Spring sports are deep in postseason action, with Arkansas baseball gearing up for the NCAA Tournament and the softball team fighting in the Super Regional to reach Oklahoma City. Both, however, hit snags against the Ole Miss Rebels.
Meanwhile, fall sports are in offseason prep, readying for their moment in the spotlight. For the media, the offseason sparks the “talking season,” with rumors and anonymous coach quotes swirling.
**Arkansas Baseball’s Early SEC Tournament Exit**
The SEC Baseball Tournament ended abruptly for the Razorbacks. The No. 2-seeded Hogs bookended their SEC campaign with a loss to Ole Miss, mirroring their season-opening defeat.
Zach Root, despite recent consistency, struggled against the Rebels again. In a repeat of early-season woes, Root surrendered seven hits and five runs in four innings, all five runs coming in the first. In their prior matchup with Ole Miss, he allowed 10 hits and seven runs in three innings.
In Root’s defense, the Arkansas infield faltered, with at least three runners reaching base due to defensive miscues. Only one was ruled an error, but two errant throws to first base cost potential double plays, pulling Reese Robinett off the bag.
After the first inning, Arkansas tightened defensively, but their offense remained stagnant. Kuhio Aloy drove in a run in the first, and Cam Kozeal set a single-season home run record with a memorable inside-the-park homer. Beyond that, the bats were quiet.
The Diamond Hogs now await Monday’s NCAA Tournament selection announcement for their seed and regional matchups.
**Adou Thiero and Karter Knox to Return?**
On the Eye on College Basketball podcast, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander suggested that both Adou Thiero and Karter Knox might return to Arkansas. Knox’s potential return aligns with his draft entry seeming more about gaining experience. Thiero’s return, however, is a surprise, as it wasn’t widely anticipated. Having last season’s top scorer back would be a major boost for the Razorbacks.
Thiero, meanwhile, posted a cryptic TikTok captioned “36 Days,” accompanied by an intriguing image, fueling speculation about his plans.
The cryptic TikTok post only deepens the mystery, but clarity is near. The NBA draft withdrawal deadline for college return is May 28 at 11:59 PM EST, just three days away.
**Softball Pushes to Decisive Game in Fayetteville Super Regional**
The Arkansas softball team is enjoying a historic season, led by Softball America Player of the Year Bri Ellis. However, the Razorbacks have historically struggled to advance past the Regional and Super Regional rounds.
Friday’s game followed that pattern with a 9-7 loss to Ole Miss. Arkansas squandered opportunities, stranding 13 runners on base and failing to capitalize on two bases-loaded situations. Despite the miscues, they only fell by two runs.
On Saturday, the Razorbacks bounced back with a 4-0 shutout. Star freshman right-hander Payton Burnham, battling food poisoning that also affected ace Robyn Herron on Friday, pitched a gem, allowing just three hits and striking out seven over seven innings.
The offense was quiet early, managing two RBIs in the first. In the fifth, Kailey Wyckoff capitalized on two Ole Miss throwing errors to score two more runs.
On Sunday, Arkansas and Ole Miss face off in a winner-take-all game for a trip to Oklahoma City. Catch the action on ESPN2 at 4:00 PM CST.
**Anonymous SEC Coaches Critique Arkansas Football Roster**
Athlon Sports’ annual feature of anonymous SEC coaches’ takes on rival teams didn’t spare Arkansas. The coaches were blunt about the Razorbacks, spotlighting head coach Sam Pittman’s precarious position.
A key concern was Arkansas’ roster, particularly in the trenches. At least one coach claimed the Hogs lack SEC-caliber talent on the lines, with three of five expressing doubts about the offensive line’s strength.
On a brighter note, the coaches praised the wide receivers and quarterback Taylen Green as “solid.” The consensus? The success of the offensive line, receivers, and Green will be critical to Sam Pittman’s future as Arkansas’ head coach.
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