Arkansas' 4 Most Intriguing Games of 2024

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There are a lot of questions going into Sam Pittman's fifth year at Arkansas, but the Razorbacks' strength of schedule is not one of them. Playing in the Southeastern Conference will always provide Arkansas with a tough schedule, but some games, like playing in the SEC itself, just mean more.

Here are the four most intriguing games on Arkansas' 2024 schedule in a do-or-die season for Pittman.

No. 4: at Oklahoma State, Sept. 7

Is it foolish to say that Arkansas' season could be determined by the way they play in Stillwater, Okla.? A noon EST start on national television against a Power Four foe isn't the optimal Week 2 setting for the Razorbacks, but the quality of the on-field product could be the litmus test for their conference slate.

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If the Razorbacks win, they seem almost assured bowl eligibility. If they lose—or worse, get blown out—it could be another long season in Fayetteville.

No. 3: Tennessee, Oct. 5

Arkansas and Tennessee have only met twice in the last decade, with Arkansas being crowned the victor both times. This Tennessee team, however, seems to have much more firepower than its predecessors. With the highly touted Nico Iamaleava under center for the Volunteers, the Fayetteville crowd will have to help the Arkansas defense in what could turn into a shootout.

No. 2: Ole Miss, Nov. 2

Rivalry games against the likes of Texas A&M or LSU could easily fill this spot, but the last decade of the Ole Miss-Arkansas series has epitomized the best of college football. The pair of SEC rivals always land on the highlight reel, even in Arkansas' worst years.

A reeling, 2-3 Arkansas team took Ole Miss to the wire in Oxford, Miss., a season ago, and in 2015, the Hogs' two-point conversion in overtime kept the Rebels from winning the west. Ole Miss might be a College Football Playoff contender in 2024, but don't be surprised if Arkansas gives the Rebs a run for their money in Fayetteville.

No. 1: Texas, Nov. 16

This is one of those "throw the records out" rivalry games. Whether Arkansas is 9-0 or 0-9 headed into their matchup with the Longhorns, you can bet on a raucous crowd filling every crevice of Razorback Stadium. The last time Texas came to town, the Razorbacks pummeled the then-No. 15 Longhorns for a 40-21 win that spurred a nine-win season.

Texas and Arkansas will likely be at opposite ends of the ladder when they renew their former Southwest Conference rivalry, but expect the Hogs to climb a few rungs over the course of the evening, even if they don't come out on top.