Historic Clash: Arkansas meets Arkansas State for first time in potential War Memorial Farewell

Image Courtesy: Sports Illustrated

Arkansas (1-0) continues the 2025 season in a historic clash against Arkansas State (1-0) in Little Rock at War Memorial Stadium. The first ever meeting between the Razorbacks and Red Wolves will be at 4 p.m. on ESPN+/SECN+ with Richard Cross and Taylor McRague on the call.

For decades, Arkansas avoided playing in-state opponents. The main reason was Frank Broyles—first as head football coach (1958-1976) and later as athletic director (1974-2007). Broyles believed that scheduling in-state schools risked the Razorbacks losing to them and tarnishing their image as the flagship program in Arkansas, particularly in the eyes of recruits.

That philosophy lasted until Hunter Yurachek became athletic director in 2017. Under his tenure, Arkansas athletics began regularly scheduling in-state competition across all sports. By the 2020s, football, basketball, and baseball were all facing fellow Arkansas opponents.

Arkansas football’s first modern in-state matchup came in 2021, when the Razorbacks hosted Arkansas-Pine Bluff at War Memorial Stadium. Quarterback KJ Jefferson led Arkansas to a dominant 45–3 win over the Golden Lions on October 23, 2021.

Nearly three years later, the Razorbacks and UAPB met again in Little Rock to open the 2024 season. With Taylen Greenmaking his debut as starting quarterback, Arkansas rolled to a 70–0 win, scoring on ten different drives.

Now comes the long-anticipated first meeting with Arkansas State, a program many in Fayetteville have long considered their “little brother.” Ironically, since Bobby Petrino’s infamous exit in 2011, Arkansas State has posted a higher winning percentage than the Razorbacks—helped in part by Arkansas’ disastrous stretches under John L. Smith (2012) and Chad Morris (2018–19).

Saturday will likely be Arkansas’ final game in the capital city, closing the book on decades of history at War Memorial Stadium. The Razorbacks own a 153–61–4 record there—a winning percentage just above 71%. They’ll look to end the Little Rock era on a high note.

Junior quarterback Jalen Raynor shined in Arkansas State’s season-opening 42-24 victory over Southeast Missouri State. Raynor threw for 345 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Red Hawks. Three Red Wolf receivers had over 50 yards in win: Chauncy Cobb (85 yards), Corey Rucker (59 yards and 1 TD), and Hunter Summers (54 yards). They’ll test Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams’ unit all game long.

A weak spot is Arkansas State’s defense. The Red Wolves surrendered 30+ points three different times in 2024, contributing to multiple blowouts. Plus, the Red Wolves gave up 24 points in their week 1 win.

Now led by former head coach turned offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, the Razorbacks expect big things in Year 2 with Taylen Green at quarterback and he delivered. Green threw for 322 yards and a career-high six touchdowns in the season opener.

The receiving corps is also deeper: O’Mega Blake, Jalen Brown, CJ Brown, Monte Harrison, Raylen Sharpe. Petrino’s quarterbacks tend to shine in their second season, and expectations for Green are high. Blake caught seven passes for 121 yards and a touchdown, CJ Brown caught four balls for 49 yards, and 2 touchdowns, Jalen Brown caught three passes for 44 yards, and a score, Sharpe caught three balls for 41 yards and a score, and Harrison caught one pass for 29 yards.

If the offense starts quickly, the hope is that the Razorback defensive line performs better than it did in Week 1. Leaders like defensive tackle Cam Ball and linebacker Xavian Sorey will be key in preventing the Red Wolves from finding the end zone consistently.

If this is it, we’ll miss ya War Memorial Stadium.