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Social media reacts to Arkansas' win over LSU

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Coach John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks (15-9, 4-7 SEC) got back in the win column Wednesday night after defeating the LSU Tigers, 70-58, at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.

Arkansas started the game a little sluggish, but some big buckets by Zvonimir Ivisic settled things for the Hogs against LSU, who were tied up, 9-9, at the first media timeout following a Johnell Davis steal.

LSU continued to dictate the flow of the game, especially with Ivisic and Thiero sitting on the bench. With 11:55 minutes to go in the first half, the Razorbacks trailed 14-13 and were shooting 6-of-14 from the field.

The Razorbacks' defense stood tall, though, and held LSU to a 2:09 scoring drought, in which Arkansas scored eight points to take a 21-16 lead at the 7:58 minute mark.

Over the next stretch, LSU really looked like a team with a 1-9 SEC record, but Arkansas matched the Tigers' sloppiness and only lead 28-26 with 3:50 minutes left in the half. A good sign was the shooting emergence of Davis, who hit two pullup midrange jumpers to keep the offense flowing.

Following a Karter Knox three and Vyctorius Miller triple, LSU held a 35-34 advantage over Arkansas at the half.

Arkansas got off to a much better start in the second half and by the 12:29 minute mark, it led LSU by eight points after a Billy Richmond transition layup. Unfortunately for the Hogs, they went on a nearly four-minute scoring drought before getting their next bucket — an Ivisic three-pointer.

Behind Ivisic's continued offensive dominance, the Razorbacks gained their biggest SEC home lead of the season at 11 points, 65-54. They never relinquished that gap, and the Hogs held on to defeat the Tigers.

Below are game highlights and social media reactions from Arkansas' conference win...

CLICK HERE FOR HIGHLIGHTS AND REACTIONS
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Official Transfer Portal Thread (Baseball)

Welcome to the offseason Diamond Hog fans!

Arkansas is expected to lose multiple everyday starters in the field and in the pitching staff, so Dave Van Horn and company will have a lot of work to do in the transfer portal.

We'll use this thread to keep things updated, and info. will be added to the OP as needed. Enjoy!

Offseason Roster Tracker: https://arkansas.rivals.com/news/arkansas-baseball-2024-offseason-roster-tracker

July 18th:

  • Milwaukee OF Carson Hansen plans to decommit from Arkansas

July 12th:

  • Vandy 2B Camden Kozeal is a HOG

July 10th:

  • Can confirm that Arkansas is going after Vandy 2B Camden Kozeal.

July 8th:
  • Yavapai College INF Riley Nelson began his visit Monday, and will wrap things up Tuesday night.

July 7th:

  • JUCO catcher Elliott Peterson is a HOG

July 5th:

My vacation is now over peeps. Here's a quick summary of where we're at:
  • Arizona State 2B Ethan Mendoza, SCC C Elliott Peterson and Yavapai College INF Riley Nelson are all names to watch
  • Mendoza is visiting Texas on Saturday and announcing commitment same day, also considering Oklahoma
  • Hogs are likely done with arms, unless there's a perfect fit (like Corpus Christi transfer and Arkansas native Matthew Watson)
  • Arkansas has the No. 2 class in the portal per 64analytics

July 1st:

  • ECU LHP Zach Root is a HOG

June 30th:
  • Arkansas will host Arizona State 2B Ethan Mendoza on Tuesday
  • Arkansas will host SCC catcher Elliott Peterson on July 7

June 27th:

  • I can confirm that Southest Community College catcher Elliott Peterson has talked with Nate Thompson and is planning on visiting early in July. Across 51 games and 176 at-bats, he slashed .557/.612/.938 with 98 H, 19 2B, 6 3B, 12 HR and 75 RBI. 26 BB and 25 K. Also stole 21 bases. Only made two errors. Believe it's the same league as Hutchinson CC.

June 26th:

  • Division II slugger Carson Boles is a HOG

June 25th:

  • Fresno State OF Rocco Peppi is a HOG
  • Oregon State RHP Aiden Jimenez is a HOG

Updates around the SEC (as of 7/8):

LSU - No. 1:

~ RHP Jacob Mayers, Nicholls - No. 15
~ RHP Luke Hayden, Indiana State - No. 24
~ DH Dalton Beck, UIW - No. 26
~ RHP Deven Sheerin, Mount St. Mary's - No. 38
~ 1B Luis Hernandez, Indiana State - No. 60
~ RHP Zac Cowan, Wofford - No. 68
~ RHP Chandler Dorsey, USF - No. 144
~ 1B Edward Yamin IV, Dayton - No. 213
~ CF Chris Stanfield, Auburn - No. 225
~ RHP Connor Benge, DBU - No. 985
Georgia - No. 2:
~ 2B Ryan Black, UT Arlington - No. 18
~ 3B Ryland Zaborowski, Miami (OH) - No. 39
~ RHP Brian Curley, VCU - No. 51
~ RF JoJo Jackson, Georgia State - No. 63
~ 2B Christian Adams, Florida Atlantic - No. 106
~ CF Robbie Burnett, UNC Ashville - No. 129
~ LHP Alton Davis II, Alabama - No. 185
~ C Daniel Jackson, Wofford - No. 199
~ INF Charlie Jones, Air Force - No. 227
~ 1B Brennan Hudson, Georgia State - No. 240
~ RHP Eric Hammond, USC - No. 371
~ RHP JT Quinn, Ole Miss - No. 641
~ DH Justin Byrd, USK Aiken - No. 1,822
~ RHP Davis Chastain, Georgia State - No. 2,015
~ LHP Bradley Stewart, Eastern Kentucky - No. 2,485
Arkansas - No. 3:
~ LHP Zach Root, ECU - No. 5
~ LHP Landon Beidelschies, Ohio State - No. 6
~ OF Logan Maxwell, TCU - No. 34
~ OF Rocco Peppi, Fresno State - No. 36
~ 2B/OF Charles Davalan, FGCU - No. 49
~ SS Maximus Martin, Georgia State - No. 166
~ 1B Michael Anderson, Rhode Island - No. 183
~ RF Carson Hansen, Milwaukee - No. 306
~ OF Carson Boles, Lincoln Memorial - No. 377
~ DH Kuhio Aloy, BYU - No. 733
~ RHP Aiden Jimenez, Oregon State - No. 882
Kentucky - No. 4:
~ C Raphael Pelletier, Kansas State - No. 42
~ DH Cole Hage, Columbia - No. 82
~ RHP Ryan Verdugo, CSU Bakersfield - No. 89
~ RF Jackson Strong, Canisius - No. 146
~ RHP Nic McCay, South Dakota State - No. 163
~ RHP Scott Rouse, Radford - No. 200
~ LHP Ethan Walker, Longwood - No. 218
~ RHP Oliver Boone, Cal - No. 309
~ SS Trent Youngblood, Transylvania - No. 312
~ LHP Cole Hentschel, Richmond - No. 513
~ RHP Chase Alderman, Eastern Kentucky - No. 606
Mississippi State - No. 8:
~ RHP Travis Smith, Kentucky - No. 19
~ DH Noah Sullivan, USC Upstate - No. 29
~ RHP Chase Hungate, Virginia - No. 56
~ 3B Gehrig Frei, North Alabama - No. 137
~ RHP Jacob Pruitt, Indiana State - No. 194
~ OF Ace Reese, Houston - No. 253
~ SS Sawyer Reeves, The Citadel - No. 285
~ 1B Reed Stallman, Campbell - No. 339
Auburn - No. 13:
~ C Lucas Steele, Samford - No. 31
~ RHP Samuel Dutton, LSU - No. 44
~ LF Bristol Carter, East Carolina - No. 134
~ RHP Mason Koch, Creighton - No. 229
~ SS Eric Snow, South Florida - No. 256
~ RHP Ryan Hetzler, Cal Baptist - No. 505
~ 2B Andrew Dutton, Birmingham-So. - No. 585
~ LF Jett Johnston, Texas A&M - No. 2,484
South Carolina - No. 16:
~ CF Dalton Mashore, Saint Mary's - No. 83
~ SS Henry Kaczmar, Ohio State - No. 121
~ DH Nolan Nawrocki, Clemson - No. 320
~ RHP Caleb Jones, Winthrop - No. 366
~ LHP Jarvis Evans, Georgia - No. 463
~ 3B Charlie Meglio, Campbell - No. 703
~ C Max Kaufer, Texas A&M - No. 1,774
~ LHP Ashton Crowther, Miami - No. 1,828
~ LF Nathan Hall, Clemson - No. 2,499
~ LHP Wyatt Evans, Tennessee - No. 3,315
Alabama - No. 17:
~ C Brady Neal, LSU - No. 16
~ 1B Jason Torres, Miami - No. 23
~ RHP Aeden Finateri, Georgia Tech - No. 33
~ DH Carson Ozmer, Penn - No. 41
~ 3B Garrett Staton, Samford - No. 64
~ C Nathan Cmeyla, Dartmouth - No. 329
~ RHP Trent Hodgdon, USC Upstate - No. 379
Vanderbilt - No. 22:
~ LHP Joseph Dzierwa, Michigan State - No. 10
~ 2B Mike Mancini, James Madison - No. 71
~ RHP Cody Bowker, Georgetown - No. 76
~ RF Koby Kropf, USC Upstate - No. 206
~ RHP Connor Fennell, Dayton - No. 249
~ LF David Mendez, Dayton - No. 416
~ RHP Tommy O'Rouke, Stanford - No. 3,971
Florida - No. 24:
~ LF Blake Cyr, Miami (FL) - No. 22
~ RHP Michael Ross, Samford - No. 61
~ RHP Billy Barlow, Clemson - No. 78
~ CF Kyle Jones, Stetson - No. 351
~ 2B Justin Nadeau, Jacksonville - No. 369
~ DH Landon Stripling, Texas Tech - No. 811
Ole Miss - No. 41:
~ RF Ryan Moerman, Illinois - No. 90
~ RF Mitchell Sanford, New Orleans - No. 111
~ RHP Will McCausland, Saint Joseph's - No. 171
~ C Collin Reuter, BYU - No. 232
~ SS Luke Cheng, Illinois State - No. 1,451
Texas A&M - No. 51:
~ 1B Gavin Kash, Texas Tech - No. 8
~ 3B Wyatt Henseler, Penn - No. 94
~ 1B Matt Bergevin, Fairfield - No. 157
~ C Jacob Galloway, USC - No. 228
Tennessee - No. 100:
~ SS Gavin Kilen, Louisville - No. 4
~ RHP Tanner Franklin, Kennesaw State - No. 373
Missouri - No. 104:
~ RHP Jackson Holmes, Saint Louis - No. 154
~ CF Sean Barnett, Wingate - No. 293
~ RF Pierre Seals, Memphis - No. 297
Rankings courtesy of 64analytics

Arkansas Baseball 2025 Lineup Projection: C Ryder Helfrick

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We are two days away from Arkansas baseball, and HawgBeat is continuing its annual lineup preview series for the Diamond Hogs.

With scrimmage coverage, analysis, interviews, previews, the Diamond Hawgs Podcast and more, HawgBeat provides the best Arkansas baseball coverage around.

We continue things with the eight-hole spot in the lineup, which catcher Ryder Helfrick is projected to fill...

#27 - Ryder Helfrick - C​

So. | R/R | 6-1 | 205

Discovery Bay, California / Clayton Valley Charter HS

2024: 31 GP, 84 AB, 18 R, 15 H, 3 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 14 BB/28 K, 1 SB, .179/.320/.321


Sophomore catcher Ryder Helfrick is arguably as important as any player for Arkansas baseball entering the 2025 season. After splitting time behind the dish with veteran players last spring, the California native is set to be the everyday guy at catcher for head coach Dave Van Horn this year.

Helfrick competed with Texas Tech transfer Hudson White and returner Parker Rowland for play time last season, but this year he is the go-to guy with two first-year players in a freshman and a junior college transfer behind him.

The hitting numbers from last year are understandably concerning for Helfrick. It's worth noting that following his season with the Hogs that saw him bat with a .179 average, Helfrick took off in the Cape Cod Baseball League over the summer. He slashed .261/.323/.514 with three doubles, 11 home runs and 37 RBI as a CCBL All-Star selection for the Brewster Whitecaps.

"It was fun watching Ryder play this summer," Van Horn said Sept. 3. "He’s tougher than nails honestly. Very athletic. He can run. Tremendous arm. He’s got power. He proved that this summer with a wood bat."

According to Van Horn, Helfrick made a jump offensively over the offseason that will hopefully translate in 2025. Across 20 at bats in preseason scrimmages, Helfrick logged seven hits (two homers) and he drove in a team-best nine runs, according to stats compiled by local media.

"Really started working on some things toward the end of the season and took it into the summer," Van Horn said Sept. 3. "He calmed down his swing a little bit and didn’t try to pull everything. I think he just changed his mindset a little bit and had a great summer. It was fun watching him and following him throughout the summer."

Helfrick made one error last season behind the plate and he was 5-for-6 on throwing runners out. According to Van Horn, Helfrick might be the best receiver of pitches in the nation.

“If there is a 50/50 ball, which is right on the edge, maybe a ball out, they’re going to call it 50/50 strike or ball,” Van Horn said Feb. 3. “It’s dependent upon, a lot of times, how it’s received. Let’s say there’s 25 50/50 balls in the game and he gets 15 of those calls and the other catchers only gets X amount — and then there’s also a ball that’s a strike that they run out of the zone — you’ll win the game on looking at the catchers. You can look at how that ends up being scored and go ‘Wow, we beat them by 12 pitches.’ Usually you win. And he’s usually not beat.”

Freshman Zane Becker is currently the favorite to be the No. 2 catcher behind Helfrick, with JUCO transfer Elliott Peterson also an option. Becker was rated the No. 45 catcher in the country by Perfect Game and the 37th-best player in Texas in his class, while Peterson slashed a whopping .517/.585/.894 at Southeast Community College last year.

Arkansas will open the season against Washington State at Baum-Walker Stadium on Friday for Opening Day. The game is set for a 3 p.m. CT first pitch and it can be streamed on SEC Network+.

HawgBeat's Lineup Breakdown Series​

1. #24 - Charles Davalan - CF
2. #9 - Wehiwa Aloy - SS
3. #22 - Logan Maxwell - RF
4. #10 - Brent Iredale - 3B
5. #5 - Kendall Diggs - DH
6. #1 - Rocco Peppi - 1B
7. #3 - Nolan Souza - 2B
8. #27 - Ryder Helfrick - C

9.

More of HawgBeat's Arkansas baseball content​

- Diamond Hogs picked to finish 3rd in SEC by coaches
- Arkansas Baseball Notebook: Van Horn's 1st Swatter's Club of 2025
- Arkansas preseason odds to win College World Series
- Arkansas outfielder Logan Maxwell can 'flat-out hit'
- Can Souza, Helfrick make Year 2 jump?
- Jimenez remains ahead of schedule for Diamond Hogs
- Diamond Hogs to lean on Ohio State transfer pitcher
- Dylan Carter hoping for strong super senior season
- Freshman outfielder to know in 2025
- Canadian outfielder gives Diamond Hogs speed
-
Arkansas ranked No. 5 in D1Baseball preseason poll
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Arkansas Baseball 2025 Lineup Projection: 2B Nolan Souza

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We are three days away from Arkansas baseball, and it's time for HawgBeat to continue its annual lineup preview series for the 2025 Diamond Hogs.

With scrimmage coverage, analysis, interviews, previews, the Diamond Hawgs Podcast and more, HawgBeat provides the best Arkansas baseball coverage around.

We continue things with the No. 7 spot, which second baseman Nolan Souza is projected to fill...

#3 - Nolan Souza - 2B​


So. | L/R | 6-3 | 215
Honolulu, Hawaii/ Punahou School

2024: 40 games, .255/.366/.509, 7 2B, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 18 BB/38 K, 3 SB


Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said this offseason he believes players make their biggest jumps from their freshman to sophomore years, and none are more qualified for that possibility than Souza.

Though his final batting average from a season ago doesn't jump off the page, Souza possesses serious power, speed and athleticism. He was named to the Freshman All-SEC Team in 2024 and even earned SEC Freshman of the Week Honors after slashing a team-leading .571/.571/1.286 with a team-high three homers and a team-best nine RBIs against Arkansas State and Ole Miss, combined.

Even though Arkansas added transfer portal competition at second base this offseason in former Vanderbilt infielder Cam Kozeal, Souza has taken control of the position through the fall and spring.

According to stats compiled by local media, Souza hit 7-for-27 (.259) in the fall, but fared far better in the spring with a 10-for-25 (.400) stat line. In total, Souza racked up one double, one triple, three home runs, 14 RBIs, 13 walks, 17 strikeouts and finished 19-for-21 on base-stealing attempts in team scrimmages throughout the offseason.

"Souza, he's physical," Van Horn said Jan. 15. " He's got all the tools. He can hit it as far as anybody, can run as fast as anybody, can throw with anybody. He's what you're looking for. He's the type of guy athletically that, if he wasn't playing baseball, I could see him playing tight end. He's athletic enough to be a wide receiver at the Division I level. I mean, this is an athletic kid."

The other possibility for Souza is in the No. 5 hole behind the cleanup man, but sliding in at No. 7 feels more natural for the second-year player and gives him time to acclimate to his bigger role. He'll also likely get the chance to lead off some innings in this spot, which is especially dangerous because of his speed.

"You just look at (Souza) physically and look at his tools, one of the fastest guys on the team," Van Horn said Feb. 3. "One of the strongest guys on the team. He’s still growing a little bit, honestly. He’s got bat speed. You watch his batting practice, he doesn’t pull the ball, at all. But if we tell him, ‘hey, okay, why don’t you just try to hit a couple over the light pole in right field’, he can come close, believe me.

"He was a little raw when he got here, honestly. He’s made big strides. Defensively, a lot better. Confident. Turning a double-play pretty good. He can play short and third, as well."

Arkansas will host Washington State at Baum-Walker Stadium on Friday, Feb. 14 for Opening Day. The first game of the season is set for a 3 p.m. CT first pitch.

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HawgBeat's Lineup Breakdown Series​


1. #24 - Charles Davalan - CF
2. #9 - Wehiwa Aloy - SS
3. #22 - Logan Maxwell - RF
4. #10 - Brent Iredale - 3B
5. #5 - Kendall Diggs - DH
6. #1 - Rocco Peppi - 1B
7. #3 - Nolan Souza - 2B
8.
9.

Arkansas Baseball 2025 Lineup Projection: 1B Rocco Peppi

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From @masonchoate:

We are four days away from Arkansas baseball, and HawgBeat is continuing its annual lineup preview series for the Diamond Hogs.

With scrimmage coverage, analysis, interviews, previews, the Diamond Hawgs Podcast and more, HawgBeat provides the best Arkansas baseball coverage around.

We continue things with the six-hole spot in the lineup, which first baseman Rocco Peppi is projected to fill...

#1 - Rocco Peppi - 1B​

R-Sr. | R/R | 5-10 | 195

Huntington Beach, California / Marina HS / Long Beach State / Fresno State
2024: 56 GP, 211 AB, 43 R, 69 H, 16 2B, 14 HR, 56 RBI, 7 BB/28 K, 6 SB, .327/.392/.602


Now at his third stop in college baseball, Rocco Peppi will attempt to bring energy to the Razorbacks this spring while also being a legit power bat in the lineup. The California native hit 16 doubles and 14 home runs at Fresno State last year, and he'll hope to translate that to a much-tougher league in the Southeastern Conference.

Peppi tweaked his back in the fall, which limited his at bats during intrasquad scrimmages. He's been healthy since play restarted this semester, and the 5-foot-10, 195-pounder has been swinging the bat well in preseason scrimmages during January and early February.

Across 25 at bats against his teammates, Peppi logged eight hits with one double, one triple and two home runs. He totaled five runs batted in, scored eight runs, walked three times and struck out five times.

Van Horn said during his first Swatter's Club luncheon of the season Feb. 3 that Peppi "never shuts up" and he loves it.

"Just verbally, making noise and talking," Van Horn said. "(Charles) Davalan is very verbal in center field. You probably can’t hear him, depending on which way the wind’s blowing. But he’s talking all the time out there. Peppi talks a little bit. Plus, in the dugout when we’re up, yeah, he’s verbal. He’s not just sitting around watching. It’s not fake. You don’t want it to be fake. I think it’s a good thing."

There are other options at first base, including senior Kendall Diggs, Rhode Island transfer Michael Anderson and maybe a couple of others, but Peppi enters the season as the projected starter.

Last season at Fresno State, Peppi was primarily in left field, as was the case during when he played at Long Beach State from 2022-23. He made no errors across 56 games last year in the outfield, and he's looked solid so far at first base in scrimmages.

"First base is catching pickoffs and catching throws from the infield, whereas an outfielder might get two balls a game, but when they make a mistake out there, it’s three bases, 2-3 bases," Van Horn said Feb. 3. "It just really shows up a lot of times more. Obviously they’re all important and I told all the guys that, that I want to play defense.

"We’ve played great defense the last three or four years. Are we going to have a .980 fielding percentage this year? I don’t know. When you turn over as many as we do, it’s hard. But we just need to make the plays we’re supposed to make."

Arkansas will host Washington State at Baum-Walker Stadium on Friday, Feb. 14 for Opening Day. The first game of the season is set for a 3 p.m. CT first pitch.

Peppi had a four-hit game against Washington State on April 28, 2024, when he went 4-5 at the plate with a double, a home run and three RBI.

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HawgBeat's Lineup Breakdown Series​


1. #24 - Charles Davalan - CF
2. #9 - Wehiwa Aloy - SS
3. #22 - Logan Maxwell - RF
4. #10 - Brent Iredale - 3B
5. #5 - Kendall Diggs - DH
6. #1 - Rocco Peppi - 1B
7.
8.
9.

2026 OL Bear McWhorter decommits from Arkansas

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Head coach Sam Pittman and the Arkansas Razorbacks lost the commitment of 2026 four-star offensive lineman Bear McWhorter on Sunday, as he announced his de-commitment from the Hogs via Twitter.

A product of Cass High School in Cartersville, Georgia, McWorter committed to Arkansas on Aug. 28, 2023. Fans might remember him putting up a billboard along I-49 with the words "Coach Pittman, I want to be a Hog" back in 2021, but he backed off his pledge Sunday.

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"De-committing is something that never even crossed my mind last August when I committed to the Razorbacks," McWhorter wrote in a statement. "Even now, my love for the Hogs and Coach Pitt hasn't changed. After lots of thought, prayer and conversations with my family I realize I only get to go through this process once in my life and have a long way to go before I put pen to paper. With that being said I will be de-committing from Arkansas in order to take more time and rest assure I make the right decision for my future."


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McWhorter holds offers from schools such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Florida State, Tennessee, Texas, Ole Miss and others. His cousin is 2026 four-star quarterback Brodie McWhorter — also from Cass High School — who recently committed to West Virginia.

Arkansas is now down to just one commitment in the 2026 class — four-star defensive back Tay Lockett out of Bellflower, California.

As for McWhorter, he was a consistent visitor in Fayetteville and he spent plenty of time in camps and on visits learning from Pittman.

“I wasn’t looking for something crazy, the best facilities or something like that,” McWhorter told HawgBeat in August. “Coach Pittman is the guy I want to play for and Arkansas has everything that I need. It’s a place I can flourish as an offensive lineman. Those schools have great stuff and great people but it didn’t feel the same for me as Arkansas.”

As for the billboard idea back in 2021, McWhorter said his dad was behind it.

“My dad was in the billboard business for a while, he owned a company,” McWhorter told HawgBeat. “So that was kind of his expertise. After I visited all my schools that summer, he had that idea. He asked what school I wanted to do it on, and Arkansas was my favorite.”

Click here for a full look at Arkansas' 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes.

Social media reacts to Arkansas' win over Texas

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Coach John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks (14-8, 3-6 SEC) are officially on a winning streak after defeating the Texas Longhorns, 78-70, on Wednesday at the Moody Center.

Arkansas opened the game with good defensive pressure, as it held Texas to 33.3% shooting by the first media timeout. In that same span, the Razorbacks — thanks to six DJ Wagner points — hit 3-of-5 attempts to lead, 8-6.

Later in the half, the Hogs held a 12-6 advantage behind four steals (two from Johnell Davis) and four buckets. However, Arkansas had still not hit from distance on three attempts.

Texas finally ended Arkansas' run out of the timeout, but that didn't stop the Hogs from extending their lead. After made threes by Wagner and Karter Knox, and more impressive defense from Davis, the Razorbacks led 22-12 with 7:11 minutes left in the first half.

With 2:33 minutes remaining before halftime, Wagner (nine points) and Davis (eight points) led the Hogs in scoring, while star Texas freshman guard Tre Johnson started to get going with seven points on six attempts. Both teams were shooting a combined 4-of-17 from beyond the arc.

The back-and-forth continued between the Razorbacks and Longhorns, but Arkansas held onto its lead thanks to Thiero's aggressiveness and willingness to get fouled for free throws. At half, the Hogs led 35-24.

Arkansas, and more notably, Davis, started the second half on absolute fire. In less than two and half minutes out of the half, the former Florida Atlantic transfer launched and converted two threes to help extend the team's lead to 19 over Texas.

The Razorbacks held serve for most of the second half, but a small Texas surge made things interesting around the 7:04 minute mark, with the Longhorns down, 58-44, following two free throws. One Texas dunk later, and the Longhorns were on a 9-0 run.

Despite a valiant Longhorns run that got the deficit down to five points, Arkansas held on in Austin.

Leading the way for Arkansas was Davis, who finished with 24 points and four triples. Thiero added 14 points and Wagner scored 13 as well. Big man Zvonimir Ivisic scored nine points and collected a team-high 12 rebounds to top things off.

Below are game highlights and social media reactions from Arkansas' conference victory...

CLICK HERE FOR HIGHLIGHTS AND REACTIONS

Arkansas vs. Alabama

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The Arkansas Razorbacks (14-8, 3-6 SEC) have won two in a row after their 78-70 win over Texas on Wednesday, but a tall task looms, as the No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide (19-3, 8-1 SEC) visit Fayetteville on Saturday night.

The Tide have lost just one conference game this season, a 74-64 loss to Ole Miss. They had a midweek bye this week and last played Feb. 1, when they beat Georgia, 90-69.

Saturday's game will be the 70th meeting all-time for Arkansas and Alabama. The Razorbacks own a 36-33 lead in the series, and are 20-7 in games played in Fayetteville, but the Crimson Tide have won four straight against the Razorbacks.

Alabama has been a hot offensive team all season long, with the third-highest offensive rating (125.2) and top adjusted tempo (74.2) in the nation, according to KenPom.

"I like to call it NASCAR, Formula One offense the way that they move," Arkansas associate head coach Chin Coleman said Friday. "Whoever’s closest to the ball, whether it’s a guard, whether it’s a big, gets it out and gets it up quick on makes and/or misses. Very similar to Michigan in a way when we played them. Michigan was playing at a breakneck pace.

"And so by understanding that transition defense is going to be a premium. Now, the thing for us though with transition defense, we’ve got to throw some punches like we’ve been doing the last few games, and they’ve got to get the ball out of the net instead of missing shots or live-ball turnovers and keep them out of transition."

RELATED: Hoop Hogs ‘comfortable’ with Wagner running the point

The Razorbacks will need to have an answer for Alabama guard Mark Sears, who has scored 18.1 points per game on 40.4% shooting this season.

"(Sears is) tough, he’s one of the best if not the best guard in the league," Coleman said. "He’s older, he understands winning. He’s been to a final four last year. He’s a really good player, really good player. We have respect for him. We’re not fearing him at all."

Below are details on how to watch, BetSaracen betting lines, links to stream and links to all of our coverage leading up to the game...

--------------

How to Watch/Listen​

Who: Arkansas Razorbacks (14-8, 3-6 SEC) vs. No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide (19-3, 8-1 SEC)
When: Saturday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. CT
Where: Bud Walton Arena — Fayetteville, Arkansas
TV/Stream: ESPN / Watch ESPN (Tom Hart and Jimmy Dykes)
Radio: Learfield Razorback Sports Network (Chuck Barrett and Matt Zimmerman)
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BetSaracen Odds​

Below are details on the betting odds for the game and Double R Prop bets. To get in on the action, visit BetSaracen.com and click on the Arkansas Specials tab.

(Lines and odds are subject to change at any point after the publishing of this story. HawgBeat does not guarantee any bet as a winner or loser. You must be at least 21 years of age to use BetSaracen. If you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net)
*All odds accurate as of the publishing of this story. They are subject to change.*


Moneyline/Spread

- Arkansas: +220, +6.5 (-115)
- Alabama: -275, -6.5 (-105)
- O/U: 163.5 (-110/-110)

Double R Props (More available in the BetSaracen app)


- Karter Knox OVER 3.5 3PT FG's attempted and OVER 1.5 3PT FG's made (-110)
- Adou Thiero OVER 19.5 points and OVER 8.5 rebounds (+165)
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Billy Richmond OVER 3.5 FG's attempted and OVER 0.5 steals (+155)
- Zvonimir Ivisic OVER 12.5 points and OVER 6.5 rebounds (+210)
- Johnell Davis OVER 17.5 points and OVER 4.5 rebounds (+250)

Catch Up On HawgBeat's Arkansas Basketball Coverage​

- Arkansas rides Davis' hot hand in win over Texas
- Takeaways from Arkansas' road win over Texas
- Mapping Arkansas' path to the NCAA Tournament
- VIDEO: John Calipari postgame - Arkansas 78, Texas 70
- Social media reacts to Arkansas' win over Texas

How NFL Pro Hogs performed in 2024-25 season

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No NFL Pro Hogs participated in Super Bowl 59 on Sunday between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, but how did former Razorbacks perform throughout the 2024-25 season?

According to the Razorbacks' official listing, 23 players who once dawned the Cardinal and White are currently in the National Football League. That number ranks 13th in the SEC, just above Mississippi State (22), Missouri (20) and Vanderbilt (11).

It's very possible that Arkansas's number will rise after the 2025 NFL Draft, especially with big-time names like edge rusher Landon Jackson and wide receiver Andrew Armstrong eyeing the pros.

For now, we'll take a look at how current prominent Pro Hogs fared in the NFL this season...

OFFENSE:​


OL Hjalte Froholdt - Arizona Cardinals​


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2024-25 Stats: 1,078 snaps, 76.1 PFF (Pro Football Focus), 66.1 PBLK (Pass Block), 78.1 RBLK (Run Block)
Career Stats: 2,853 snaps

A former four-star defensive tackle prospect, Froholdt quickly transitioned to the offensive line at Arkansas and flourished there. He was named First Team All-SEC (PFF) in 2017 and Second Team All-SEC (AP) in 2018, and was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots with pick No. 118.

This season for the Arizona Cardinals, Froholdt allowed just three sacks and five hits allowed. His best performance came against the New York Jets in Week 10, when he registered 52 snaps and finished with a season-high 81.2 offensive grade, per PFF.

OL Frank Ragnow - Detroit Lions​


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2024-25 Stats: 1,129 snaps, 86.1 PFF, 65.8 PBLK, 90.9 RBLK
Career Stats: 6,617 snaps

Regarded as one of the top centers in the NFL, Ragnow was a highly decorated lineman while with the Razorbacks and was selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, who took him 20th overall.

The Minnesota native has been named Second Team All-Pro three times and has made four Pro Bowl teams during his career. Ragnow allowed only two sacks and seven hits this season.
Ragnow's best game came against the Houston Texans in Week 10, when he earned a 93.0 PFF grade behind a 91.5 run-block mark.

OL Beaux Limmer - Los Angeles Rams​


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2024-25 Stats: 1,040 snaps, 55.5 PFF, 40.2 PBLK, 65.4 RBLK
Career Stats: 1,040 snaps

Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Limmer was immediately thrust into the starting role as a rookie and gave up just one sack despite his relatively poor offensive PFF grade.

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Baseball Scrimmage Today (2/8)

Reminder that there is a baseball scrimmage at Baum-Walker Stadium beginning at 11:30 a.m. CT today. Free to the public.

I’ll be honest and admit I’ve thought all morning it was noon, so I’ll be late.


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LINEUPS

CARDINAL

1. CF Charles Davalan
2. SS Wehiwa Aloy
3. Logan Maxwell
4. 3B Brent Iredale
5. RF Kendall Diggs
6. 1B Rocco Peppi
7. 2B Nolan Souza
8. C Ryder Helfrick
9. LF Justin Thomas Jr.

SP - Zach Root

GRAY

1. 2B Cam Kozeal
2. C Zane Becker
3. 1B Michael Anderson
4. 3B Reese Robinet
5. RF Kuhio Aloy
6. SS Gabe Fraser
7. LF Carson Boles
8. DH Tyler Holland
9. DH Elliott Peterson
10. CF Brenton Clark

SP - Colin Fisher

Adou Thiero? Who in Hog history does he remind you of?

I can’t think of anyone. He’s a beast with a high motor.
There’s some that are close but their games are a little different.

His explosion and hops remind me of Sunday or Hood, but they didn’t have an outside shot
Corliss was also too much to handle in post but AT has more height, explosion and dribble drive
William Mills athletically but he was outside shooter and not as strong

Honestly he reminds me of a bigger version of Lenzie Howell. LH had explosion, could shoot outside, and dribble drive. But AT is much bigger and more athletic

Maybe more recently Walsh, but AT is more mature physically due to age. We didn’t see what Walsh could be but measurables are similar except for bulk. Walsh probably a better shooter too

What do you think? Who am I missing from Hogs past ?

Should DOGE look at the U of A athletic department next ? (Not political)

Cost, spending, waste, etc. U of A gets a lot of money

Outcomes don’t really equal income or investments
Refocus more money toward NIL ?
What updates are being done to facilities ? ( I don’t know, I’m asking )
We almost have as many positions in the athletic department (350+) as we do athletes (460). Almost a 1 to 1 ratio

I guess we are barely in the black each year which is good, but sure seems like we could be more efficient

Im sure someone will tell me idk what I’m talking about, but that’s a lot of money coming in and looks like we could trim the fat somewhere
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