Butch Jones, Sam Pittman Share Views Ahead of Historic Arkansas-Arkansas State Matchup
As anticipation builds for the September 6 clash between Arkansas and Arkansas State in Little Rock, Red Wolves head coach Butch Jones is embracing the moment as a landmark opportunity for his program and the state of Arkansas as a whole.
Speaking during Sun Belt Media Days on Tuesday, Jones emphasized the significance of the matchup at War Memorial Stadium, marking the first-ever regular-season meeting between the two FBS programs from the Natural State.
“To be able to go play in our state capitol against the University of Arkansas, and you look at the excitement, you look at the revenue that it’s going to bring—the entire state comes to one place for a weekend,” Jones said. “Is it going to be a great challenge for us? Absolutely. But I think it’s a great opportunity for us, and it’s truly a great opportunity for the entire state of Arkansas.”
The long-awaited matchup also sparked conversation at SEC Media Days, where Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman praised Jones while making his own stance clear on where the series should be played.
“I believe that we should have that rivalry,” Pittman said. “But I want to play them in Fayetteville. That’s what I want to do. You asked me what I want. If we’re going to play Arkansas State, I want to play ’em at home.”
Pittman noted that this year’s game is the final contest under the current contract to play in Little Rock, adding, “Whatever the Governor decides, that’s what she decides. But right now we’re in our last year at Little Rock. It would have to either be there or here. I’m not real interested in going over there and playing.”
For Jones, the matchup also brings a sense of familiarity. The last time he faced the Razorbacks was in 2015, during his tenure at Tennessee. Arkansas defeated the Volunteers 24–20 in a hard-fought battle in Knoxville.
Now at the helm of Arkansas State, Jones sees the Sept. 6 game not just as a test on the field, but as a milestone for unity and pride in Arkansas football.
The showdown in Little Rock is expected to draw fans from across the state and will likely be remembered as one of the most anticipated matchups in recent Arkansas college football history.