The Arkansas Razorbacks are looking to get their third straight winning season under Sam Pittman in 2023. After having a fantastic 2021, the Razorbacks came into 2022 with some confidence. However, a ton of injuries combined with a poor showing on defense made Arkansas a .500 team. They have two new play-callers and a roster that has a huge overhaul through the portal. Can Arkansas get back into their winning ways? Here is my preview for the 2023 Arkansas Razorbacks.
Offense
The Razorbacks were thrilled when they heard quarterback K.J. Jefferson is returning in 2023. Arkansas loses their offensive coordinator to TCU, but they bring back former OC Dan Enos to be their new offensive coordinator. In his Arkansas career, Jefferson has thrown for 5,816 passing yards with 48 passing touchdowns to go along with 1,429 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. He has been a consistent part of this Razorbacks offense and if he is healthy, he will be a focal point of this offense.
Arkansas also has one of the better backfields in the nation as well, led by Rahiem “Rocket” Sanders who rushed for 1,443 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Other names to look out for at the running back position are AJ Green, Rashod Dubinion, and Dominique Johnson. At receiver, they brought in three transfer targets in Andrew Armstrong (Texas A&M Commerce), Tyrone Broden (Bowling Green) and Isaac TeSlaa (Hillside College). These three guys are coming in and are going to strengthen their receiver core for KJ Jefferson. They have some returning starters from the offensive line that helps bolster this offense. All in all, I think the Razorbacks are due to be the offense that they were in 2021.
Defense
The Razorbacks are bringing in Travis Williams as their new defensive coordinator, to go along with co-coordinator Marcus Woodson. These two will look to challenge the sack record that the Arkansas defense broke last season to not give up a ton of points per game, as well as a ton of yards of total offense. Defensive tackle Tauren Carter is coming back from injury to pair with Cameron Ball and Jashaud Stewart who will be the leaders of the defensive line.
Their linebacker core is led by sophomore linebacker Chris Paul Jr and adding transfers Jaheim Thomas (Cincinnati) and Antoinio Grier (USF) helps add some serious depth to this solid linebacker core. In the secondary, the Razorbacks have some good options at cornerback. They have three returners in Malik Chavis, Hudson Clark, and Jayden Johnson. Arkansas needs some of their safeties to take the next step forward. If the Baylor transfer Lorando Johnson can step up and play like he did at Baylor, the secondary for the Bears should be fine and serviceable.
Win Total Prediction
The win total is set at 6.5 wins on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the over set at -122 odds and the under set at -102 odds. This offense is going to be a high scoring and will put up a ton of points. Looking at the Razorbacks schedule, I think that Arkansas will easily go over their win total. Take the over 6.5 wins at -122 odds for 1 unit. The Razorbacks will win over six games and will add another winning season for head coach Sam Pittman.
Game Schedule
Shutout Win vs Western Carolina (1-0)
Win vs Kent State (2-0)
Win vs BYU (3-0)
Loss at LSU (3-1)
Loss vs Texas A&M (3-2)
Win vs Ole Miss (4-2)
Loss at Alabama (4-3)
Loss vs Mississippi State (4-4)
Win at Florida (5-4)
Win vs Auburn (6-4)
Blowout Win vs FIU (7-4)
Win vs Missouri (8-4)