(Photos: Icon Sportswire)
Arkansas enters this week at 2-2. The Razorbacks opened the season with dominant home wins over Alabama A&M and Arkansas State but have since stumbled in back-to-back road games, falling 41-35 at Ole Miss and 32-31 at Memphis. Against Memphis las week, Arkansas led most of the night before the game slipped away in the final five minutes. Sam Pittman, in his sixth year as head coach, is said to be on the hot seat after last year’s 7-6 finish, with speculation mounting about his future.
The Razorbacks’ offense is led by 6-6, 225 lb.,quarterback Taylen Green, who has completed 64% of his passes for 1,191 yards and 12 touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 360 yards and two scores. Green clearly drives the offense, with O’Mega Blake emerging as the top receiving threat with 326 yards and three touchdowns. Mike Washington Jr.is the leading rusher not named “Taylen” rushing for 330 yards and four touchdowns on the season while adding another score through the air. The offensive line has improved in opening holes for the running game compared to last season, though pass protection has been inconsistent.
On defense, linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr., a fifth-year player in his second season at Arkansas after transferring from Georgia in 2023, leads the team in tackles and provides experience and versatility. Defensive end Quincy Rhodes is a dangerous pass rusher who has accounted for five sacks already in 2025.
Overall, Arkansas’ defense has been middle-of-the-pack, ranking 65th nationally in total defense while allowing 331.7 yards and 20.7 points per game. Their rush defense is slightly stronger at 52nd nationally, giving up 113.3 yards per game, while the pass defense ranks 83rd with 218.3 yards allowed per contest. The Razorbacks did however, give up 290 yards rushing last week to Memphis and 489 yards of total offense.
Arkansas’ defense has shown vulnerabilities that Notre Dame should be able to exploit. The Razorbacks have struggled with tackling fundamentals, missed key stops in critical moments, and have had trouble holding leads in close games. Their defensive line has been inconsistent at generating pressure, ranking 12th in the SEC in sacks, while the secondary has been prone to giving up big plays. These issues suggest that a Notre Dame offense getting better every game—led by CJ Carr and the Love & Price Show—should have plenty of success.
Expect to see the Irish offense continue to evolve and play well. Arkansas has shown vulnerability on defense, and that should translate into ND points. If the Irish can just show marginal improvement on defense–a healthy Leonard Moore, and four full quarters from Adon Shuler would help a lot with that, the Irish should be able to control this one.
Notre Dame is a 4.5 point favorite and the over/under is 64.5
The Fighting Irish Preview Pick: Notre Dame 38 Arkansas 28.