Arkansas opens its season Saturday as a massive 40.5-point favorite against North Alabama, but the Lions aren’t walking into Razorback Stadium just to make up the numbers.
That’s the read from Zach McKinnell of FCS FB Central on SI, who pointed to North Alabama’s Week Zero win over Samford as a warning sign for the Razorbacks. The Lions’ defense set the tone in that game, and McKinnell said the performance stood out because of how completely it shut down an offense that usually does damage.
"It was the Lions' defensive dominance against a Samford team that typically has a solid offense,"McKinnell tells Razorbacks on SI. "They held the Bulldogs to -8 rushing yards and only 4.1 yards per play, including one of the highest stuff rates in the country (45%). This was extremely impressive with all the new pieces and young players who are playing key roles for this defense."
If North Alabama is going to keep things interesting, the spotlight starts with the defense again, especially under new coordinator Clint Bowen. But the Lions also bring a few names Arkansas has to track closely on the other side of the ball.
Quarterback Destin Wade, Memphis transfer wideout Xavier Johnson and Georgia State transfer linebacker Cayden Atkins are the three players McKinnell highlighted as key pieces for Arkansas to watch.
"Wade had a really solid 2025 season with the Lions," McKinnell said. "He has experience at the P4 level and looks much more comfortable in this offense.
"Johnson was recruited by Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield at Memphis, and looks like the No. 1 target going into this season. He has elite speed and is able to stretch defenses vertically, which is something to watch this weekend.
"Atkins is another FBS transfer, but was the top playmaker defensively against Samford. He's only a sophomore, but his ceiling is extremely high and led the Lions with 2 TFLs and 2 sacks last weekend."
North Alabama coach Brent Dearmon has also been able to bring in athletic skill players, and McKinnell thinks that could give Arkansas’ secondary a few early tests. Still, he sees the Razorbacks holding an edge there because of their physicality and athleticism.
"North Alabama coach Brent Dearmon has always been able to recruit athletes at the skill positions," McKinnell said. "I still think Arkansas has a few DBs who are going to present challenges for UNA with their physicality and overall athleticism."
The bigger mismatch, though, figures to be up front. McKinnell called the trenches the place where Arkansas should separate, with size, depth and physicality all tilting toward the Razorbacks. He also expects the Hogs to lean on their backs early.
"As with most FCS vs P4 matchups, the advantage is in the trenches," McKinnell said. "Whether it's depth, size, or physicality, the Razorbacks should be able to have their way up front. With two elite RBs, I expect to see plenty of Sutton Smith and Braylen Russell on Saturday.
"Defensively, the Razorbacks should be able to find ways to get pressure on Wade. That's always the biggest mismatch in these types of matchups."
Arkansas has had trouble winning the turnover battle in recent years, and that’s the opening North Alabama needs if it wants to make this one tighter than expected. A couple of takeaways could change the feel of the afternoon fast.
"Win the turnover battle, establish the run, and create explosive plays... That's been the blueprint for FCS over P4 upsets," McKinnell said. "The Lions have to steal possessions with turnovers, shorten the game with their rushing attack and limit possessions for the Razorbacks.
"I don't see UNA being able to consistently move the ball against Arkansas, but explosive plays can be an equalizer, even if the down-to-down success is limited."
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