Razorbacks Recapped: 130 years of Hog football

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The University of Arkansas football program turns 130 this year, and there are many fond (and not so fond) memories for Hogs fans to look back on.

This is the Razorbacks, recapped.

Quick facts

• According to a 2017 media guide , Arkansas has been associated with three different conferences :
  • Independent (1894–1914)
  • Southwest Conference (1915–1991)
  • Southeastern Conference (1992–present)

• Arkansas claims the 1964 NCAA football national championship but does not claim the 1977 co-national championship awarded by the Rothman poll.

• Arkansas won 13 conference championships , all in the Southwest Conference.
  • Their titles came in the following seasons: 1936, 1946, 1954, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1975, 1979, 1988 and 1989.

• Arkansas has won four SEC Western Division championships and has appeared in the SEC Championship Game three times but has not won any of those games:
  • 1995 : vs. Florida – Lost 3–34
  • 2002 : vs. Georgia – Lost 3–30
  • 2006 : vs. Florida – Lost 28–38

• There have been 33 total coaches of the University of Arkansas’s football program since 1894.

Origins of Razorback Football (1894–1939)

1894: Formation of the team

In 1894, the University of Arkansas fielded its first football team, led by Latin professor John C. Futrall, according to “ The Razorbacks: A Story of Arkansas Football ” by Orville Henry and Jim Bailey.

The team played its first game against Fort Smith High School, losing 54-0. Futrall organized the team without previous football experience.

1909: Razorback mascot adopted

In 1909, following an undefeated season, Coach Hugo Bezdek referred to his team as having fought “ like a wild band of Razorback hogs .”

The name replaced the previous Cardinals mascot, officially becoming the Razorbacks.

1915: Joining the Southwest Conference

The University of Arkansas became a charter member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) in 1915, competing against schools such as Texas, Texas A&M and Baylor, according to The Razorbacks: A Story of Arkansas Football .

Arkansas did not achieve a winning conference record until 1920 and won their first conference championship in 1936. The team had to forfeit the 1933 SWC Championship due to an ineligible player, Ulysses “Heine” Schleuter, playing despite having no remaining eligibility.

The Razorbacks were invited to the 1934 Dixie Classic (the precursor to the Cotton Bowl Classic), according to The Razorbacks: A Story of Arkansas Football .

During this time, Arkansas developed a rivalry with Ole Miss, with the teams playing each other intermittently despite Ole Miss not being in the SWC. This rivalry solidified into a yearly series from 1952 to 1961.

1936: First Southwest Conference title

In 1936, under coach Fred Thomsen, Arkansas won its first Southwest Conference title.

Razorbacks rise to prominence (1939–1957)

1938: Bailey Stadium opens

In 1938 , Arkansas replaced its 300-seat stadium, The Hill, with Bailey Stadium, later renamed Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, which still serves as the team’s home today.

1947 Cotton Bowl: The ‘Ice Bowl’

The Razorbacks appeared in the 1947 Cotton Bowl, facing LSU in a game that ended in a 0-0 tie . Played in freezing conditions, this game earned the nickname “Ice Bowl.” LSU reached inside the Arkansas 20-yard line five times but failed to score.

Arkansas managed only one first down and 54 yards of offense. In the fourth quarter, the Hogs stopped LSU at the 4-yard line, and a bad snap thwarted a game-winning field goal attempt.

1954: Southwest Conference title and “25 Little Pigs”

In 1954, under Coach Bowden Wyatt, Arkansas won the SWC title. The team’s success was notable as it relied on a roster of just 25 players, earning the nickname “25 Little Pigs.”

That season saw the Razorbacks employ creative plays, such as the “Powder River Play,” to outwit larger teams, according to The Razorbacks: A Story of Arkansas Football .

In this era, Arkansas built rivalries with Texas and Texas A&M due to their fierce conference encounters.

1957: Frank Broyles hired as head coach

In 1957, the University of Arkansas hired Frank Broyles as head coach.

The Frank Broyles Era (1958–1976)

1964: National Championship

In 1964, Frank Broyles led the Razorbacks to an undefeated 11-0 season, culminating in a Cotton Bowl victory over Nebraska .

Despite the AP and UPI awarding the national title to Alabama before the bowl games, the Football Writers Association of America named Arkansas the national champion after Alabama’s bowl game loss.

1965–1966: Consecutive SWC titles

Arkansas won back-to-back SWC titles in 1965 and 1966.

During this time, the team was known for its strong defense and balanced offensive attack, consistently ranking among the nation’s top programs, according to The Razorbacks: A Story of Arkansas Football .

1969: The Big Shootout

On December 6, 1969, Arkansas played Texas in a game that determined the national champion. Texas, ranked No. 1, came back from a 14-0 deficit to defeat Arkansas 15-14 in Fayetteville.

This game, attended by President Richard Nixon , became one of the most famous games in college football history.

1976: Frank Broyles retires from coaching

Frank Broyles retired as head coach in 1976 after 19 successful seasons, boasting a record of 144-58-5. His tenure included seven SWC championships, a national title and ten bowl game appearances.

Following his retirement from coaching, Broyles continued to contribute to the university as its athletic director until 2007 .

The Lou Holtz Era (1977–1983)

1977: Lou Holtz Appointed Head Coach
Lou Holtz was hired as head coach in 1977, succeeding Frank Broyles. In his first season, he led the Razorbacks to a 10-1 record, according to Sports Reference .

The team, ranked No. 6, lost only to No. 2 Texas during the regular season and was invited to the Orange Bowl against No. 2 Oklahoma. Despite significant player suspensions and injuries, the Razorbacks pulled off a 31-6 victory over the Sooners.

Arkansas finished the season 11-1 and was selected as a co-national champion by the Rothman Foundation.

1978 Fiesta Bowl Tie
In 1978, the Razorbacks went 9-2, losing back-to-back games to No. 8 Texas and No. 11 Houston. They earned a Fiesta Bowl berth but ended in a 10-10 tie with UCLA , finishing the season 9-2-1.

1979 Southwest Conference Title
In 1979, Holtz’s Razorbacks won a share of the Southwest Conference title, defeating No. 2 Texas but losing the title to No. 6 Houston. The team earned a Sugar Bowl bid but lost to No. 2 Alabama.

1980-1981 Success
Holtz led the Razorbacks to a Hall of Fame Classic win in 1980 and a victory over No. 1 Texas in 1981.

1983: Holtz’s Resignation
Lou Holtz resigned as head coach after the 1983 season, following a 6-5 campaign. His tenure included a 60-21-2 record, seven bowl appearances, and a revitalization of the program.

Broyles initially stated Holtz resigned, but it was later acknowledged that he was fired due to negative impacts on the fan base and controversies .

The Ken Hatfield Era (1984–1989)

1985-1989: Southwest Conference Titles

Ken Hatfield, who replaced Lou Holtz in 1984, was a standout defensive back on Frank Broyles’ 1964 national championship team. At Arkansas, Hatfield amassed a record of 55–17–1, securing back-to-back Southwest Conference titles in 1988 and 1989, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas .

He achieved a 76% win rate, the highest in Razorback history, and led his teams to ten-win seasons in 1985, 1988, and 1989, with nine-win seasons in 1986 and 1987.

However, he struggled in bowl games, winning only one of six. His conservative play-calling, especially in high-stakes games, and a losing record against Texas (2–4) drew criticism.

Hatfield’s strained relationship with Broyles and rumors about his job security led him to resign abruptly after the 1990 Cotton Bowl Classic.

1989: Hatfield’s Departure

Following a successful but strained relationship with university administrators, Hatfield resigned after the 1989 season to take the head coaching job at Clemson.

During this time, Broyles orchestrated Arkansas’ transition from the Southwest Conference to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) , which took effect starting with the 1992 season.

Jack Crowe Era (1990–1992)

1990: Appointment and early struggles

Frank Broyles appointed Jack Crowe as head coach in 1990. Crowe, who had previously faced challenges at Livingston University, was selected partially due to the time crunch ahead of National Signing Day.

The Razorbacks posted a 3–8 record, their first losing season since 1967, plagued by injuries and disciplinary issues.

1991–1992: Upset loss to The Citadel and dismissal

In 1991, Arkansas continued to struggle under Crowe’s leadership. One of the low points came with a shocking upset loss to The Citadel.

Mid-season, Crowe was dismissed, and defensive coordinator Joe Kines stepped in as interim head coach. Crowe left Arkansas with a 9–15 overall record, with declining fan support and internal program concerns sealing his fate.

Danny Ford Era (1993–1997)

1993–1995: Ford’s arrival and early success

In 1993, Danny Ford was hired to rejuvenate Arkansas football. Ford, a former Clemson offensive coordinator, brought early success to the program.

In 1995, the Razorbacks claimed the SEC Western Division title with a 9–3 record. Key contributors included running back Madre Hill and defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn, who played critical roles in that success.

1996–1997: Decline and departure

Despite his early achievements, Ford’s success was short-lived. The 1996 and 1997 seasons ended with 4–7 records.

With his overall record sitting at 26–30–1 over five seasons, Ford was dismissed following consecutive losing campaigns in his final years.

Houston Nutt Era (1998–2007)

1998–1999 : Immediate impact and success

Houston Nutt was appointed head coach on December 10, 1997. He wasted no time making an impact, leading the Razorbacks to a 9–3 record and a share of the SEC Western Division title in 1998.

This impressive performance earned him National Coach of the Year honors. The following season in 1999, Nutt’s Razorbacks finished 9–3 and delivered a historic victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic, holding the Longhorns to negative rushing yards.

2000–2003: Memorable moments and consistency

Nutt’s tenure saw several memorable moments, including the record-setting 58–56 seven-overtime victory over Ole Miss in 2001.

That game remains the longest in NCAA history. Arkansas also shared the SEC Western Division title in 2002, though they fell short in the SEC Championship Game and lost to Minnesota in the Music City Bowl.

Despite some mid-season slumps, the team rallied with five consecutive wins to end the 2002 season.

2004–2007: Challenges and resignation

The 2004 and 2005 seasons were less successful, with the Razorbacks posting a 5–6 record in 2004 and failing to make a bowl appearance in 2005.

Nutt’s team rebounded in 2006, winning the SEC Western Division and making it to the SEC Championship Game, though they lost to Florida. Star running back Darren McFadden finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up.

In 2007, Arkansas capped the season with a dramatic 50–48 triple-overtime win over top-ranked LSU. Nutt resigned after the season, citing a “divided fan base”, finishing with a 75–48 record, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas .

Bobby Petrino Era (2008–2011)

2008: Petrino’s hiring and transitional first year

Bobby Petrino was hired on December 11, 2007, becoming Arkansas’ 31st head coach, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas .

His first season was marked by transition, ending with a 5–7 record.

Despite the struggles, a highlight came with a dramatic last-second victory over LSU, known as “Miracle on Markham II.”

2009–2010: Rise under Petrino and Ryan Mallett’s leadership

In 2009, quarterback Ryan Mallett led the Razorbacks to an improved 8–5 record.

They nearly upset the top-ranked Florida Gators and won the Liberty Bowl against East Carolina.

The following year, Arkansas posted a 10–2 record and earned its first BCS bowl berth. Although they lost to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, Mallett set multiple school passing records, and Petrino received a seven-year contract extension.

2011–2012: Success and scandal

In 2011, Tyler Wilson took over as quarterback, leading the Razorbacks to an 11–2 record.

They won the Cotton Bowl Classic against Kansas State and finished ranked No. 5, with only losses to Alabama and LSU. However, Petrino’s tenure ended in scandal. After a motorcycle accident revealed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and undisclosed payments.

Petrino was dismissed in April 2012, leaving with a 34–17 record, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas .

John L. Smith Era (2012)

2012: Smith’s brief and lackluster tenure

John L. Smith was hired as interim head coach on April 23, 2012, with a 10-month contract worth $850,000 .

Despite high hopes, the Razorbacks finished with a 4–8 record . Smith was not retained after the season.

Bret Bielema Era (2013–2017)

2013–2014: Challenging start and rebuilding

Bret Bielema was hired on December 4, 2012, but his first season in 2013 ended with a 3–9 record, including a 0–8 mark in SEC play , the Razorbacks’ worst since joining the league.

However, Bielema began to turn things around in 2014, leading Arkansas to a 7–6 record and a Texas Bowl victory over Texas.

2015–2016: Progress and bowl success

The 2015 season saw further improvement, as the Razorbacks finished 8–5 and won the Liberty Bowl against Kansas State.

However, the 2016 season ended with disappointment as Arkansas finished 7–6 after blowing significant leads in both the regular-season finale and the Belk Bowl.

2017: Final season and dismissal

Bielema’s final season in 2017 ended with a 4–8 record. He was dismissed after a loss to Missouri on November 24, 2017, leaving Arkansas with a five-year record of 29–34.

Chad Morris Era (2018–2019)

2018–2019: Morris’s struggles and departure

Chad Morris was hired as head coach on December 6, 2017. His first season was a disaster, ending with a 2–10 record and an 0–8 mark in SEC play.

Unfortunately, his second season in 2019 followed the same pattern, finishing with a 2–10 record and another winless conference campaign.

Morris was fired on November 10, 2019, concluding his tenure with a 4–18 overall record.

Sam Pittman Era (2020–Present)

2020: Pittman’s early years and COVID-19 challenges

Sam Pittman was hired on December 8, 2019. In his first season, the Razorbacks posted a 3–7 record, though their scheduled Mercari Texas Bowl was canceled due to COVID-19 issues with TCU.

2021: Improvement

In 2021, Pittman led the Razorbacks to a much-improved 9–4 record, including a win over Penn State in the Outback Bowl. The season also featured key victories over Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, and Missouri, restoring excitement to the program.

2022: Continued success

In 2022, Arkansas started strong but finished with a 7–6 record. Despite setbacks, the Razorbacks ended the year with a win over Kansas in the Liberty Bowl, continuing Pittman’s positive momentum as head coach.

2023: Familiar faces

The Hogs wrapped up the 2023 season with a 4-8 record . In October 2023, Pittman announced former head coach Petrino would be rejoining the Arkansas program as offensive coordinator.

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