Arkansas has not been ranked and played a ranked opponent in the season opener since 1980, and the Razorbacks expect the atmosphere to be special. QB KJ Jefferson and DB Jalen Catalon are each looking forward to it, and know it’s what they worked for since last season.

“We look forward to the game, we know it’s going to be a competitive game,” Jefferson said. “It’s going to be fun, the atmosphere’s going to be fun and great. We’re looking for a sold-out crowd just like the Texas game was. So we’re all hyped and just anxious to get out there in the stadium and just play against another team.”

Arkansas is ranked No. 19, while Cincinnati is ranked No. 23 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll.

Catalon said Cincinnati is worthy of its ranking, and the Bearcats have a quality coaching staff, so he’s ready to get started.

“We grind for these moments since the offseason started,” Catalon said. “We’ve had great leadership on the team, and we’ve had a lot of good practices put together in fall camp and Cincinnati practice week. So we’ve just got to keep the string going along and when Sept. 3 comes around, we’ll be ready to go.”