Arkansas releases depth chart for Week 1 opener vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Sam Pittman recognizes this is a pivotal season for Arkansas, and his Razorbacks need to get off to a fast start in Week 1.

On Thursday, Arkansas-Pine Bluff will come to Fayetteville, looking to upset the Razorbacks in their first game of the season. Ahead of that clash, Arkansas has released their Week 1 depth chart. Check it out below, shared to X, formerly known as Twitter, by Jackson Fuller of the Times Record.

Arkansas just released its depth chart for the season opener against UAPB. pic.twitter.com/owYEIEYnnq

— Jackson Fuller (@jacksonfuller16) August 26, 2024

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Moreover, Arkansas lost starting quarterback KJ Jefferson to the transfer portal this offseason after he started for the team the past three years. The Razorbacks bring in Boise State transfer Taylen Green as his replacement.

Green has a similar skillset to that of Jefferson in that both are dual-threat quarterbacks. Green rushed for 1,024 yards and 19 touchdowns in two seasons as the Broncos starter and also threw for 3,794 yards and 25 touchdowns to 15 interceptions.

The Razorbacks also return their top four receivers from a year ago to give Green plenty of option to spread the ball around to. This first game will ultimately be a test of what his ceiling is, as it is one that Arkansas should easily win.

Arkansas vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff odds: Early point spread released on Razorbacks, Golden Lions

The Razorbacks are entering the fifth season under coach Sam Pittman and looking to reach a bowl game after finishing 4-8 this past season. Ahead of this week’s game, FanDuel likes their odds as Arkansas enters as a heavy 49.5-point favorite in the matchup against the Golden Lions.

In addition to the Razorbacks being more than a seven-touchdown favorite to win, the game has an over/under of 57.5.

However, the Golden Lions are coming off of a 2-9 season in 2023, the first year under coach Alonzo Hampton. They last played the Razorbacks in the 2021 season, losing 45-3 as Jefferson threw for 194 yards and four touchdowns.

One would think that Green can find a similar level of success in this matchup against Pine Bluff. If he does, it should be smooth sailing for the Arkansas offense.

A couple of players to watch for the Golden Lions are starting quarterback Mekhi Hagens and receiver Daemon Dawkins. Hagens appeared in nine games last season to throw for 580 yards and three touchdowns to four interceptions. He also rushed for 312 yards and four scores.

Ultimately, this should be a win for Arkansas as it looks to get settled with Green at quarterback. The real question is how ready he’ll be right away with Oklahoma State looming next week on the road.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this article.