Arkansas Football Notebook: Pittman Doesn’t Bite on Longhorns Talk
As the college football season heats up, Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman remains firmly focused on his team’s goals, and he’s not swayed by outside distractions—especially when it comes to the talk surrounding the Texas Longhorns. With Arkansas and Texas rekindling their historic rivalry in recent years, the media and fans alike have been buzzing about the implications of the matchup. Yet, Pittman, who took over the Razorbacks program in 2020, is keeping his eyes on the task at hand, steadfast in his approach to building a successful team.
The tension between Arkansas and Texas is palpable. For years, the two schools have been separated by geographic proximity and shared conference histories, but the rivalry has been revitalized since both teams were part of the SEC realignment talks. In particular, Texas’ decision to join the SEC alongside Oklahoma has been a major talking point across the college football landscape. The Longhorns, who have historically been a dominant force in college football, now find themselves with the opportunity to compete in a conference known for its physicality and elite-level competition.
However, despite all the hype and chatter surrounding Texas, Sam Pittman is maintaining a level of composure and professionalism. While he acknowledges the significance of the rivalry, he is avoiding the temptation to get bogged down in the media frenzy. When asked about the upcoming games and the increased attention on the Longhorns, Pittman has repeatedly emphasized that his focus is on Arkansas and the development of his players.
“I’m not worried about Texas or anybody else right now,” Pittman explained in a recent press conference. “My job is to make sure we’re getting better every single day. We’ll worry about all the other stuff when the time comes.”
Pittman’s approach is simple but effective. Rather than indulging in the noise that surrounds the potential rivalry with Texas, Pittman is emphasizing the importance of player development, team chemistry, and long-term success. After taking over a struggling Arkansas program, Pittman’s leadership has slowly transformed the Razorbacks into a competitive force in the SEC.
The key to Arkansas’ success under Pittman has been his ability to recruit talent and create a strong culture within the program. His commitment to building from the ground up—focusing on fundamentals, discipline, and toughness—has resonated with both his players and fans. The Razorbacks’ rise under Pittman has been impressive, as evidenced by their back-to-back bowl game appearances and their ability to challenge some of the SEC’s top-tier teams.
Despite his relative success, Pittman is fully aware that there is still much work to be done. Rather than letting the rivalry with Texas become a distraction, he is keeping his attention squarely on improving his team week by week.
“It’s all about focusing on ourselves and taking it one step at a time,” Pittman said. “If we worry about the noise and all the other things, it’ll only take away from what we’re trying to accomplish here at Arkansas.”
Pittman’s philosophy is grounded in the understanding that success in college football is a marathon, not a sprint. While the rivalry with Texas is one that is rich with tradition and lore, the head coach understands that his team needs to be prepared for every opponent, not just the Longhorns. His broader vision for Arkansas football is one of consistent improvement and sustained success, and that starts with maintaining a laser focus on what’s happening within the program.
While the rivalry with Texas is undoubtedly exciting, Pittman has wisely chosen not to let it dominate the conversation. Instead, he is concentrating on building a program that will compete at the highest level year in and year out. Under his leadership, Arkansas has shown promise, and Pittman is well-positioned to lead the Razorbacks into a bright future.
The 2024 season will be a crucial one for Arkansas as the Razorbacks continue to grow and evolve. Although Texas’ move to the SEC will undoubtedly bring added intrigue to future matchups, Pittman’s refusal to get caught up in the hype is a reminder of what truly matters: the development of players, the building of a strong team culture, and the pursuit of excellence.
By focusing on what’s important—his team and their improvement—Pittman is ensuring that Arkansas remains competitive in the ever-tough SEC landscape. Whether it’s facing Texas, Alabama, or any other powerhouse, the Razorbacks will be prepared to take on all challenges head-on. For now, though, Pittman isn’t biting on the Longhorns talk. Instead, he’s laying the groundwork for the Razorbacks’ long-term success, one step at a time.