Corliss Williamson is a name synonymous with Arkansas basketball. Known affectionately as “Big Nasty,” Williamson led the Arkansas Razorbacks to a national championship in 1994 and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in the program’s history. His career, both as a player and later as a coach, has kept him closely tied to the Razorbacks and the state of Arkansas. However, when the Arkansas Razorbacks face the Little Rock Trojans in Fayetteville, Williamson won’t be cheering for his alma mater. Instead, he will be rooting against the Hogs—and for a very good reason.
Williamson, now an associate head coach for the Little Rock Trojans, has brought his competitive spirit and deep basketball knowledge to a program looking to make its mark. His allegiance to the Trojans, coupled with his competitive nature, means he’s firmly on Little Rock’s side as they prepare to take on the Razorbacks in one of the most anticipated matchups of their season.
Before diving into why Williamson will root against Arkansas, it’s important to recognize his enduring impact on the Razorbacks program. During his time in Fayetteville from 1992 to 1995, Williamson was the centerpiece of one of the most dominant teams in college basketball. He led the Razorbacks to the pinnacle of college basketball by winning the 1994 NCAA Championship and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. A two-time All-American and SEC Player of the Year, Williamson left an indelible mark on the program.
Even after his playing days were over, Williamson’s connection to the Razorbacks remained strong. He went on to have a successful NBA career and later transitioned into coaching, taking his first head coaching job at Central Arkansas before joining the professional ranks. Though his path has taken him away from Fayetteville, his legacy with the Razorbacks is untouchable.
In 2023, Williamson joined the coaching staff at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he now serves as associate head coach. This move marked a new chapter for Williamson, giving him the opportunity to bring his championship experience and basketball pedigree to a program looking to elevate itself within the college basketball landscape.
Under head coach Darrell Walker, the Little Rock Trojans have been working to build a competitive team that can challenge some of the best programs in the nation. Adding Williamson to the staff was a significant move, both for his basketball expertise and his ability to inspire players. His presence has already made an impact, as the Trojans aim to improve on recent seasons and make a name for themselves in the Sun Belt Conference.
When Little Rock travels to Fayetteville to face the Razorbacks, Williamson will find himself in an unusual position: cheering against the program he once led to glory. However, this isn’t about betrayal or diminished loyalty to Arkansas. Instead, it’s a reflection of his competitive mindset and dedication to his current role.
“As much as I love the Razorbacks and what that program means to me, right now my focus is on Little Rock,” Williamson said in a recent interview. “I want these players to experience success and grow as a team, and that means going into Fayetteville with the belief that we can compete and win.”
For Williamson, this game is about more than just basketball. It’s an opportunity to showcase Little Rock’s potential on a big stage, against a nationally ranked opponent. It’s also a chance to instill confidence in his players, proving that they can rise to the occasion, even against a powerhouse like Arkansas.
For Little Rock, the matchup against Arkansas is more than just a regular-season game. It’s an opportunity to test themselves against one of the premier programs in college basketball. Playing in Bud Walton Arena—a venue where the Razorbacks rarely lose—will be a significant challenge, but it’s also a chance for the Trojans to gain invaluable experience.
Williamson’s leadership and insight into the Razorbacks’ culture could give Little Rock a slight edge in preparation. While the Trojans may not have the same level of talent as Arkansas, Williamson’s knowledge of the Razorbacks’ system and his ability to motivate players could make them a tougher opponent than expected.
The game is likely to evoke mixed emotions for Arkansas fans. Williamson is a beloved figure in Razorback history, and seeing him on the opposing bench will feel unusual for many. However, fans also understand his competitive nature and respect his commitment to his current role. Most will root for the Razorbacks, but they’ll also hope for Williamson’s continued success in his coaching career.
Corliss Williamson’s decision to root against the Razorbacks in the Arkansas vs. Little Rock game isn’t about turning his back on his alma mater—it’s about his loyalty to his current team and his role as a leader for the Trojans. As a competitor, Williamson’s priority is helping Little Rock succeed, even if it means taking on the program where he made his name.
While Arkansas will likely be the heavy favorite in this matchup, Williamson’s presence on the Trojans’ sideline adds an extra layer of intrigue to the game. For Little Rock, this is a chance to make a statement. For Williamson, it’s an opportunity to prove that his coaching career is just as impactful as his playing days. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: “Big Nasty” will always be an icon in Arkansas basketball history, even when he’s rooting against the Razorbacks.