John Calipari, the new head basketball coach for Arkansas, engaged with fans at Bud Walton Arena, sharing familiar phrases and jokes while sidestepping the Razorbacks' signature salute. Despite the enthusiastic reception, he notably avoided participating in the "Calling of the Hogs," a tradition for Arkansas fans, leaving the stage before the chant could begin. Calipari's humorous and familiar remarks echoed his previous coaching experiences, emphasizing his player-centric coaching approach and hinting at future interactions with Razorback fans.
The University of Arkansas trustees are set to discuss a proposed contract for John Calipari as the next men's basketball coach, with the meeting expected to take place on Wednesday. Calipari, who recently resigned from Kentucky, is anticipated to sign a contract worth around $7.5 million to $8 million per year, making it the largest ever for an Arkansas coach in any sport. The deal is likely to be incentive-laden, and Calipari is expected to be officially announced as Arkansas’ coach early Wednesday, replacing Eric Musselman.
The kickoff time for the Arkansas Razorbacks' season opener against Western Carolina has been changed to 12 p.m. due to expected high temperatures in the mid-90s and high humidity in the afternoon, ensuring safer conditions for athletes and fans.
Former Arkansas Razorback running back Alex Collins has died at the age of 28 in a motorcycle accident in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Collins, who also played in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks, was remembered as a legendary Razorback and an exceptional person by his former team. He leaves behind an impressive college football career, including being the third player in SEC history to rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons.
The 2023 MLB Draft is underway, and Arkansas baseball is expected to have several players selected, including current players and signees. Left-hander Adam Hachman has withdrawn from the draft due to injury but is still considered a top prospect for future drafts. The draft will take place over three days, with the first day including Rounds 1 and 2. The remaining rounds will be held on the second and third days. Other SEC baseball teams are also being impacted by the draft, with players and signees from various schools being selected.
Four-star wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman has committed to the University of Arkansas, choosing the Razorbacks over Texas Tech and Oregon. Bethel-Roman, a Rivals250 prospect, cited being a priority for the Razorbacks as a key factor in his decision. Known for his speed and ability to stretch the field, Bethel-Roman is expected to make an impact early in his collegiate career. He is ranked as the No. 233 overall prospect and the No. 32 wide receiver nationally in the 2024 recruiting cycle.
Bentonville receiver CJ Brown has verbally committed to play football for the University of Arkansas. Brown, who had received scholarship offers from several other programs, said the decision was easy for him as it is his home state and his family is close. He is the second receiver to commit to the Razorbacks in the 2024 class and 11th pledge overall.
Arkansas finished second in the NCAA Outdoor championship, four points behind Florida. Jaydon Hibbert and Phillip Lemonious won individual titles in the triple jump and 110m hurdles, respectively. Rojé Stona placed second in the discus. Arkansas needed to finish third in the 4 x 400m relay to win the team title, but finished eighth. This is the first time since 1992 that Arkansas swept the NCAA Outdoor long jump and triple jump titles with different individuals.
