Sam Pittman discusses why it's 'satisfying to be ranked' again for Arkansas

Sam Pittman has the Arkansas Razorbacks in the national conversation once again, ranked No. 25 in the latest College Football Playoff poll.

In this week’s SEC teleconference, Pittman was asked about the meaning behind getting back into the top of the rankings.

“It’s very satisfying, it was a goal of ours to get back on the national scene,” Pittman said.

The Arkansas front man fully understands the significance of a national ranking, particularly when it comes to recruiting.

“It certainly helps recruiting and those things.” Sam Pittman said.

“We were talking to our staff this morning, as much as we would like our recruits to remember in 2010 and 2011, or 2009 and 2010, that we were in the Sugar Bowl and the Cotton Bowl and all that, they don’t remember those.”

It’s clear Pittman and the new Razorbacks regime has implemented a new culture and everyone associated with the program is buying in. The Arkansas coach says the goal is to have future recruits forget the tough years that plagued the program in recent history.

“What we are trying to do is have them forget that we weren’t a very good team over the past five seasons before this year,” Pittman said.

“So it’s a big deal for us, it’s a big deal for recruiting. We certainly sent out that we are 25th and we are proud of that. We do understand how hard it is to stay in that, especially in the West in the SEC.”

Sam Pittman was asked if he’s concerned how the national ranking will effect his team. The Razorbacks face LSU, Alabama and Missouri to close out the regular season.

“Obviously any time that happens, you start worrying about well, (the players are) going to look at that and not concentrate on practice,” Pittman said.

“With us getting in the top 25 after Week 9, I think that’s a mark for our program. … I know for me and our staff, we were excited to be in the top 25 after 9 weeks.”

Sam Pittman thrilled about Bowl Eligibility

After Saturday’s dramatic win over Mississippi State, the Arkansas Razorbacks were deemed bowl eligible for the first time since 2016.

The Razorbacks’ front man didn’t hold back when voicing his excitement over the program’s success since he took over.

“We didn’t win the Super Bowl but it sure feels like it,” Sam Pittman said, via Tera Talmadge of Pig Trail Nation.

Arkansas will look to keep the momentum rolling on the road against LSU on Saturday night. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 ET.