Razorbacks, Vols Super Regional clash set for epic Baum-Walker showdown
The stage is set for an electrifying NCAA Super Regional matchup as No. 5 Arkansas (46-13) prepares to host No. 14 Tennessee (46-17) in a best-of-three series at Baum-Walker Stadium, with the winner punching their ticket to the College World Series in Omaha.
The series, scheduled for June 7-9, brings together two of college baseball’s best programs, both fresh off dominant regional performances. Arkansas swept through their regional without a loss, while Tennessee continued their postseason excellence by defeating Wake Forest 11-5 to advance to their fifth consecutive Super Regional.
The matchup features an intriguing subplot between the coaches.
Tennessee’s Tony Vitello, who served as an assistant under Arkansas’s Dave Van Horn, has transformed the Volunteers program into a national powerhouse.
“We know what we’re getting into with Tennessee,” Van Horn said during Monday’s press conference. “They’re playing their best baseball at the right time, and Tony has them prepared for every situation. It’s going to be a battle.”
Baum-Walker Stadium, renowned for its electric atmosphere, is expected to be at full capacity. The venue has been a fortress for the Razorbacks, who consistently rank among college baseball’s attendance leaders.
The stadium’s single-game attendance record of 11,103 could be challenged during this high-stakes series.
Both teams feature powerful offenses and deep pitching staffs.
The Volunteers have shown remarkable resilience in the postseason, extending their NCAA regional winning streak to 14 games.
Meanwhile, Arkansas has dominated at home, leveraging their passionate fan base and the intimidating environment of Baum-Walker Stadium.
The series opener is set for Saturday at 4 p.m. on ESPN, followed by a Sunday afternoon clash at 2 p.m.
If necessary, the decisive third game will be played Monday, with the time to be determined.
Tickets are expected to be in high demand, with a limited quantity of Hog Pen tickets available to the general public and UA students starting Tuesday morning.
Tennessee’s path to Fayetteville included impressive victories over Cincinnati and Wake Forest in the Knoxville Regional.
The Volunteers’ offense has been clicking at the right time, averaging over eight runs per game in regional play.
Their pitching staff has shown depth and resilience, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Arkansas, meanwhile, showcased their championship potential by dominating their regional opponents.
The Razorbacks’ combination of power hitting and strategic small ball has kept opponents off balance, while their pitching staff has consistently delivered quality starts and reliable relief appearances.
The winner of this Super Regional will advance to the College World Series in Omaha, where both programs have rich histories.
Arkansas is seeking their ninth CWS appearance under Van Horn, while Tennessee aims to continue their remarkable postseason run under Vitello.
This series represents more than just a Super Regional matchup — it’s a showcase of SEC baseball excellence, featuring two programs that have helped establish the conference’s dominance in college baseball.
With both teams playing their best baseball of the season and a trip to Omaha on the line, fans can expect an unforgettable weekend of collegiate baseball at its finest.
For those unable to secure tickets, both games will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, bringing the intensity and atmosphere of Baum-Walker Stadium to baseball fans across the country.
As these SEC powerhouses prepare to clash, the road to Omaha runs through Fayetteville, promising three days of compelling baseball that will be remembered for years to come.
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Frank Ragnow retires from Detroit Lions at 29, citing health, injuries
Former Arkansas center Frank Ragnow, the Detroit Lions’ four-time Pro Bowl center and cornerstone of their offensive line, announced his retirement from the NFL at age 29.
Ragnow’s decision, revealed via an emotional social media post, marks the end of a seven-year career defined by toughness, leadership, and relentless battles with injuries.
Drafted 20th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, Ragnow quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier centers.
He started all 96 games he played, anchoring a Detroit offensive line that became one of the NFL’s most formidable units during his tenure.
His accolades include four Pro Bowl selections (2020, 2022-2024) and three second-team All-Pro honors (2020, 2023, 2024).
Ragnow’s leadership extended beyond the field. He was a team captain and, as head coach Dan Campbell often noted, a cultural pillar during the Lions’ rise to playoff contention.
Despite his success, Ragnow’s career was repeatedly interrupted by injuries.
He played through a fractured throat in 2020, missed most of 2021 with a toe injury, and dealt with a cascade of ailments in subsequent seasons including groin, calf, back, knee, ankle, and a partially torn pectoral muscle.
The physical toll became insurmountable, leading to his difficult decision.
“I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good, but I’m not and it’s time to prioritize my health and my family’s future,” Ragnow said in his retirement message. “I have given this team everything I have and thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t. I have to listen to my body, and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life.”
He added gratitude for the Lions organization and fans, saying, “It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all.”
Ragnow’s decision was not financially motivated.
After signing a four-year, $54 million extension in 2021, he became the league’s highest-paid center.
He leaves behind approximately $20 million on his contract, underscoring that health and longevity outweighed monetary considerations.
Ragnow’s impact on the Lions is evident in both his personal achievements and the team’s resurgence.
He was a key figure during Detroit’s first division title run in three decades in 2023, with Campbell referring to him as part of the “old guard” that endured the franchise’s lean years.
His performance metrics in 2024 were elite, allowing only two sacks in 583 pass-blocking snaps and posting a 90.8 run-blocking grade, ranking third among all NFL centers.
Ragnow’s retirement leaves a significant void in the Lions’ offensive line.
The team will look to veteran Graham Glasgow and rookie Tate Ratledge to fill the gap.
Glasgow brings experience and versatility, while Ratledge, a recent second-round pick, offers promise but not the same level of chemistry or command that Ragnow provided.
Ragnow’s departure at 29, while still performing at an elite level, highlights the physical demands and risks inherent in professional football.
His story raises questions about the long-term health of NFL players and the difficult choices they face between career longevity and personal well-being.
“It takes a toll on you,” he said after the Lions’ playoff run last season. “I need to find a way to get back to Frank and I don’t regret any of this at all, but it weighs on you and I’m just going to take some time and really figure everything out to make sure that I’m feeling good, not only for me the football player but for me to be the best husband and best father and everything with that as well.”
His decision, though difficult, reflects a growing awareness among athletes of the importance of health and life beyond football.
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Hogs advance to Super Regionals after dominant win over Creighton
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas continued its postseason dominance at Baum-Walker Stadium, defeating the Creighton Bluejays 8-3 in the NCAA Fayetteville Regional final.
Arkansas (46-13, 20-10 SEC) secured a spot in the Super Regionals, showcasing both explosive offense and shutdown pitching that have defined their 2025 campaign.
The Razorbacks’ offense delivered another standout performance, launching four home runs against Creighton and bringing their weekend total to 10.
Logan Maxwell led the charge with two home runs in the game, marking the second time this season he’s achieved a multi-homer effort.
Freshman Ryder Helfrick continued his hot streak, homering for the third time in two games, while Justin Thomas Jr. added a three-run blast in the second inning.
Hogs coach Dave Van Horn’s message to his team before the game was simple — “Be patient.”
The Razorbacks followed through, showing discipline at the plate and ensuring every starter reached base for the second consecutive game.
Brent Iredale, despite not recording a hit, reached base twice after being hit by pitches.
This offensive outburst is part of a season-long power surge for Arkansas.
Earlier in the postseason, the Razorbacks set a new program record for home runs in a single season, surpassing the previous mark with their 110th homer in just 56 games.
The lineup’s consistent power has made Arkansas one of the most feared offenses in college baseball.
On the pitching side, junior Gage Wood delivered a career-defining performance.
Making his eighth start of the season, Wood struck out 13 Creighton batters over six innings, allowing just three runs on three hits and not issuing a single walk.
His fastball sat at 95-97 mph, but it was his overhand curveball that left Bluejay hitters off balance all night.
Wood’s 13 strikeouts were the most by an Arkansas pitcher in a regional since 2017, and his outing marked the longest of his career.
“The training wheels and restrictions were off,” noted the Arkansas staff, and Wood responded with a dominant effort.
He was relieved by Gabe Gaeckle, who combined with Wood for 20 strikeouts, the most for Arkansas in a postseason game since 2003.
Wood’s development this season has been notable. After two years as a reliable reliever, he transitioned into a starting role and has shown improved command.
His 56/8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2024 highlighted his growth, and scouts have taken notice of his mid-90s fastball and sharp breaking pitches.
The Razorbacks’ success is a testament to the balanced contributions throughout the lineup and pitching staff.
Over the regional weekend, four different players hit at least two home runs, and the team outscored opponents 26-7.
Arkansas also tied its single-season program record for home wins, notching its 34th victory at Baum-Walker Stadium this year.
Van Horn, now in his 23rd season, continues to build on his legacy as one of college baseball’s elite leaders.
Under his guidance, Arkansas has made 20 NCAA Tournament appearances, seven College World Series trips, and developed dozens of MLB draft picks.
Van Horn’s ability to keep his teams competitive year after year is a hallmark of the program’s sustained excellence.
The Razorbacks will host the Super Regionals at Baum-Walker Stadium for the sixth time in program history.
Maybe the best news of all for Hog fans came straight from Van Horn after getting to a Super Regional for the first time since 2022.
“We’re playing our best baseball when it matters most,” he said later. “The guys are locked in, and we’re excited for what’s next.”
