The Arkansas Razorbacks represent the University of Arkansas and have built a strong reputation across college athletics. Known for their passionate fans and championship traditions, the football Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas Razorbacks basketball teams have consistently competed at the highest level, making the Razorbacks one of the most respected programs in the SEC.
College Sports Established
1915
Location
Fayetteville, Arkansas
College Name
University of Arkansas
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1915 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1991 – Present / SEC Conference
1915 - 1991 / Southern Conference
Nickname
Razorbacks - Regarding college sports, few teams have a more iconic nickname than the Arkansas Razorbacks. But where did this name come from? It’s an exciting story with roots that go back hundreds of years.
Arkansas Razorbacks Origin
The origin of the “Razorback” moniker dates back to 1809 when James K. Polk was elected President of the United States and founded what would become known as The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR. During his campaign for the presidency, he promised Arkansans that he would bring wild hogs into their state so they could hunt them for food and sport alike - hence why these feral swine became known as “razorbacks."
From there, it wasn't until 1909 when fans began referring to their beloved football team by this same name; however, its use didn't become official until 1910 when then-coach Hugo Bezdek declared his squad "played like a wild band of razorback hogs" after beating LSU 9-0! Since then, not only has “Razorbacks” been used by athletes on campus but also throughout various NCAA sporting events across America - making it one of the most well-known nicknames in all collegiate athletics today!
So next time you cheer on your favorite Arkansas Razorback team or catch up with friends about some NCAA action, make sure you take pride in knowing exactly how this iconic nickname came about: through hard work and dedication from early pioneers who wanted nothing more than success for their beloved university (and state).
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 1
1994
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1964
- 1978
- 1979
- 1991
- 1994
- 2021
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The Arkansas Razorbacks football team wins national championship
In 1964: The Arkansas Razorbacks football team wins its first and only national championship, finishing with an 11-0 record and defeating Nebraska 10-7 in the Cotton Bowl Classic. -
The Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team reaches the NCAA Division I
In 1978: The Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team reaches the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four for the first time in school history, losing to Kentucky 64-59 in the semifinals. -
Razorback – Sidney Moncrief
Moncrief, Marvin Delph of Conway, Arkansas, and Ron Brewer of Fort Smith, Arkansas (“The Triplets”), along with head coach Eddie Sutton and assistant coach Gene Keady, resurrected the University of Arkansas basketball program in the 1970s from decades of modest success and disinterest and helped lay the foundation for what became one of the country’s premier college basketball programs through ... -
Arkansas Razorbacks join the Southeastern Conference
In 1991: The Arkansas Razorbacks join the Southeastern Conference for all sports except men’s basketball, which joins in 1992. -
NCAA Basketball Champions in 1994
The 1994 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament involved 64 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men’s NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 17, 1994, and ended with the championship game on April 4 in Charlotte, North Carolina, played at Charlotte Coliseum. A total of 63 games were played. The Final Four ... -
Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team finishes as the No. 1 team
In 2021: The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team finishes as the No. 1 team in the nation for the regular season and wins its second SEC regular season title and first SEC tournament title.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Arkansas Razorbacks History
The Arkansas Razorbacks have built one of the richest legacies in college athletics. Founded in 1894, the football Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas Razorbacks basketball programs have been cornerstones of the university’s sporting tradition. Known for their fierce competitiveness and passionate fan base, the Razorbacks have consistently stood among the most respected programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
The Razorbacks played their first football game on November 3, 1894, against Fort Smith High School, winning 12–0. That victory marked the beginning of an incredible journey. By 1901, the team joined the Southwest Conference, competing against powerhouses like Texas, Baylor, and Texas A&M. Under legendary coach Frank Broyles, the football Arkansas Razorbacks reached national prominence, claiming the 1964 national championship and multiple conference titles.
When Arkansas joined the Southeastern Conference in 1992, it elevated the program to a new level of national exposure. The Razorbacks immediately became known for their hard-nosed style of play and iconic “Woo Pig Sooie” chant that continues to echo across college stadiums. Over the years, the football Arkansas Razorbacks have produced star players such as Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Ryan Mallett, who left lasting legacies in both college and professional football.
Razorbacks Achievements
The Arkansas Razorbacks basketball program has also flourished with historic success. Led by Coach Nolan Richardson, the team won the 1994 NCAA National Championship and finished as runners-up in 1995. The basketball program remains one of the most competitive in the SEC, known for its “40 Minutes of Hell” defensive intensity and NBA-caliber talent, including Sidney Moncrief and Corliss Williamson.
Beyond football and basketball, Arkansas has excelled in track and field, winning over 40 NCAA team championships — one of the most dominant records in college sports history. Razorback baseball and women’s athletics have also made their mark, further strengthening the school’s overall athletic excellence.
The Arkansas Razorbacks continue to embody pride, resilience, and tradition. Whether it’s on the gridiron, the court, or the track, the Razorbacks’ pursuit of excellence never fades. Their loyal fans and historic achievements ensure that the football Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas Razorbacks basketball teams remain pillars of college sports for generations to come.
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