Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman has spent the week offering insight into his evolving roster, coaching strategy, and the Razorbacks’ spring rebuild. During a statewide One Razorback Roadshow stop, Pittman addressed fans and reporters, providing candid updates on roster changes, recruiting success, and his vision heading into the 2025 season.
Pittman appeared energized and confident as he spoke for 34 minutes with media on Tuesday, just days ahead of the Razorbacks’ annual Red-White spring game. “I like the camaraderie of the team. I like the age of the team. Even the young guys are mature,” Pittman said, noting a new level of maturity across the roster.
The spring transfer portal window brought both additions and departures for Arkansas. The Razorbacks lost eight players but added nine, including quarterback Trever Jackson and wide receiver Jalen Brown, both from Florida State. While some departures, like freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava and running back Tyrell Reed Jr., didn’t see the field much, their exits freed up space for key acquisitions.
Pittman emphasized honesty in his approach to roster management. “With the 105, I didn’t want to keep guys just to keep them,” he explained. “We said, ‘There’s a possibility you might not make the 105.’ So we allowed them to look elsewhere.” This approach helped Arkansas strategically use scholarships to bring in impact players.
The NCAA’s evolving scholarship limits—discussed in the House v. NCAA lawsuit—continue to influence roster decisions. Arkansas used available scholarships to target positions of need, including three offensive and six defensive players. Defensive additions included linebackers Trent Whalen and Andrew Harris, and defensive backs Shakur Smalls and Julian Neal, among others.
Pittman said the staff originally hoped to land five defensive players this spring. “We hit a big weekend,” he said. “We brought in four guys we liked—and got all of them.” That success helped them retool quickly and pivot to additional positions, including pass-rushing defensive ends and secondary help.
On the offensive side, two wide receivers were added: Jalen Brown and Andy Jean. Brown caught 8 passes for 75 yards in nine games last season, while Jean, formerly with Florida, spent the spring with Pittsburgh. Pittman acknowledged the challenge in bringing in unproven players but is hopeful the new speed at receiver can elevate the offense.
“We want ‘em to contribute right now,” Pittman said. “… It’s hard for a guy who hasn’t played much to switch staffs and schemes and suddenly thrive. But we believe these two guys have the tools. We’re hoping they crack the top six.”
Despite the headaches brought by the timing of transfer windows, Pittman hasn’t been shy about his portal success. “We’ve always done well in that April portal,” he said, even joking about the chaos it causes. “It’s Christmas… ring, ring, ‘Coach, I’m entering the portal.’ We’ve got to change the date a little.”
The Razorbacks’ head coach is also looking ahead to July’s SEC Media Days in Atlanta, where he plans to bring starting quarterback Taylen Green and defensive lineman Cam Ball. Pittman’s pride in their leadership echoes his growing confidence in the team’s identity and physical presence.
“Our offensive line is big. We look like an SEC team,” he said firmly. While recruiting battles continue and rosters shift across the country, Pittman believes his team is trending in the right direction—tougher, more experienced, and more unified than before.
As the Red-White Game approaches, fans and analysts alike will get their first extended look at the revamped roster. For Pittman, it’s not just a scrimmage — it’s a showcase of what’s building in Fayetteville, brick by brick.