The Razorbacks were trending up with head coach Sam Pittman. In his 2nd season at Arkansas in 2021, Pittman’s influence resulted in a 9-win campaign and the program’s first ranking (21) in 10 years.

But since then, the Hogs have been going the other way. A 7-win season in 2022, followed by an even more disappointing 4-8 showing this year has Pittman hanging on by a thread as the Razorbacks look ahead to the 2024 schedule.

Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions the Razorbacks might be making in hopes of reversing that trend and returning to their winning ways.

1. Turn that damn jukebox on

The iconic celebration has lately gone silent. The cobwebs continue to grow on Arkansas’ locker room music maker and that silence has become deafening. More music, more postgame celebrations are what Pittman must have in 2024. How to make that come about is the real question — especially considering they just lost QB KJ Jefferson to the portal. But Pittman must find a way to make it happen if he is to continue leading the program.

2. Turn Bobby Petrino loose

Welcome back Mr. Petrino. The Razorbacks program hasn’t been the same since Petrino recorded back-to-back double-digit-win seasons (2010-11). It was only the 3rd time in program history to be accomplished and first since Ken Hatfield’s 1988-89 teams won 10 games in each season. He’s back to run the Arkansas offense, and Pittman would be wise to get out of his way and let him run it.

3. Let’s go bowling … again

Pittman got the Hogs bowling again after the 2021 and 2022 seasons, ending a 4-year bowl drought, the longest for the program since the bowl-less years of 1955-58. Getting the program back on target would begin with becoming bowl eligible once again in 2024. That would be considered “baby steps” for some, but after a 4-win season, qualifying for a bowl game would be a nice step in the right direction.

4. Find a QB fit

With Petrino returning to run the offense, finding a quarterback to execute it is critical. Jefferson would have been ideal, but …. He remains undecided on his future and the possibility still exists that he could change his mind and return to the Hogs. In either case, Petrino must come up with a quarterback who can carry out his game plan.

5. Develop a run game

The Razorbacks’ run game was 11th in the SEC this season. Only Kentucky, Vanderbilt and South Carolina rushed for fewer yards. To make matters worse, the Hogs’ top 2 rushers (Jefferson and AJ Green), along with Rocket Sanders are all in the portal. That opens the door for Rashod Dubinion, Isaiah Augustave and Dominique Johnson to carry the load. The trio has proven to be capable in backup roles, combining for 629 yards and 3 TDs on 148 carries, but must now step up their games to be the workhorses for Arkansas in 2024.

6. Get some help from the portal

With graduation and the transfer portal, Pittman and the Razorbacks are left with many holes to fill. Therefore, Pittman must dip into the portal to find some help. While offense remains the focus, Pittman has also plucked 4-star LB Xavian Sorey from Georgia. He’s also added 3 OL and Boise State QB Taylen Green, who this season for the Broncos threw for 1,752 yards and 11 TDs in addition to rushing for 436 yards and 9 scores.

7. Landon Jackson step to the forefront

The transfer from LSU has already displayed characteristics of a leader. He added 40 pounds to his frame and as a team captain in 2023 led the Razorbacks with 13.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks. Now, after announcing he would be back for 1 more season, it’s time for Jackson to play an even bigger role and become the team leader on defense.

8. Replace the popular Guiton

Popular receivers coach Kenny Guiton, who stepped in to infuse some firepower into a stagnant offense as interim OC following the firing of Dan Enos, has moved on to Wisconsin. Now Pittman must find a replacement for one of the more well thought of coaches on the staff. Finding someone as respected as Guiton will be a task. Guiton spent 3 seasons at Arkansas and, as interim OC for the final 4 games, the Razorbacks averaged 26.8 points and 327.3 yards per game.

9. Improve the OL

Redshirt senior veterans Brady Latham and Beaux Limmer are the leaders on an offensive line that will see some new faces in 2024. Pittman sought relief from the transfer portal and so far has brought in a trio of 3-star transfers that include Addison Nichols (Tennessee), Fernando Carmona (San Jose State) and Keyshawn Blackstock (Michigan State).

10. Beef up the passing game

Among SEC teams, only Mississippi State and Auburn threw for fewer yards this season than Arkansas (2,250). Leading receiver Andrew Armstrong returning should help. Armstrong caught 56 passes for 764 yards and 5 TDs. He’s among the 7 of Arkansas’ top 8 receivers who are returning for 2024. Who will throw to them is the biggest question mark, however.