Sam Pittman states expectations at Arkansas are 'as high as they've ever been'

Sam Pittman hasn’t lost any confidence in his program. At the 2024 SEC Media Days, the Arkansas head coach opened up on his expectations for the upcoming campaign.

“Over the past four years, we’ve been invited to three bowl games. Two of the last three years, at some point in the season, we’ve been ranked in the top 10,” Pittman said. “I love this team. I love our coaches. Our expectations are as high as they’ve ever been for this season coming up.

“If we can take 4-20 to 9-4, we can deal with 4-8, too, and that’s what we’re going to do. I’m very excited about the Arkansas Razorbacks.”

Pittman is no stranger to digging Arkansas out of a hole. Before Pittman took over the program in 2020, Arkansas had back-to-back 2-10 campaigns under head coach Chad Morris. In his first season at the helm, Pittman was unable to change much, leading Arkansas to a 3-9 record.

However, Pittman kept his nose to the grindstone and boosted the Razorbacks to a 9-4 record only one year later. In 2022, the Razorbacks went 7-6. And, as Pittman mentioned, the team recorded an underwhelming 4-8 record in the 2023 campaign.

Sam Pittman is ready to turn over a new leaf

Now, Pittman is prepared to lead his team back to former heights. The 62-year-old head coach attacked the transfer portal this offseason, adding 20 total players. The talented transfer class is headlined by former Boise State quarterback Taylen Green and former Georgia linebacker Xavian Sorey.

Additionally, the Razorbacks reeled in 19 players from the high school ranks, earning the No. 32 spot, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Pittman can’t wait to start clean with his revamped roster.

“The 2024 season is a fresh start,” Pittman said. “We’ve been working tirelessly to address the areas that we need improvement. Our players have shown remarkable resilience and commitment this offseason.”

“Our focus is to embrace the hog, which means we need to be tough, we need to be together. We need to be consistent, accountable and do it with pride,” said Pittman. “I think we’ve accomplished that this summer. We’ve accomplished that through spring ball.”

Soon, Arkansas can accomplish even more this fall. On Aug. 29, the Razorbacks will kick off the 2024 campaign with a showdown against Arkansas Pine Bluff at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.