The Hog Pod with Bo Mattingly

MLB All-Star catcher Tom Pagnozzi spent one season at Arkansas in 1983. Before that year, he had never caught a game in his life. Former Razorback coach Norm DeBriyn took a chance on a guy transitioning to a new position and it changed the trajectory of his career forever. Pags went on to catch for 12 years in the Majors with the St. Louis Cardinals, winning three Golden Glove Awards. After an illustrious career, he chose to come back to where his catching career started, Fayetteville, Ark. He never lost his love for the game, spent years fundraising for the Razorback baseball program and helped develop a local charity for underprivileged youth in sports.

Christian Franklin was a preseason All-American and is a projected first-round draft pick for the 2021 MLB draft—but players like him don't come around that often. Coming to Arkansas from Kansas, Franklin brought an unmatched love for the game and a commitment to one thing: being the best. From his dedication and preparation to his study of the game, he's a unique player. Franklin had big shoes to fill as a center fielder for the Hogs following names like Fletcher and Benintendi—but he never shied away from expectation. He came in and made a splash for the Hogs almost immediately, helping to lead his first squad to Omaha in 2019. Then when COVID hit in 2020 and the facilities shut down, he and Robert Moore would meet up and jump fences at high school fields just to get their reps in. Nothing keeps Christian Franklin from success, and no one works harder to achieve it than this Arkansas outfielder.

There are two things Robert Moore has been around for most of his life: baseball and winning. The son of Royals general manager Dayton Moore, Robert grew up on the diamond and has been a part of everything from an All-Star Game to a World Series win. And when you're around ballparks and baseball all the time, it gives you an identity early in life. But what happens when you lose that identity? It was early on in Moore's freshman year when he had that crisis. So how did he overcome it and become such an impact player for the Diamond Hogs? Now, Moore is thriving at Arkansas. He became the first Razorback to hit for the cycle since 1994, and has emerged as a fan-favorite for one of the best programs in college baseball. And for the guy known to Razorback fans as Big Shot Bob, he's just getting started.

In college athletics, the head coach is the unquestioned leader and face of the program. Most assistant coaches are completely anonymous. But that's not the case for Arkansas women's golf coach Shauna Taylor and assistant Mike Adams. You don't get one without the other. The friendship dates back to Taylor's days in junior golf, when Adams was her instructor, and continued through her college and professional playing career. And it was Adams who was there for support when Taylor's playing days came to a premature end. But getting into coaching has been one of the best decisions of Taylor's life. And when she was chosen to lead Arkansas' program in 2007, she knew who to call. Over the past 14 years, the successes have been impressive, and include an SEC title and 13 straight NCAA Regional appearances. Friends through thick and thin, Taylor and Adams have built a successful program and culture at Arkansas.

There is one thing no coach ever wants to do: follow a legend. The pressure to succeed is unmatched, and many coaches aren't able to escape the shadow left behind. But that's exactly what Chris Bucknam did. The Arkansas men's track & field coach did what most would believe to be impossible—he took over for the most successful coach in NCAA history and was able to find success. Why did he want the job? How was he able to carry on and build on the success of John McDonnell? Chris Bucknam opens up about what it's like to follow a legend.

Charles "Bubba" Carpenter, a Northwest Arkansas native, grew up in small towns south of Fayetteville—something he never let affect his baseball dreams. From practicing with his dad on a small field in Winslow, AR to being called up to the big leagues—baseball has always been the center of his life. Bubba was a 3-time All-Southwest Conference player at Arkansas. Though successful with the Hogs, he didn't have an illustrious pro career. Bubba signed as an amateur free agent with the Yankee's organization in 1991. He then slaved away in the minor leagues for 9 years before finally being called up to the big leagues—a day he reflects on as one of the greatest in his life. Bubba's is a story of perseverance paying off every step along the way.

Brady Toops owns one of, if not the most well-known and monumental moments in Baum-Walker Stadium since its construction. Toops' grand slam vs. Wichita State in 2004 has stood as a defining moment for Arkansas baseball. Being a part of such a shining moment fits Toops very well. He has always possessed an intrigue for the spotlight—from appearing on TV at the CWS, playing minor league baseball, to a reality television show appearance, to traveling the world as a musician, he's done a little bit of everything. But after always chasing the spotlight in what he thought was happiness, his whole understanding of success collapsed. He hit his rock bottom and has since gone on a voyage to find a deep understanding of life, success and self.

The Arkansas men's basketball team had a historic season—the likes Hog fans hadn't seen since its hay day in the 90s—and it was one to remember. Eric Musselman's second season with the Razorbacks had it all: tough losses, a team gut check, come from behind victories, historic runs, the highest seeded NCAA bid in over 20 years and an Elite Eight appearance. We sat down with Coach Muss to talk about the amazing season and what his vision for his team is moving forward.

Senior shortstop Braxton Burnside is Arkansas' single-season home run leader and the glue that holds the Razorback softball team together. But it took her a while to find a home with the Hogs. The small-town Paragould, Ark., native set the high school home run record in the state, but was passed over by the Hogs during the recruiting process, only ever receiving a single letter from her home-state team. Without much interest from her dream school and a strong desire to play in the SEC, Burnside committed to Missouri, where she found success. After a coaching change in Columbia, she decided to transfer, and only had eyes for the Razorbacks. After sitting out her transfer year and a season cut short by Covid-19, Burnside still found a way to write her name in the Razorback record books. This is the story of how a small-town Arkansan—who only ever wanted to be a Hog—found her way home.

Nate Thompson is considered by many to be perhaps the best hitting coach in NCAA baseball. During his time at Arkansas, the Razorbacks have led the SEC in nearly every offensive category and have produced first round talent such as Heston Kjerstad. His success started from unlikely beginnings, as Thompson never played a single baseball game in high school. But Thompson always knew he wanted to be a coach, so he climbed the coaching ranks and found himself among the best in the business. What brought Thompson to Arkansas, and how did he become one of the best in the business?

Arkansas fifth-year senior guard Destiny Slocum had several stops before landing on the Hill. The Idaho native spent a year at Maryland, where she was National Freshman of the Year. Then she went back west to play at Oregon State for two seasons, where she earned two-time All-American honors. But her cross-country playing career wasn't always what she envisioned: The inconsistency mirrored a childhood plagued by instability. Growing up, her mother battled breast cancer while raising Slocum and her four siblings practically by herself. With a father in and out of the home and a mother scraping by to give her five children a life, Slocum created a path for herself playing basketball, but let the uncertainty at home guide her every decision, including where to attend school. Slocum always felt the duty to put her family first over doing what was best for her as an individual. This is the story of how Destiny Slocum found her own voice and eventually found her home at the University of Arkansas.

Kayla Green is the starting catcher for the Razorback softball team and one of Arkansas' top talents—but it was a long road to get here. Growing up with parents struggling with addiction, Kayla's childhood norm was waking up every day not knowing if there would be food to eat. She stepped into a parental role for her two younger siblings before she was even a teenager. And for Kayla, there was only ever one true escape from her reality: softball. When she was 14 years old, her mother was arrested for breaking her parole, and Kayla's long-time softball coach, Brian Jendro and his wife Nicole, decided to take her in. The Jendros provided Kayla with stability and opportunity she never had before, and she was able to achieve her softball dreams—committing to play at Arkansas with a full scholarship. She achieved her goals on the field, but not without learning to heal the scars of her past along the way.

Todd Schaefer is the associate head coach of the Razorback women's basketball team. Throughout his 20+ year career he's done it all: high school, JUCO, D1, assistant coach, head coach, he was even on the scout team for his college football team – all of which perfectly prepared him for a career he never even knew he wanted. Growing up, Schaefer always thought he would be a lawyer, but coaching opportunities fell into his lap. Along his way Schaefer lost his mother to cancer, was mentored by legendary coaches and met a lifelong friend, Mike Neighbors. The two formed a lifelong friendship bonded over basketball and life, always hoping to one day work together. The two got their chance at Washington, where Schaefer joined Neighbor's staff to develop one of the best players in the nation, Kelsey Plum. After a season with the Huskies, he followed Neighbors to Arkansas. An unexpected 20+ year career in coaching, touching every level in the game, learning every step of the way-culminates to a spot at Arkansas helping his lifelong friend reach heights they used to dream about together.

A year ago, Justin Smith was finishing up his junior season at Indiana. Today, he is a standout on the court and team leader for the Arkansas Razorbacks. After graduating in three years with a degree from IU's prestigious Kelley School of Business, Smith was looking for the next spot to take his game to the next level. Coach Musselman immediately impressed Smith. Even though Arkansas wasn't even originally on his radar, they became the frontrunners quickly. What is it about Musselman's program that enticed a Big Ten native to take his talents to the SEC? Smith adds insight into the mind of a transfer, what goes into the process and just what gave Musselman the ultimate edge.

In the last few decades Arkansas baseball has risen from practicing on the old fair grounds in North Fayetteville into a national powerhouse, winning regionals and making frequent trips to Omaha. But what does it take to get there? Great coaches, players, winning and facilities all play a part. The Hogs weren't always postseason regulars. That changed with the Brady Toops grand slam in 2004 that helped Arkansas to its first trip to Omaha under Van Horn. That College World Series appearance increased statewide exposure and popularity, but what took it to the next level was investing in stadium expansions and state of the art facilities to bring in top recruits. Of course, no program can rise without the right person at the helm. We talked to head coach Dave Van Horn, legendary Razorback coach Norm DeBriyn, voice of the Razorbacks Chuck Barrett, former radio analyst Rick Schaeffer, and a fan who's been there through it all—Hognoxious. This is the rise of a program. This is baseball.

Christy Smith is the first name that comes to mind when most Razorback fans think of Arkansas women's basketball. In 1998, the ninth-seeded Hogs, led by Smith, played Cinderella and made it to their first and only Final Four. This is Smith's story: One of how a little girl growing up in the cornfields of Indiana—who picked basketball over cheerleading in first grade and was recruited to Arkansas with an ear of corn—became the first-ever Razorback freshman to start at point guard, and, eventually, the most storied player in Arkansas program history.

Jeremiah Bonsu, a graduate assistant coach at Arkansas, isn't your typical story of the great player who decided to go into coaching once their illustrious career was complete - it is quite the opposite. Bonsu barely made his high school team his senior season. He only had one point to his name his entire career. How did a player that barely saw the floor in high school end up on a D1 basketball team, and is now looking at a promising coaching career? Bonsu's story is a whirlwind tale full of failure, chance and perseverance - finding out a little about himself along the way.

Amber Shirey has been the glue for Arkansas women's basketball for over 30 years. From her small-town roots in Newark, AR, to writing her name in the Razorback record books, to recruiting some of the program's most notable players as an assistant coach, to serving as director of operations; there isn't a part of the women's program that Amber Shirey hasn't touched. For a pinnacle of a program, she is the last person who would boast about her success. Her humility has guided her to become a quiet but strong leader who everyone looks up to.

Student coach, Khalil Garland always wanted to play for the Razorbacks and was one of the top prospects in the state when he arrived at Arkansas in 2017. After undergoing his first routine physical with the team he was diagnosed with a rare heart condition -- ending his playing career forever. Garland had to change his plans and find a new dream. This is the story of how he turned a career ending medical diagnosis into a new dream and purpose - while gaining a new perspective on life.

Four years ago, Arkansas was picked 14th in the SEC. Now, they've started the season ranked 14th in the country, their highest ranking since 2003. How has Mike Neighbors turned the Razorback women's basketball program around and taken it from being one of the worst programs in the league to one of the best? And what does he have in store for the future?

He's a legit four-star prospect, had offers from some of the best programs in college basketball, and is playing like one of the best freshmen in the country. But there's something bigger at play here than just basketball for Moses Moody. He wants to have an impact—both on and off the court. Moody "gets it," and understands that there is power in the path he chooses to follow. How'd he get this wise-beyond-his-years perspective? It's rooted in his family life, but also in having to deal with big expectations from a young age. Those expectations took him from state champion at North Little Rock High School to prep school star at Montverde Academy. And even though Moody spent some time away from his home state, he's motivated to make sure people know exactly what Arkansas is all about. With his talents—both on and off the court—Moody will be putting on a show for years to come.

The first thing you notice about Connor Vanover is the first thing everyone notices about Connor Vanover: He's tall. Really tall. But there's more to Vanover than just his height—he's got serious game, too. It's unusual, but it works: He's a 7'3" big man who shoots it like a guard, at a career rate of nearly 40 percent from deep. And that's not the only usual thing about Vanover's journey, which took a roundabout path to Arkansas. After a stop at Findlay Prep in Las Vegas, Vanover ended up at Cal. And just as things were starting to come together late in his freshman season, his coach got fired. Enter Eric Musselman and his staff, who convinced him to play for his home-state team, and follow in the footsteps of his mom—who holds the single-game blocks record for the Razorback women's basketball team. Vanover has his sights set high. And at 7-foot-3, he might be close enough to reach them.

He's only been a full-time starter for a year, but Jalen Catalon has already become a fan favorite for his big plays—and even bigger hits. The redshirt freshman is already invoking memories of some of the safeties to ever play for the Razorbacks: Names like Atwater, Kennedy, Hamlin and Bua. And it's with good reason. Catalon is the first SEC freshman since Eric Berry in 2007 to record at least 86 tackles and three interceptions in a season. And if 2020 was a full, 12-game season, there'd be several freshman records in jeopardy. But, like the season, Catalon's journey has been anything but normal. Just like at Arkansas, Catalon got off to a fast start at the high school level, setting a school record for tackles in just his third game. He would play both safety and quarterback as a junior, earn Texas defensive player of the year honors, and earn a 4-star ranking. But then, just one game into his senior season, a torn ACL ended his high school career, one which some said could have been among the best in the state's storied history. It was devastating. Catalon's 'why' is to be one of the best. And if he has his way, this is a story that's just getting started.

When you're as multitalented as Eddie Jackson, it can be hard to figure out exactly what you want to do. Or, you can just be like Eddie and do it all. Jackson excelled at multiple sports as a kid—in addition to being one of the top track athletes in Texas, he was a standout in football and basketball. And after deciding to focus on football and track, he landed at Arkansas. Jackson had to overcome some adversity and a couple position changes as a freshman, but then made an instant impact—both on the field and on the track, where he would help the Razorbacks win four national titles. But always in the background? His love of food. And when his football career was over after more than four seasons in the NFL, Jackson lit a fire under his new passion. If there's one thing Jackson can't stand, it's standing still. He's always full of energy and on the move. Eddie Jackson always has something cookin'.

2020 has presented a unique set of challenges for college coaches everywhere. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to be a part of everyday life, Eric Musselman enters his second season at Arkansas with a lot of unknowns. What we do know is this: The pandemic has made getting an idea of where Musselman is in the program-building process more difficult than usual. And with so many new faces on the roster, what challenges does that present? And why is coaching basketball in a pandemic so different than football? What will this season look like? This is Basketball in a Pandemic with Eric Musselman.

Creating a nonconference basketball schedule is a game in and of itself. Few have learned to play that game better than Eric Musselman and his staff. Everything in his program is about finding competitive advantages—whether it's through using advanced analytics, marketing or, in this case, scheduling. And the guy making it all happen is director of basketball operations Anthony Ruta, who is tasked with crafting a schedule that will help the Razorbacks reach the NCAA Tournament. The amount of work that goes into putting that puzzle together is fascinating. And, make no mistake, it is a puzzle. So how does Arkansas use scheduling to build a competitive advantage? From building depth charts for every team in the country to projecting where teams will finish in their conference…this is how it works.

No player is referred to as Arkansas' G.O.A.T.—greatest of all time—more than Darren McFadden. And rightfully so: He's one of the best running backs in college football history. But for the Little Rock native, the path to greatness wasn't always apparent. For one, he had to overcome obstacles in his childhood. And that's where football came in, serving as an escape of sorts for McFadden and keeping him out of trouble. On the field, McFadden quickly proved to be an elite talent, but only had eyes for the Razorbacks. And after starting his Arkansas career down on the depth chart, McFadden quickly made a name for himself, setting a school freshman rushing record and earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors. As a sophomore, he would lead Arkansas to the SEC championship game and become the school's first Heisman Trophy finalist. He repeated that feat a year later, and wrapped up a three-year career having provided some of the most iconic moments in Razorback history. Is Darren McFadden the greatest of all time? That's for each Razorback fan to decide. But this is how he captivated a state and made the people of Arkansas proud.

There's no question that Sam Pittman has captured the college football world's attention. Pittman has already doubled Arkansas' SEC win total of the past three seasons. So what has he done that has the Razorbacks looking like an entirely different program? Pittman has earned the trust of his players, and is honest and up front. Making no secret that he's at Arkansas to stay, we go inside Pittman's first year on the job to find out what he's done and how he's doing it.

There's a certain respect earned from hard work and determination. For Arkansans, it's often referred to as the fighting Razorback spirit. It's grit, toughness, and most of all, the underdog mentality—when others doubt you, you get better. It's the DNA of Razorback linebacker Grant Morgan, who's been out to prove himself since Day 1. When tempted by doubt, Morgan just works harder and never quits believing in himself. After beginning his career as a walk-on, now, Morgan is a starter and captain who's earned everything. He's Arkansas built and Razorback tough. The kid from Greenwood is no longer being overlooked.

For some, football is a way of life. For others, it's just what they do, not who they are. And for Joe Dean Davenport, he's always been a rancher at heart. He didn't really get into football until junior high, and didn't even really know the rules until high school. For Davenport, it was more something to do than anything else. As it turned out, though, he was pretty good. He started getting recruiting letters and invited on visits. But Davenport only had eyes for the Razorbacks and a campus he grew up less than 30 minutes away from. In his time at Arkansas, he would turn into an NFL-caliber player. And even though there's one game he still hasn't watched, his time with the Hogs was a success. So why, when presented with an opportunity to play at the next level, would he simply walk away, only to come back to the NFL a year later? And how has his life taken him full circle, from the farm to the NFL and back?

There's something to be said for the "pull" of the Razorbacks. You come to the University of Arkansas from outside the state, and you end up never wanting to leave. And in Marvin Caston's case, that's exactly what happened, even though he didn't know it at the time. Caston is the product of hard work growing up in northern Louisiana. He worked from a young age to help provide for his family, and football provided a way to have some fun. And though his Razorback career wouldn't get off to the best of starts, he ended up being a part of Houston Nutt's 1998 and '99 teams that went 17-7 over a two-year stretch. And when the opportunities arose to keep helping the university and its community—first in the compliance department and now with the Razorback Foundation—he jumped at the chance. Marvin Caston may not have originally planned on being a Razorback, but Arkansas is lucky to have him.

In many ways, Madre Hill helped save Arkansas football. It's no secret the Razorbacks struggled in their last years in the Southwest Conference and the SEC had proven to be a challenge. Enter Hill. Considered the top running back prospect in the nation after a record-setting career at Malvern High, he had offers from all the big-time programs. But he chose Arkansas because he wanted to help rescue the program. And when Hill got his chance as a sophomore, he was as good as advertised. He ran for what was then a school-record 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the Razorbacks to the SEC West title. But then…disaster. Hill tore his ACL in the SEC Championship Game and missed the 1996 season. Then, in the spring of '97, he injured his OTHER knee. But he kept fighting, came back for the '98 season and remarkably still made it to the NFL. It's worth wondering what might have been had Hill not suffered those injuries. Perhaps he'd be alongside Darren McFadden as the best to ever wear a Razorback uniform. But Hill doesn't dwell on the past. He's grateful for the time he had helping to rescue the Razorbacks.

Ryan Mallett is one of the best players in Razorback history. But his college career didn't start with the Razorbacks and from his perspective, there was a good reason why. Mallett's talent was evident at a young age. Michigan was the first to take notice and eventually earned Mallett's commitment, but after the legendary Lloyd Carr retired, Mallett's boyhood dream of becoming a Hog began to look like more of a reality. After sitting out a year because of transfer rules, it became clear that Ryan Mallett was a perfect fit for head coach Bobby Petrino. And in 2010, Arkansas made its first-ever BCS bowl appearance. Though there were ups and downs, missteps and misunderstandings. Ryan Mallett gave Arkansas some of its best SEC memories, culminating as an NFL starter and eight year league veteran. Now, he's doing what he grew up around: coaching ball.

To say it was a long and winding road that brought Feleipe Franks to Arkansas might be an understatement. Born into a military family and raised on farm tending to horses, values matter to Franks…even though past perception might be different. After originally committing to LSU, Franks ended up at Florida. He spilt time starting as a redshirt freshman, and then found success in 2018—leading the Gators to a Peach Bowl win. But questions about his maturity lingered. Then…heartbreak. In the third game of the 2019 season, Franks suffered a devastating leg injury that cost him the season. Following the injury, Franks realized his future lay elsewhere. After the decision to transfer, he's ready to start fresh at Arkansas AND leave the doubters in his rearview. How has he grown from mistakes to become a better leader—so much so that he's now an Arkansas team captain? Feleipe Franks is ready to make a lasting impression on the Razorbacks.

The Razorback Daily is a one-stop shop for everything fans need to know about the Hogs: the biggest stories, exclusive interviews and opinions on the most important news of the day. This new podcast is a game-changer for Arkansas fans, giving them the latest news and insights about the Hogs. Hosted by Chuck Barrett, every episode will be ready and waiting for fans first thing each morning. Coming Sept. 21.

She's one of the best players for a nationally ranked Arkansas women's soccer program. She's been named to an All-SEC First Team, and is a constant scoring threat. But Parker Goins almost didn't end up at Arkansas. Recruited by soccer powerhouse North Carolina—a program that's won 21 of 31 national titles—why did Goins choose the on-the-rise Razorbacks? Friendship played a key role there, as it does throughout her story. Goins only started playing soccer because she wanted to spend time with her friends. And since then, those friends have been by her side for all the big moments, both good and bad. Now a senior, Goins is ready to take the SEC by storm once again. And as always, her friends will be right there with her.

He's regarded as a special teams savant, and one of the hardest workers in the business. And he just so happens to be Sam Pittman's assistant head coach and special teams coordinator. Scott Fountain has been a part of four teams that have played for national titles, and has played a key role as a special teams coordinator for some unforgettable moments, including the "Kick Six." Along the way, he's coached alongside some of game's best coaches, including Bobby Bowden, Mark Richt, Gene Chizik and Kirby Smart. Fountain's career—one that began coaching high schoolers in his native Alabama—has led to him becoming one of the preeminent special teams coaches in the game. Now, it's worth asking: What does that mean for Arkansas? If it's true that "special teams wins championships," then hiring a guru is a good place to start.

Dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic has become part of everyday life. And its impact on sports has been undeniable, with cancellations and postponements of major events and leagues dominating the headlines. And just like any other college or university with an eye on playing football—and other sports—this fall, the University of Arkansas has taken steps to make its student-athletes, coaches and staff members as safe as possible. In this bonus episode of the podcast, we catch up with Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek to find out what the Razorbacks are doing, and how he's handling the pandemic as a leader. And to get better insight into what steps the athletic department is taking, you'll also hear from team doctors Chris Arnold and Kent Hagan.

Arkansas has a long history of producing great running backs. And Rakeem Boyd is no exception. His career average of 6.17 yards per carry would rank second in school history among running backs, behind only Felix Jones. And only three running backs in Arkansas history rushed for more yards through their first two seasons than Boyd: Dickey Morton, Alex Collins and Darren McFadden. The McFadden comparisons come naturally: Boyd wears his No. 5, and has made no secret of the fact that he wants to be like one of the all-time greats. So how did Boyd end up trying to chase down Arkansas' rushing records? When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, he and his family were evacuated and relocated to Houston. And it was only then when he started to play football. He would head to Texas A&M, but had to leave after a redshirt year because of poor grades. That led him to Independence Community College and Last Chance U. And after a starring turn at the JUCO, Boyd is making a name for himself at the top level of college football.

Anthony Lucas was ahead of his time. The talented receiver made big play after big play and rewrote the Arkansas record books in the late '90s. Those records would stand until the age of wide-open offense came to college football. And yet he still holds the career record for most 100-yard receiving games. He's one of the greats. But how much did he have to overcome to get there? Lucas didn't have a good enough ACT score to qualify out of high school. But instead of going the JUCO route, he went ahead and enrolled at Arkansas, focusing on his grades. When he got on the field a year later, he made an impact. But the good times wouldn't last: Lucas suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first game of his sophomore season. And to top it off, his coach got fired. But Anthony Lucas isn't the type who wants pity. Instead, he got to work. And he became one of the best receivers in school history, responsible for countless fan-favorite moments.

Ken "The Hammer" Hamlin definitely earned his nickname. Hamlin was a nightmare for opposing wide receivers, who knew that if they ventured into Hamlin's part of the field, they better brace for impact. He was an incredible athlete who found success at Arkansas, where he left as the school's all-time tackles leader and was beloved by fans for his hard hits and energy. After leaving the Razorbacks following his junior season, he would become a second-round draft pick by the Seahawks, and would go on to make the 2007 Pro Bowl. But just because you're known as "The Hammer" doesn't mean you're invincible. And that's something Hamlin knows all too well. How did he almost lose everything one night outside a Seattle nightclub? And how did that one night help him change his life forever?

1998 was an exciting year for Razorback fans. Led by first-year coach Houston Nutt, the Hogs put a much-needed jolt of excitement into the fan base. A big part of that was Arkansas' Code Red defense, led by first-year coordinator Keith Burns. But Code Red was more than a scheme—it was a way of life. And Burns was the perfect guy to lead it. For Burns, his passion for the Razorbacks began during his playing career under Lou Holtz in the early '80s. That passion is what led him to leave USC and join Nutt's staff at Arkansas. And for two seasons, Burns and the Razorback defense didn't back down from anyone. So how did it all come together and form a perfect storm that terrorized SEC offenses? It was the right coach in the right place at the right time.

Junior college football is the place where urban legends are born. Some of the best—past and present—went to a JUCO, including guys like Aaron Rodgers, Warren Moon and Cam Newton. And while JUCO football was brought more into the mainstream by the Netflix series "Last Chance U," it isn't exactly glamorous. Just ask new Arkansas linebackers coach Rion Rhoades. Rhoades spent the past 14 seasons as a JUCO head coach, including 13 years at Hutchinson Community College. He's seen it all. But how does a lifelong JUCO coach fit in at Arkansas, where he's getting his first taste of the Power 5 level? And how have the fires he's dealt with at the JUCO level prepared him for what he calls a dream job?

Thirty years ago, something happened that would change the course of Arkansas athletics forever—the Razorbacks left the Southwest Conference for the SEC. It's a move that has been a boon for the Razorbacks—not only did they join what's become the best conference in collegiate athletics, but the financial benefits have allowed Arkansas to be nationally competitive with some of the best facilities in the country. But the move didn't happen overnight. It took thought, planning and vision from legendary Razorback athletic director Frank Broyles. Without him, who knows where Arkansas might've ended up? So how did everything come together? What were those meetings between Arkansas and the SEC like? And what made the Razorbacks attractive to a league looking to expand? In this episode, former SEC commissioner Roy Kramer takes us back to how it all happened… with the help of archived audio from the late Frank Broyles.

Basketball has taken David Patrick all over the world—literally. Born in Bermuda, Patrick grew up in Australia, where he discovered the game that would change his life. A high school move to America helped him catch the eye of coaches, and he would be part of a Final Four team at Syracuse before transferring to Louisiana-Lafayette to finish his college career. Then, it was on to a pro career that would take him to Australia, England and Spain. But along the way, he never had plans on being a coach. So how did a $5,000 job launch the career of one of the top recruiters in the country? He's landed players like Patty Mills, Matthew Dellavedova and Ben Simmons. And after leaving his first head coaching job, he has his sights set on helping Eric Musselman build the Razorback basketball program. It's time to get to know Arkansas assistant David Patrick.

Tyler Wilson was always talented. He set records in high school as a quarterback and pitcher at Greenwood High School. Then, he came to Arkansas and rewrote the record books. After playing briefly as a true freshman in 2008, Wilson sat for two years behind Ryan Mallett, but burst onto the scene against Auburn in 2010 after an injury to the starter. And then in 2011, he quarterbacked Arkansas to its first 11-win season since 1977, and entered 2012 as one of the top QBs in the country. And though things went sideways quickly for the Razorbacks in Wilson's senior season, he still left Arkansas as one of the best to ever do it. But it almost didn't happen. How did one of the best quarterbacks in school history almost never suit up for the Hogs? How does he look back on that fateful 2012 season? And does he still have lingering doubts that he picked the right sport?

Under head coach Shauna Taylor, the Arkansas women's golf program has become one of the most successful teams on campus. Two of the biggest reasons why? Gaby Lopez and Maria Fassi. Though both hail from Mexico, Arkansas quickly became a second home. First for Lopez, who would win three times in college and become a two-time All-American, and has since won twice on the LPGA Tour. And then for Fassi, who would help the Razorbacks win their first SEC title in 2018 and then win the NCAA individual title in 2019 in Fayetteville, all while becoming the first two-time winner of the Annika Award—the Heisman Trophy of women's golf. With Taylor's guidance and Lopez and Fassi setting the standard, this is a program that's risen to be one of the best in college golf. How'd it happen? Find out as Taylor chats with Lopez and Fassi in this bonus episode of the podcast.

Travis Swanson holds a rare distinction in Razorback football history: He's one of only a handful of guys who played for three different head coaches in his Arkansas career. Recruited by Bobby Petrino, Swanson was the starting center for the most successful two-year stretch in program history. But by the time Petrino was gone, Swanson still had two years of eligibility, meaning he played for both John L. Smith and Bret Bielema, as well. Despite the Razorbacks going just 7-17 over his final two seasons, Swanson continued to develop. How did he go from being an unheralded prospect out of Houston to one of the top offensive linemen in the country? Swanson would take a strong work ethic all the way to a five-year career in the NFL. And then, all of sudden, he went out on own his terms. How did one major life change have such a profound impact on Travis Swanson that he decided to put his football career in the rearview? It's been a memorable ride for Swanson, who's always ready to outwork everybody else.

For most football players, making it to the NFL is the high point of their careers. Then again, Jake Bequette isn't like most football players. Sure, his football life reads like a movie script: He was a third generation Razorback from Little Rock who ended up playing a vital role on teams that went 21-5 over a two-year stretch. And perhaps the program's biggest win in the SEC era—against LSU to clinch a Sugar Bowl berth—came in his hometown, in the stadium where he played in high school. He topped off his Razorback career by getting drafted by the most successful NFL franchise of the past two decades—the New England Patriots. But his four-year NFL career was marred by injuries, and when he retired in 2015, he knew what he wanted to do: Join the Army. And it's been the culmination of a longtime goal for Bequette, who has completed Ranger School and served a tour in Iraq as a First Lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division. While many Razorback fans will remember what he did on the field, Bequette hopes to one day be known for serving a greater purpose.

In this special bonus edition of The Hog Pod, we catch up with Razorback baseball coach Dave Van Horn, the active leader among coaches in number of trips to the College World Series. We chat about what makes his teams successful in the postseason, relieve some of his favorite moments and talk about how the Covid-19 pandemic will affect college baseball.