As Razorbacks going into Super Regional as highest-seeded team left, what they have to do to reach Omaha.
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.
ESPN’s Ryan McGee looking at Razorbacks’ history coming up short in Omaha
After Hogs left as the highest-seeded team going to Super Regional, how winning could get the monkey off Dave Van Horn’s back.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 6-2-25
Arkansas goes 3-0 in the Fayetteville Regional, but the same success can’t be said for other SEC squads. Had your coffee yet?
Guests: Ryan McGee
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.”
Hogs’ power display dominates Creighton, advance to NCAA Regional final
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas will got into the final of the NCAA regional with a powerful 12-1 win over Creighton at Baum-Walker Stadium on Saturday.
The win, powered by an explosive offensive display from Wehiwa Aloy and Ryder Helfrick and a shutdown pitching performance from Zach Root, puts the Razorbaacks (45-13, 20-10 SEC) just one win away from a Super Regional berth.
The Hogs’ offense erupted for five home runs, with Aloy and Helfrick each launching two, while Cam Kozeal continued his hot streak with his 15th homer of the season.
Every Razorbacks starter reached base by the seventh inning. The Hogs drew 12 walks and racked up 13 hits, overwhelming a Creighton pitching staff that had stifled Kansas just the night before.
“The message before the game was simple: be patient. Every starter reached base by the seventh inning after Kuhio Aloy drew a walk. That’s what we needed to see,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said later.
Kozeal, a candidate for tournament MVP, set the tone early with a home run in his first at-bat and followed with an RBI double.
“Postseason baseball is always a lot of fun,” Kozeal said after a previous win. “Just be yourself and have fun and play baseball.”
On the mound, Root delivered a master class, tossing six shutout innings and striking out seven Bluejays.
Root, who entered the game eager to rebound from a tough SEC Tournament outing, allowed just three hits and one walk while flashing a fastball that sat 93-95 mph and touched 96 mph. His curveball and slider kept Creighton hitters off balance all night.
Root’s performance drew praise from both coaches and analysts.
“He had his full arsenal on display,” noted one commentator. “If he can continue pitching like he did tonight, he can beat any team in the country.”
Root’s season stats are now 5-1 with a 3.62 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 49.2 innings, making him one of the most reliable arms in the Razorbacks’ rotation.
The Razorbacks’ balanced offense was match by solid defense and a deep bullpen.
In Friday’s 6-2 win over North Dakota State, Kozeal again led the way with four RBI, while relievers Parker Coil and Landon Beidelschies combined for eight strikeouts and allowed just four singles over the final 5.1 innings.
“I thought our defense was outstanding,” Van Horn said. “It was really good to see Ryder throw the ball like he did. Ryder made a perfect throw and ended the inning.”
With Saturday’s win, Arkansas is 2-0 in a regional for the first time since 2022 and will face either Creighton or North Dakota State in Sunday’s final with an 8 p.m. start time scheduled, but subject to change
The game’s broadcast channel will be determined Sunday. Fans will be able to list at ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
Kozeal leads Hogs to 6-2 regional win over North Dakota State
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — No. 6 Arkansas advanced to the winners bracket final of the NCAA Fayetteville Regional with a 6-2 victory over North Dakota State on Friday afternoon at Baum-Walker Stadium.
With the win, the Razorbacks improved to 44-13 on the season and set up a prime-time matchup against either Kansas or Creighton, while North Dakota State finished its campaign at 20-33.
Freshman infielder Cam Kozeal was the offensive catalyst for the Razorbacks, going 3-for-4 with a home run, double, and four RBIs.
Kozeal wasted no time, driving in Arkansas’s first run with a single in the opening frame. He followed with a run-scoring double off the right field wall in the third to extend the lead to 4-2.
In his third at-bat, Kozeal hammered the first pitch he saw — a hanging breaking ball — for a two-run homer, giving Arkansas a comfortable cushion through five innings.
“Postseason baseball is always a lot of fun,” Kozeal said after the game. “Just be yourself and have fun and play baseball.”
After starter Aiden Jimenez worked 3.2 innings, Arkansas turned to its bullpen, which delivered 5.1 scoreless frames to shut down the Bison offense.
Sophomore left-hander Parker Coil, who had missed six weeks earlier in the season with a back injury, was especially sharp.
Coil threw 3.1 innings, striking out four and allowing just three hits. His arsenal that featured a fastball in the 89-92 mph range, a sharp cutter, and an unhittable slider, kept North Dakota State hitters off balance.
“I feel like I had everything working for me, slider and cutter,” Coil said. “The thought process was just keep going until I couldn’t anymore.”
Landon Beidelschies followed Coil, combining with him for eight strikeouts and limiting the Bison to just four singles over the final 5.1 innings.
Arkansas’s defense was flawless, a welcome sight for coach Dave Van Horn after a break following the SEC Tournament. It had been a little sloppy at times towards the end of the season and postseason.
Catcher Ryder Helfrick threw out two would-be base stealers, and Brent Iredale started a crucial double play to end a North Dakota State threat in the third inning.
“I thought our defense was outstanding,” Van Horn said. “It was really good to see Ryder throw the ball like he did. Ryder made a perfect throw and ended the inning.”
With the win, Arkansas moves into the winners bracket final, giving the team a valuable rest day and the opportunity to set its pitching staff for the next round.
The Razorbacks will face the winner of the Kansas-Creighton game Saturday at 8 p.m. on ESPN+.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 5-30-25
It’s Regional Weekend in Razorback Country, news on 2025 football schedule, Sydney Sweeney’s bath water soap sales.
Guests: Richard Davenport
