Expectations couldn't be lower for Arkansas football in 2024. In a preseason poll conducted by USA TODAY Sports Network and SEC Media Days over the past two weeks, the Hogs are projected to finish 14th in the SEC.
BetMGM Sportsbook is setting the Razorbacks at 4.5 wins next season and predicting a season similar to their 4-8 campaign in 2023.
Sam Pittman is in a bind and he knows it, so how can the Hogs surprise the experts and give Pittman more time to lead the program?
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Here are five reasons to be optimistic that the University of Arkansas football team will have a better-than-expected season: If the Razorbacks make a bowl game and top the 4.5-win mark, these storylines will come true by December.
Bobby Petrino and Taylen Green are the perfect pairing.
There are many reasons why Arkansas struggled in 2023, but a big factor was the lack of coordination between offensive coordinator Dan Enos and quarterback KJ Jefferson, which was a potential pitfall before the season and ultimately led to disaster.
Pittman lured Bobby Petrino back to Fayetteville and instructed his former head coach to search the transfer portal for a quarterback, and Petrino drafted Green straight out of high school, where his combination of athletic ability and arm talent was obvious.
If Green and Petrino can get the most out of each other, the Hogs' offense will undoubtedly be improved.
The offensive line has improved dramatically.
The offensive line was the biggest disappointment last year, as Arkansas couldn't protect Jefferson and couldn't get a grip on running the football.
If Arkansas can transform one of the worst offensive lines in the country into an average unit, it could reach a much higher level in 2024.
A full season with Luke Hass
The tight end was on his way to being a Freshman All-American with 16 catches, 253 yards receiving and three touchdowns before suffering a season-ending broken collarbone in Week 5. He quickly became the focal point of the offense and Arkansas' biggest nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Hogs' offense took a nosedive with Hass sidelined, but the Oklahoma native is healthy and ready to make a big splash in 2024. He'll be a favorite target for Green and should open up big opportunities for other Arkansas pass catchers.
Defensive wins out of the transfer portal
Pittman was adamant at SEC Media Day that Arkansas “got” Green, but the Hogs will need to put the bulk of their transfer portal acquisitions on defense to produce meaningful results right away.
The Razorbacks added 22 players through the portal this offseason, and big things are expected from linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr., defensive back Doneyko Slaughter and defensive end Anton Junkai, meaning all three levels of the defense will be filled with new faces on the biggest stage of their football careers.
Reversal of fortunes in front of home fans
Arkansas is 0-5 at home against Power Five teams in 2023. A close loss to BYU set the stage for humiliating losses to Auburn and Missouri later in the season.
The Razorbacks are off to a poor start to the upcoming season, playing just one game in Fayetteville before Oct. 5, but if they can get through that early stretch, they could be in for a hot home stretch over the final two months. The Hogs' 2024 SEC home schedule includes longtime rivals Tennessee, Louisiana State, Ole Miss and Texas.
Arkansas needs to benefit from at least one upset on its home field.
