Sam Pittman entered the 2024 season on the hot seat, and to try and save his job, he turned to none other than disgraced former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino. It was a controversial (and hilarious) move to bring Petrino in as offensive coordinator, but you can't say it didn't pay off. The Razorbacks improved, Pittman kept his job, and now they look to take another step forward.
Former Boise State transfer Taylen Green had a solid debut season for the Razorbacks in 2024. He passed for a respectable 3154 yards with 15 TDs to nine INTs on 8.3 YPA and 60.4% completions, adding another 602 yards and eight scores on the ground. Green made some plays, but he was wildly inconsistent, struggling with turnovers.
The hope in Fayetteville is that with a second year in Bobby Petrino's complicated pro-style system, he can blossom. But even if he's progressed, he's going to need some weapons to emerge around him in order to have a big year.
If you caught meaningful passes for the Hogs in 2024, chances are, you're no longer on the roster. It's likely Arkansas' starting lineup of pass-catchers consists entirely of transfers. WR Omega Blake showed flashes in 2023 at South Carolina before a breakout season for the Charlotte 49ers last year (32 catches, 795 yards, nine TDs). He's a big-play threat. Montana State transfer Rohan Jones (30 catches, 470 yards, nine TDs) was a play-making TE at the FCS level.
Those two figure to be the leading weapons in the receiving corps while wideouts Ismael Cisse (Stanford) and Raylen Sharpe (Fresno State) also factor in. In the backfield, returning sophomore Braylen Russell and New Mexico State transfer Mike Washington (725 yards, 4.6 YPC, eight TDs) should carry the load.
Offensive line was a struggle for the Hogs in '24. Pass protection was poor, and the run blocking wasn't there against non-terrible defenses. To try and improve, they're shuffling things around and relying on transfers. Left tackle Fernando Carmona moves inside to guard, which should better suit him. Georgia Tech transfer Corey Robinson II is the new LT while UCF's Caden Kitler steps in at center.
Arkansas' offensive success in 2025 hinges on offensive line improvement
It's reasonable the believe Taylen Green improves in his second year in the offense to being a more consistent QB. And despite a heavy-reliance on transfers that haven't faced SEC-level defenses, there should be enough quality skill talent for Green to work with.
More than anything, O-Line will make or break this unit. If the transfers and moves up front hit, the Razorbacks could field a pretty good offense in 2025. If they struggle again, there's quite a few defenses on the schedule that will take advantage.