Razorback Fans Need to Prepare for Portal Movement That Should Happen Soon

Pittman has no choice but to free up roster spots if he wants to improve Arkansas football program

Author:
Kent Smith
Updated:
Dec 13, 2023 2:38 PM EST
Original:
Dec 13, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Razorback fans might want to resign themselves to the idea that over the next week or so, a lot of Arkansas players will likely hit the transfer portal. However, as sad as it is from the perspective of caring about the young men involved, from the view of the overall health of the program, it's a good sign.

Between players returning, those about to sign and those who have already agreed to transfer in, there are essentially no roster spots available. That's not a good thing because Arkansas coach Sam Pittman needs to churn talent in specific areas to greatly enhance this roster so the football program can get turned around and he can keep his job.

Unfortunately, it puts Pittman in a position where he's forced to follow the Musselman method. Much like Arkansas basketball coach Eric Musselman sends players packing even after they've filmed creative videos announcing their return if he thinks he's got someone on the hook who can better serve the next team, Pittman has to encourage players to transfer elsewhere.

He has a legitimate shot at several great athletes who will make Arkansas better next season. However, if there's not a roster spot, he can't do anything about it.

There are players who will leave who appeared to have great potential, especially if given a full four years to develop. The problem is, Pittman isn't in a position to allow the traditional method of growth to take place.

The first time the media was able to walk into the indoor facility and see freshman offensive lineman Joey Su'a in person, he stood out as a physical specimen even among the seniors. He was this massive presence from whom it was hard to look away. The immediate thought was if he has any quickness in his feet, this kid is going to be an All-American some day given proper time.

Only time will tell whether he was encouraged to leave or whether it was a personal decision after weighing the pros and cons of staff changes over the past couple of weeks. The only thing certain is Pittman needs roster spots, so this won't be the last transfer of the year no matter the reason.

So hang back and be patient. There is an overall plan, even though this is always a painful way to execute it regardless of sport. It's just part of the business now.

Watching where players end up once the portal process is complete will give Razorback fans a better feel for how things went. If most of the players who leave after Dec. 12 end up at Group of Five schools, then things swung in the right direction. If SEC teams start snatching them up though, it could be another long season.

Either way, the door is about to be wide open. Pittman has no other choice.