ATLANTA — Arkansas Coach Sam Pittman Speaks Candidly at SEC Media Days
Sixth-year Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman didn’t shy away from tough questions during his appearance at SEC Media Days on Thursday, held at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Pittman tackled topics ranging from his job security to the Razorbacks’ challenges with NIL, the transfer portal, revenue sharing, and recruiting.
Despite media projections placing Arkansas near the bottom of the SEC and labeling Pittman’s seat as “scalding,” he remains optimistic about the Razorbacks’ outlook for 2025. Coming off a 7-6 season, Pittman believes the team has the pieces in place to make an early-season push.
“With the way the schedule is set up, there’s a real opportunity to start strong,” Pittman said. “We’ve got a lot of experience thanks to our transfer classes over the past two years.”
Arkansas opens with Alabama A&M before facing a difficult stretch against Arkansas State, Ole Miss, Memphis, and last year’s College Football Playoff runner-up, Notre Dame.
“There’s no doubt those are tough games,” Pittman acknowledged. “But it’s not just about who we play. They’ve got to play us, too — and we’ve got a really good football team.”
Joining Pittman in Atlanta were quarterback Taylen Green, linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr., and defensive tackle Cam Ball. Pittman emphasized that turnovers are the primary area for improvement this season, despite the team finishing second in the SEC in total offense last year with 459.5 yards per game.
“We were top 10 on offense,” Pittman said. “I think we’ve improved on defense, and our special teams are solid. The big thing is finishing games — and for us, that comes down to turnovers.”
Green agreed, placing the responsibility on his shoulders.
“It starts with me,” he said. “We have to protect the football. Last year, we got careless at times. Now I’m trying to be smarter, more aware of the situation — are they spying me, are they stopping the run or the pass? It’s about preparation and film study.”
Ball, a fifth-year player, honored his late father, Charles “Iceman” Ball — who passed away in June — by wearing a pendant with his photo. He expressed confidence in the team’s resilience.
“We’ve had one of the hardest schedules in college football every year I’ve been here,” Ball said. “But it doesn’t matter who we play or what people say. We put our heads down and grind.”
Sorey, a transfer from Georgia, pushed back against criticisms of Arkansas’ defensive depth.
“We’ve got depth at every level,” he said. “We’ve got guys who are hungry and ready. That’s a good problem to have.”
Pittman, who holds a 30-31 record entering his sixth season, said he could have retired to his Lake Hamilton home after last year — but chose to stay because he believes in this team.
“I’ve been here six years. This isn’t new,” Pittman said. “The media’s been a little tougher lately, but that’s their job. I can handle the pressure — especially when I believe in my players and coaching staff.”
He cited continuity as a key advantage, with all three coordinators returning and leadership in place at all levels of the defense.
“We’ve got Taylen back at quarterback. Cam leads the D-line. Sorey’s our guy at linebacker. Larry Worth holds it down in the secondary. I like the makeup of this team,” Pittman said. “You measure a team in the spring and summer — how they bond, how hard they work — and this group checks those boxes.”
Ultimately, Pittman said pressure is part of life in the SEC.
“Even Kirby Smart feels it,” Pittman said. “That’s just the SEC. But I had a choice — I could be at the lake. I’m here instead. That says something.”
2025 Arkansas Football Schedule
- Aug. 30 — vs. Alabama A&M
- Sept. 6 — vs. Arkansas State#
- Sept. 13 — at Ole Miss*
- Sept. 20 — at Memphis
- Sept. 27 — vs. Notre Dame
- Oct. 11 — at Tennessee*
- Oct. 18 — vs. Texas A&M*
- Oct. 25 — vs. Auburn*
- Nov. 1 — vs. Mississippi State*
- Nov. 15 — at LSU*
- Nov. 22 — at Texas*
- Nov. 29 — vs. Missouri*
(# Game in Little Rock; * SEC game)
2024 Recap: 7–6 overall (3–5 SEC, tied 11th)
Head Coach: Sam Pittman (30–31 overall, 6th season)
Returning Starters: 9 total — 4 offense, 4 defense, 1 special teams
Key Players: DT Cam Ball, QB Taylen Green, LB Xavian Sorey Jr., OG Fernando Carmona, OT Corey Robinson II, P Devin Bale, LB Stephen Dix Jr., DB Larry Worth III
OC: Bobby Petrino (2nd year)
DC: Travis Williams (3rd year)
Outlook:
The Razorbacks will need to punch above their weight to contend in a stacked SEC. For Arkansas to rise, Green must take a leap in poise and efficiency, and the defense must produce a more consistent pass rush while improving in man coverage. Turnover margin — among the SEC’s worst last year — could define the season.
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