Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman is eyeing a strategy that goes beyond the X’s and O’s, tapping into a deep-rooted rivalry to motivate his players and build momentum within the program. With Texas joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024, Pittman sees the renewed rivalry with the Texas Longhorns as a potential spark for the Razorbacks to elevate their recruiting, fan engagement, and ultimately, their competitiveness in the SEC. This isn’t just about a single game; Pittman wants the Texas-Arkansas rivalry to serve as a defining aspect of Razorback football.
The Arkansas-Texas rivalry has a rich history dating back to the days when both programs were part of the Southwest Conference. The rivalry reached its peak in the 1960s and 1970s, with iconic clashes that have remained memorable for both fan bases. For Arkansas fans, victories over Texas have often symbolized a sense of pride, toughness, and resilience — qualities the Razorbacks are looking to channel in their current SEC run.
When Arkansas defeated Texas 40-21 in 2021, fans felt a wave of nostalgia and pride, remembering the intense games of the past. That win represented more than just a victory on the field; it was a reminder that Arkansas could stand toe-to-toe with one of college football’s historical powerhouses. Pittman, who was aware of this rivalry’s emotional weight for Arkansas supporters, is working to build on that sentiment as Texas enters the SEC fray.
One of Pittman’s primary objectives in rekindling the rivalry with Texas is to leverage it as a recruiting tool. Texas’s recruiting presence in the South, particularly in talent-rich areas like Texas, has always been strong. Arkansas has also recruited heavily in the region, especially in Dallas and Houston, but competing with Texas and other top-tier programs has been challenging.
With Texas officially joining the SEC, Pittman sees an opportunity to attract recruits who want to be a part of something special. By emphasizing the significance of the Arkansas-Texas rivalry, he’s aiming to draw in players who relish the chance to be part of intense, high-stakes games. Pittman’s message to recruits is clear: if you join Arkansas, you’ll get the chance to play in one of college football’s most storied rivalries on one of its biggest stages.
“Imagine playing in front of a packed Razorback Stadium, with the entire fan base behind you, going up against one of the biggest programs in the country,” Pittman said in a recent interview. “That’s the kind of opportunity you get here at Arkansas. We’re not just building a team; we’re building a legacy, and we want players who are ready to be a part of that.”
Beyond recruiting, Pittman also aims to use the rivalry with Texas to rally the Arkansas fan base. In the SEC, where football is akin to a religion, fan support can make a substantial difference. Pittman understands the passion Arkansas fans have for beating Texas and sees the rivalry as a way to boost attendance, engagement, and excitement around the program.
The anticipation of regular showdowns with Texas could be a unifying force for Arkansas fans, who have witnessed both highs and lows in recent years. A heated rivalry with Texas has the potential to not only bring fans to Fayetteville but also create an electric atmosphere that visiting teams dread. Pittman knows the importance of that “12th man” element in the SEC, and he believes that reigniting the rivalry can make Razorback Stadium one of the toughest places to play in the conference.
Pittman is well aware that simply relying on rivalry spirit won’t guarantee wins; he is focused on preparing his players for the heightened stakes that come with these kinds of games. Pittman’s approach is built on mental and physical preparation. He wants his players to understand the rivalry’s weight and channel that intensity into disciplined, smart play.
“Every game matters, but when it comes to Texas, there’s a little something extra,” Pittman explained. “It’s about playing with that chip on your shoulder, about proving something. And we’re going to make sure that when we face Texas, we’re playing our best football.”
Pittman is instilling a mentality in his players that emphasizes grit and determination, qualities that he believes are essential for success in the SEC. By framing the rivalry with Texas as a game that requires extra focus and effort, he is preparing his team to face similar challenges across the conference.
For Pittman, the Arkansas-Texas rivalry is more than just an annual matchup; it’s a platform to elevate the Razorbacks’ program in the SEC. He wants his team to embrace the challenge, understanding that success against Texas could set the tone for a competitive season and even attract more top recruits to Fayetteville.
As Texas joins the SEC and regular showdowns with Arkansas become a reality, Pittman’s vision for the program is clear: he wants the Razorbacks to not just compete but to thrive in these rivalry games. And by doing so, he aims to carve out a prominent place for Arkansas in the highly competitive SEC landscape.
In sum, Pittman’s focus on the Texas rivalry is a calculated move, a blend of tradition, strategy, and inspiration. By drawing on the rivalry’s history and using it to rally recruits, fans, and players, he’s positioning Arkansas to make a serious impact in the SEC. For Razorback fans, the message is clear: under Pittman’s leadership, the return of the Texas rivalry marks the start of something special in Fayetteville.