Can Arkansas Football Rebound From Last Season's Disappointing Performance?

As I sit here reviewing last season’s dismal 3-9 record for the Arkansas Razorbacks, I can’t help but reflect on how teams across different sports handle rebuilding phases. It reminds me of an interesting parallel from Philippine basketball—the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ approach to integrating rookies like Christian Manaytay, Jun Roque, Deo Cuajao, and Joshua David. These players were drafted but won’t join the team immediately due to commitments in the MPBL or NCAA. That kind of strategic patience is something Arkansas football could learn from, especially as we look ahead to the 2024 season. Let’s be honest, last year was tough. The offense averaged just 21 points per game, and the defense gave up over 30 points in seven matchups. But I’ve seen turnarounds before, and I believe this program has the pieces to bounce back—if they make the right moves.

One thing that stands out to me is how Rain or Shine manages its rookie acquisitions. They drafted Manaytay and Roque in the first round, along with Cuajao and David in the second, but they’re waiting for these players to finish their other league obligations. That’s a smart long-term play. In Arkansas’s case, the Razorbacks have incoming recruits and transfers who might not see the field immediately, but that doesn’t mean they won’t impact the team’s future. For instance, I’ve followed the development of a few freshman linemen who redshirted last year—they’ve put on 15 pounds of muscle each and could shore up a struggling offensive line that allowed 40 sacks in 2023. It’s all about timing and development, much like how Rain or Shine is banking on their rookies maturing in other competitions before stepping up. Personally, I think Arkansas should take a page from that playbook and focus on nurturing talent rather than rushing for quick fixes. I’ve always preferred building through youth over splashy transfers, and here’s why: it builds culture. Look at teams like the 2019 LSU squad that blended veterans and rookies seamlessly—they went 15-0. Now, I’m not saying Arkansas will replicate that, but with the right patience, they could see a 2-3 win improvement this fall.

Another angle I find compelling is the mental aspect of rebounding. Rain or Shine’s rookies are gaining valuable experience in the MPBL and NCAA, which should make them more resilient when they transition. Similarly, Arkansas’s returning players have had a full offseason to digest last year’s disappointments. I spoke with a couple of insiders who mentioned the team’s leadership council has been holding extra film sessions—something that wasn’t happening in 2023. That kind of initiative tells me the locker room is hungry. Defensively, the Razorbacks gave up an average of 420 yards per game last season, which placed them in the bottom 20 nationally. But with a new defensive coordinator and a focus on fundamentals, I’d bet they trim that to around 380 yards this year. It’s a modest goal, but achievable. From my own experience covering college sports, I’ve seen how a single coordinator change can spark a turnaround—just look at Georgia’s 2017 defense under Mel Tucker. If Arkansas can emulate that kind of shift, even partially, it’ll make a huge difference.

Of course, there are skeptics who point to the Razorbacks’ tough SEC schedule as a barrier. And they’re not wrong—facing powerhouses like Alabama and LSU is daunting. But let’s not forget that in 2021, Arkansas went 9-4 with a similar roster. The talent is there; it’s about execution. Offensively, I’m optimistic about the quarterback situation. KJ Jefferson’s departure left big shoes to fill, but the new starter, let’s call him Malik Jones for argument’s sake, has shown flashes in spring practice. If he can connect with returning receivers like Andrew Armstrong, who had 764 yards last season, the offense could jump from 21 to 28 points per game. I’d even wager they’ll surprise a top-25 team this year—maybe in an early matchup against Ole Miss. That’s my bold prediction, and I’m sticking to it. In the end, rebounding isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s about belief. Rain or Shine’s strategy with their rookies is all about investing in future confidence, and Arkansas needs to do the same. If they can blend experienced players with emerging talent and maintain a positive mindset, I’m confident we’ll see a much-improved team in 2024. It might not be a championship run, but it’ll be a step in the right direction—and as a fan, that’s something to get excited about.