When we look across the nation at assistant coaches who are excelling at their position, the Arkansas Razorbacks check this box. What makes this odd is that the Hogs have co-defensive coordinators in Marcus Woodson and Travis Williams. With this, the duo leads the defense into a daunting schedule, along with some question marks within their unit.
Four Questions For Arkansas Defensively
In 2024, the Razorbacks’ defense improved in what was the second season under the leadership of. Besides a slight meltdown against Oklahoma State and Ole Miss, their performance was at times impressive to watch. In 2025, we ask four questions of our own and do not mean to come across as defensive. We just need answers.
How To Replace Landon Jackson?
The first question has been asked repeatedly. We previously spoke on the Arkansas wide receivers and the gap in the room from players going to the NFL. The defensive line for the Hogs falls into this category as they search to replace Landon Jackson, now with the Buffalo Bills. When we use the term “replace,” we are not saying his talents, but more his production. With this, the task is by committee.
The 276-pound Quincy Rhodes will fill some gaps and apply pressure. In addition, Charlie Collins has a different level of aggressiveness on the edge. In the tackle position, Cameron Ball will continue to grind from the nose position. Additionally, Ian Garrard, at 389 pounds, will demand attention from the opposing line and scheme.
Who Are You?
In the third question, we learn about some new additions. Arkansas fans will be searching the game manual to decipher who is in the secondary. The names of Hudson Clark and others are no longer there. With the portal era, this staff took full advantage of this area. This strategy bolstered the roster with depth and experience. This unit will need to show consistency and continuity, but the talent is in place to be successful.
Former Auburn Tiger Caleb Wooden joins Arkansas and was the top addition defensively. In addition to Wooden, Arkansas snagged Quentavius Scandrett, and between the two, they have amassed 158 tackles over the previous three seasons. Additional transfers, such as Kani Walker, of Oklahoma, and Julian Neal, from Fresno State, are players who will be key to stopping opposing offenses. With this experience comes expectations. Will the secondary lead this unit in 2025?
Can You Back It Up?
In order to lead this unit, the linebackers will have to be impressive in their play. In what is the deepest position of the group, Arkansas is stacked at linebacker. Starting with Xavian Sorey Jr, leading tackler from 2024, manning the middle. In addition to Sorey is Stephen Dix, who returns with 72 tackles from last season.
If this duo wasn’t talented enough, we have Tavian Wallace, a four-star recruit who will look to make an immediate impact. Bradley Shaw, another promising young talent, will also look to make the most of his opportunities this season. When the season is completed, this group can be special for Arkansas. Can we look back and say they were? Or, will we see a step back in play? We will soon find out.
Will You Play With Passion?
With the final question for the defense, we analyze whether this unit will be a force. Can they continue to play with passion? With the above questions being just a few, we have learned much about this unit. With a pair of young and energetic coordinators, this group plays a similar style.
With the tough schedule, the defense will need to anchor Arkansas. Last season, the Razorbacks allowed fewer than 28 points in nine contests. In most seasons, this is a winning recipe. The defense performed better than stats may suggest and, with depth and experience, can continue in 2025.
In closing, this season will be critical for Sam Pittman and the Hogs. We all recall the adage that “Defense wins championships”. As the 2025 season swiftly approaches, Pittman will lean on the dynamic duo leading his defense. We asked and answered four questions on Arkansas’s defense.
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