is at 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network. The following week, the Razorbacks travel to Little Rock for another inaugural matchup, this time against Arkansas State.
That game starts at 4 p.m. and will air on ESPN+ or SEC Network+.
From there, the schedule becomes a road gauntlet: at Ole Miss on September 13 (with a kickoff at either 6 or 6:45 p.m.), then a non-conference test at Memphis on September 20.
The team returns to Fayetteville for the Notre Dame showdown, which marks a critical point in the season.
After that, the Razorbacks dive back into SEC play with trips to Tennessee and rivalry games against Texas A&M, Auburn, Mississippi State, LSU, Texas, and Missouri.
Sam Pittman enters his sixth season at the helm, sitting at 30-31 overall.
While the Razorbacks finished last season 6-6, they capped it with a Liberty Bowl win over Texas Tech, making Pittman 3-0 in bowl games as a coach.
“We’re building something steady here,” Pittman said after that win. “Games like Notre Dame are another step in the right direction.”
The Notre Dame matchup isn’t just about a single Saturday. It’s a recruiting showcase and a measuring stick for a program looking to rise in the SEC’s new era.
“Arkansas’ willingness to schedule marquee non-conference opponents is a sign of a program ready for the national stage,” as CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd wrote,
Fans hoping to attend should act quickly. Tickets for the Notre Dame game are expected to be in high demand, with Razorback Stadium likely reaching capacity.
For those watching from home, ABC’s national broadcast ensures no one will miss a snap.
Razorbacks ramp up 2027 football recruiting with key visits
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas making significant strides in their 2027 football recruiting campaign, hosting high-profile prospects and extending offers to emerging talents.
As summer heats up, so does the recruiting trail, with the Razorbacks’ staff focusing on building relationships early and securing commitments from some of the most promising athletes in the country.
Caden Jones Returns to Fayetteville
One of the most notable visitors this week is Caden Jones, a four-star quarterback from Irvine, California’s Crean Lutheran High School.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, Jones is making his second trip to Northwest Arkansas since late March, signaling genuine interest from both sides. Arkansas initially offered Jones in December 2023, with defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson leading the charge.
Jones, rated as the 27th quarterback nationally and the 56th overall prospect in California for the class of 2027 by 247Sports, has quickly become a coveted recruit.
His offer list reads like a who’s who of college football, including Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, TCU, and Texas A&M, among others.
Despite the competition, Arkansas’ persistence is paying dividends, with Jones making Fayetteville a priority on his visit calendar.
While Jones remains undecided, his repeated visits and growing relationship with the Razorbacks’ coaching staff are promising signs for Arkansas.
“The coaching staff has made me feel welcome every time I’ve been here,” Jones said during his visit. “They’ve shown a lot of belief in me, and that means a lot at this stage in my recruitment.”
Emerging Talent: Trey Stewart’s Stock on the Rise
Another name generating buzz is Trey Stewart, a dynamic running back from Little Rock Central.
At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Stewart has already caught the attention of Arkansas, Missouri, SMU, Miami, and Arizona State, among others.
Known for his athleticism and versatility, Stewart recorded 522 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 59 carries as a sophomore, while also contributing as a safety with 22 tackles and two interceptions.
Stewart’s recruitment is still in its early stages, but he’s keeping his options open.
“Things are progressing well! I’ve been talking to a few coaches, and I’m feeling optimistic about my options so far,” Stewart told Hogs on SI. “Recruitment is a process and the process has been nothing but good to me so far.”
For Arkansas, Stewart represents the type of homegrown talent the program is eager to keep in-state.
“I’m definitely keeping Arkansas in mind,” Stewart said. “The coaching staff treated me well when I visited the Hill, and I can’t wait to come back.
“Playing for my home state would be great to represent, but I’m still exploring all my options and trying to find the best fit for my academic and athletic goals.”
Building Relationships Early
Arkansas’ approach to recruiting has emphasized early engagement and relationship-building, particularly under the guidance of co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson.
Woodson’s track record includes signing four-star talents like Selman Bridges and Kevin Oatis, and his early offer to Oklahoma athlete Kamieon Compton-Nero exemplifies the staff’s proactive strategy.
Compton-Nero, who starred as a freshman at Rejoice Christian in Oklahoma, credited Woodson’s belief in his potential.
“Coach [Marcus Woodson] was the first to offer me a month after my freshman season ended,” he said. “He believed in me first and have developed a lot of trust in him. Lot of time left before college, but know he can make me great.”
Coach’s Perspective
Hogs coach Sam Pittman and his staff remain focused on player development and creating a welcoming environment for recruits.
“We play better with pads on, we practice better with pads on,” Pittman said. “I gave our guys three goals coming into fall camp: embrace the edges, be detailed and champion adversity.”
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 6-11-25
Would sending Tye to Omaha really cost the hogs a championship? Is this Dave’s most talented team? CWS is the topic of the day!
Guests: Richard Davenport
Alyssa Orange previewing Razorbacks’ chances in College World Series
With Hogs the odds-on favorite heading to Omaha, looking at how this may be the most complete tournament team.
Ruscin & Zach June 10
Arkansas could be jinxed by us at the college world series, we discuss. Plus Sportscenter’s continued downfall into irrelevance is discussed.
Democrat-Gazette’s Tom Murphy on key for Razorbacks in College World Series
Needing another big performance from opening-day starter Zach Root big key for first game against LSU Tigers in Omaha.
