FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas opened the 2025 season with a decisive win, and now the Razorbacks will turn to a historic challenge that has been anticipated for years.
The Razorbacks defeated Alabama A&M, 52-7, in Fayetteville last weekend, beginning their season being efficient on offense and the defense stumbling at start but not giving up any more points the rest of the way.
Quarterback Taylen Green threw six touchdown passes in his debut, and the Arkansas offense piled up 552 total yards.
Now comes the first-ever meeting with Arkansas State, set for Saturday at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. It will be the first time the state’s two largest programs share the same football field, drawing widespread attention and a sellout crowd.
Razorbacks Start Fast
Green wasted little time showing his ability to command Arkansas’s offense. He completed 24 of 31 passes for 322 yards and six touchdowns, spreading the ball to a variety of receivers.
His athleticism also kept plays alive, giving Arkansas flexibility in the passing game. There were some runs that probably scared the coaching staff to death, but since nobody got hurt it became a coaching point.
Wide receiver O’Mega Blake emerged as a consistent target, catching seven passes for 121 yards and one score. Andrew Armstrong added two touchdown catches, while Isaiah Sategna and Luke Hasz also found the end zone.
Arkansas’s running game, led by Isaiah Augustave and Ja’Quinden Jackson, provided balance. The two combined for 172 rushing yards as the Razorbacks averaged nearly six yards per carry. The offensive line, a group that struggled in stretches last season, allowed no sacks and provided steady push up front.
Hogs coach Sam Pittman credited the balance of his team’s attack but emphasized that facing Arkansas State presents a different type of challenge.
“We played with confidence and did what we wanted offensively, but we know this week will be tougher,” Pittman said. “Arkansas State has athletes, and they’ll make us earn every yard.”
Red Wolves’ Defense Preparing
Arkansas State began its season with a 42-24 win over Southeast Missouri State. The Red Wolves defense limited SEMO to just 86 rushing yards and forced two turnovers, creating opportunities for the offense to build a lead.
Linebacker J.T. Coleman led the team with nine tackles, while defensive back Jeremiah Bivens grabbed an interception. The defensive line was active in creating pressure, holding SEMO to 4.1 yards per play.
ASU coach Butch Jones said the performance gave his defense confidence but warned that Arkansas brings far more speed and size than what they saw in Week 1.
“Execution and tackling are going to be critical against this team,” Jones said. “They have a quarterback who can extend plays, receivers who finish routes, and running backs who don’t go down easy. It’s a different challenge, and we have to match their energy.”
Raynor Leads Arkansas State Offense
Quarterback Jaylen Raynor directed Arkansas State’s offense with precision in the opener, completing 26 of 32 passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns. His quick release and poise in the pocket allowed the Red Wolves to establish rhythm.
Raynor’s growth has been one of the bright spots for Jones’s program. Entering his second full season as starter, he has shown improved accuracy and leadership.
“Jaylen makes good decisions and gets the ball out quickly,” Jones said. “That has to continue against Arkansas. Their defense can pressure you in a hurry, so getting the ball to our playmakers fast will be important.”
Arkansas’s defense had four sacks against Alabama A&M, led by defensive end Quincy Rhodes Jr. The Razorbacks’ front will test Arkansas State’s protection schemes and Raynor’s ability to manage pressure.
First-Ever (and Last) Meeting in Little Rock
For decades, Arkansas avoided scheduling Arkansas State in football. That changed with this matchup, set in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium, a venue that has long hosted Razorbacks games and holds a central place in the state’s football history.
In the last year of a contract with the stadium, indications are that will be the last time the Razorbacks play a game there. It’s an inconvenience that doesn’t make much sense any more.
The matchup carries significance beyond the scoreboard. For Arkansas, it is an opportunity to showcase its program against an in-state rival while continuing to build early-season momentum.
For Arkansas State, it is a chance to prove itself against the entire state, an SEC opponent and highlight the program’s growth under Jones.
Pittman acknowledged the excitement surrounding the matchup but said his team’s approach remains unchanged.
“This is important for a lot of people in our state,” Pittman said. “For us, it’s about preparation, discipline, and playing our style of football.”
Jones said the game is meaningful for his program and fan base.
“Playing Arkansas is something our players and fans have talked about for years,” Jones said. “We respect the opportunity and want to compete at the highest level.”
Keys to the Game
For Arkansas, sustaining balance on offense will be critical. Green’s dual-threat ability creates opportunities, but the Razorbacks must avoid turnovers and maintain efficiency on third down.
Arkansas State’s best chance comes from disrupting rhythm early. Limiting yardage on first down and forcing Arkansas into long-yardage situations could shift momentum. Raynor’s ability to manage drives without mistakes will also be central.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN+. Fans can listen on ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
Key Takeaways
• Arkansas opens 2025 strong. Taylen Green threw six touchdowns in his debut as the Razorbacks rolled to a 52-7 win over Alabama A&M.
• Arkansas State brings discipline. The Red Wolves defense, led by J.T. Coleman and Jeremiah Bivens, aims to slow Arkansas’s balance on offense.
• Historic significance. Saturday marks the first-ever meeting between Arkansas and Arkansas State, played in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium.
