FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – In an unexpected turn of events, things are strangely quiet at the University of Arkansas.

No one’s calling for Sam Pittman’s job. Recruits aren’t bailing left and right. If anything, there seems to be optimism the Razorbacks might pick up a few. And, most stunningly of all, it’s a couple of days into December, and most of the news in regard to the transfer portal is about players announcing they are coming back.

With the strong negative atmosphere around Arkansas football the final three weeks of the season, only the biggest fool would have bet on a peaceful final week of November. By Nov. 28, fans knew 16 Razorbacks who were leaving the program for various reasons last season and the media knew of even more. However, this year, we’ve reached Dec. 2 and only six players have announced they are leaving the program, two of whom are going to the NFL, and two others whose names most Razorback fans didn’t recognize.

To be fair, we have heard from at least one player off the record who says he will enter the portal, but a lot has transpired since that conversation took place. There’s also good reason to suspect another will likely go, but, again, things have changed.

There will probably be more departures on Monday when the transfer portal officially opens. However, that’s a long way from where the staff was at this point last season. Arkansas was IN the Liberty Bowl, but there was legitimate concern they weren’t going to be AT the Liberty Bowl. The flood gates were open to the point that it took a lot of effort for Pittman to simply have the minimum number needed to face Kansas.

By the time the Razorbacks began to travel for to Memphis, the Razorback roster had fallen below 50. That’s not the reality Arkansas faces now. Pittman couldn’t beg players to stay last season. Now, between defensive coordinator Travis Williams and newly hired offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, the Razorbacks may need to ask a few players to leave. Otherwise, there won’t be room for a full recruiting class and the number of transfers that will be needed to move the team forward.

Considering exactly a week ago things felt like a repeat of late 2022, that’s a huge accomplishment for Pittman and his staff. Having more players and commits announce they are sticking with the Razorbacks than bailing is simply astounding.

As a result, it’s been all sunshine and rainbows for Arkansas fans over the past six days. Key players coming back. Bobby Petrino returning. Pittman somehow convincing Jeff Lebby to bring Cody Kennedy on as offensive line coach at Mississippi State. Basketball knocking off No. 7 Duke. It’s been a huge week for those who rely on the Razorbacks to provide themselves oxygen.

However, as quickly as the power of positivity took over, it could all come crashing down next week. The lure of what’s on the other side of the portal can be a powerful thing when athletes start checking their debit card balances.

Even if that happens to a degree, one thing is abundantly clear. This will be a normal transfer portal cycle as opposed to the bull rope match Arkansas suffered through last year.
And, that in itself, is truly a miracle.