Razorbacks, Longhorns Renew Rivalry in SEC Showdown This Weekend

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Razorbacks and Texas Longhorns are set to renew their historic rivalry this weekend at Baum-Walker Stadium. This highly anticipated three-game series begins on Thursday, May 1, with the first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Currently ranked No. 11, Arkansas boasts a record of 37-9 and an SEC record of 14-7. Texas, holding the No. 1 spot in the nation, comes into the series with a strong record of 38-5 and 19-2 in conference play. The rivalry dates back to 1974, and this will be their first SEC conference matchup since 1991.

The Razorbacks have faced challenges recently, suffering three consecutive SEC series losses for the first time since 2016. Nonetheless, they are determined to leverage their home-field advantage, having won 24 of their last 26 SEC home weekend series since 2019.

A sweep against Texas could allow Arkansas to match its best 24-game SEC start of 17-7, a mark they have previously achieved in 1999, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024. This historic matchup not only has playoff implications but also aims to restore confidence in the Razorbacks’ season.

Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn acknowledged the competitive nature of the SEC, stating, “Texas has found a way to get those two out of three wins and sweep some weekend series, and that’s why they’ve pulled away.”

On the mound for Texas on Thursday will be right-hander Ruger Riojas, who holds an 8-1 record and a 2.98 ERA. Arkansas will counter with lefty Zach Root, who has a 5-3 record and a 4.50 ERA.

The series will continue on Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m. on SEC Network and conclude on Saturday, May 3, at 2 p.m. with streaming available on SEC Network+. This weekend’s action promises to be both thrilling and critical for both teams as they position themselves for the SEC tournament.

Historically, Arkansas holds a 34-56 overall record against Texas since 1960, including a close 14-15 mark at home in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks have won their last two matchups at Baum-Walker Stadium, with the most recent victory coming during a doubleheader on March 13-14, 2018.

As both teams enter this pivotal series, the tension and excitement are palpable, fostering the legendary rivalry that continues to attract fans from both sides.