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[00:01]
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[00:32]
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[00:50]
Interviewer
Alright, we're here at John Nabors inside Arkansas. You know what we have in common, John?
[00:56]
John Neighbors
A beard.
[00:56]
Interviewer
Well, not only that, but drink. Dodged us too this. This season, man.
[01:01]
John Neighbors
Man, that's brutal. That's brutal. I think after last year, once he came on the show with me and you in the same year, I. I think it's too much for him to handle. I think that the strain was too much for him to bear.
[01:13]
Co-host
It is.
[01:13]
Interviewer
Or is it that he just fears Arkansas?
[01:15]
John Neighbors
No, we know it's not that.
[01:18]
Interviewer
Damn it. I was trying to set you up.
[01:19]
John Neighbors
I know, I know. Oh, listen, it's like I will, as I've always said with that whole thing with Missouri, I still stand by what I said. I'm not changing what I said, but something like that, I'm not going to say it just for the sake of saying it, but hey, it's been fun. I mean, if I was Missouri, I'd be happy to be in 2 and 7 against Arkansas since joining the SEC or 7 and 2 against Arkansas since joining the SEC.
[01:38]
Co-host
Well, on that note, man, I mean, we're so used to seeing that game late in the year, you know. What are your thoughts on rivalry week in the way it fell out? Oh, I am.
[01:47]
John Neighbors
I mean, as tickled as can be. I don't know if I can say this, but if my nipples were any harder, my clothes would explode. Because I am excited. The fact that we get LSU at the end of the year. Now I know LSU doesn't care and that's fine. And I know that, you know, world's like, oh, you're just, you don't like it because you always lost in Missouri. I was like, kind of maybe part of it too, but I grew up playing Arkansas, Missouri or Arkansas, LSU end of season. And it was in War Memorial back in the day. Every year. It's not that anymore. But there were a lot of times in the early mid 2000s that that game decided who won the West. And it's just nice. It kind of just feels right, I guess, is really what it's about. Just feels right to have it back. I'm not going to sit here and pretend that like, oh, now that it's here, it's going to rival the Iron bowl or the Egg. It's not that, but it's just nice to be able to, you know, have a game that a lot of people are going to be paying attention to and watching because at least one team most years will be in the College Football Playoff contention. I won't say which team, you know, it could be either one, but it's just nice to have it back.
[02:44]
Interviewer
Now, obviously there's negativity and for a reason with Arkansas, but I'm done with that, Shane. I'm done with it. I want to know what are you optimistic about, about the Razorbacks heading into the 26 season?
[02:54]
John Neighbors
Well, first of all, that's when you know things are bad, when you're like, I'm tired of being so negative that I'm just gonna have to switch it up. I'm getting sick. But I feel you on that. Listen, there is no optimism for the most part, but. But there are reasons to believe into what they're trying to do with Ryan Silverfield that could really make a difference. And here's the thing, I could sit here and be like, well, this, you know, they're going to have these great defensive lineman and forget all that noise. Arkansas 17 and 49 and one possession game since 2012. If you cut those losses in half, made them wins. Arkansas is averaging an extra two wins a season. And think about that six win that went to an eight win or that eight win that went to 10 win and just how the entire program is viewed differently. It is, well, what usually is the case into why you lose one possession games in football, not all of them are created equal, but it's usually the little things that fumble, that penalty, that third and long, that sack you took, you know, just those little things make the difference. And the one thing that I will give Ryan Silverfield a lot of credit, especially when he was at Memphis and the thing that he's been really hammering home is about the protecting of the ball, like not turning the ball over and not having penalties. That's what every coach wants. We know that. But I think that his approach, whatever it is, he was successful at it at Memphis. I think he's really putting it forth here at Arkansas. And will they be the most talented team? No. Will they have the best offense, defense? No. But if they get into those one possession games, which has been haunting Arkansas, I at least like what they're trying to do to try to avoid blowing those games. Because as you guys know, last year, if Arts has a fumble against Ole Miss on the road or against Memphis on the road, Sam Pittman is starting 4 0. And Ole Miss may not be in the playoff, but you did. So it's like those little things that you got to keep from having because Arkansas has been good enough to compete, been good enough to win, but they are their own undoing in previous years. And I think Silverfield's trying to change that.
[04:50]
Co-host
Have you been around this team, this new team? Because, I mean, you had what, 40 come in, 40 leave? It felt like, I mean, this is a whole new roster compared to some, some past Arkansas teams. Is there anything that stands out to you?
[05:04]
Interviewer
It's.
[05:05]
John Neighbors
It's a very strange thing because, you know, you got a whole new coaching staff and a whole new roster. Essentially. I feel like that, you know, you, like when, if you're in elementary school and you made all your friends and suddenly your family moves to cross country and you got to go to a new school and you're just like, I got to make this work, but I don't know anybody, and it's like this awkward, like, how do I make friends? You know, it's. It feels that same way with Arkansas, where there's just so much newness, but there's just no optimism to go along with it. Because usually new coaches make that. But now to say, like, listen, you got Quincy Rhodes back, which was massive. I mean, it was massive. You had to do something like that. But besides that, you have a lot of guys that you're hoping can translate, you know, like Joker Johnson, the transfer defensive back from Tulane is awesome, but okay, but now you're in the sec, so how's that going to work? You got a guy like Kimora House from North Carolina who's a great player last year. How's this going to work? Jamonte Waller, which I'm a huge fan of, Auburn transfer, he was hurt last year, but how's he going to. So there's just like all these things where it looks and feels like it's going to be okay with the roster and a lot of these players can make sense and work, but how's it going to work with this coaching staff in the sec?
[06:10]
Interviewer
It.
[06:10]
John Neighbors
It's really hard to tell right now. So I don't think anybody knows really anything about these this team. I mean we can sit here and say what it could potentially be, but the only thing that I feel confident in right now is that you got one heck of a pass rusher and Quincy Rhodes and the rest of it could be great, could be good, could be bad, could be average. No clue
[06:32]
Interviewer
when we're talking to home games. Arkansas's got a lot of ridiculously tough
[06:36]
John Neighbors
conference games, as is tradition.
[06:38]
Interviewer
Georgia tennant. Well, if you're a season ticket holder, you're going to get some games, you know, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Carolina, lsu. Which one do you think is a most likely win for Arkansas this year?
[06:49]
John Neighbors
Georgia easily. No, I'm just messing. You know, honestly, I think, I think it's South Carolina not to say that because there's not. Let me be clear. There's not a single game on this SEC schedule for Arkansas where I'm like Arkansas's better. They're going to win that game. There's not one. They didn't win a game last year. So I am not saying this is a guarantee, but when Arkansas plays South Carolina later in the year, I think it's their third to last game of the season. By that point, not saying it for sure happened, but by that point Shane Beamer may be fired. You know, they may have an interim situation, they may have let go of the rope. It could be like Arkansas was last year, you know, so looking at the timing of it, looking at the fact it's a home game, the fact that, you know there's with Beamer being at South Carolina, I'm not intimidated by him, is thinking that he's just this like, oh, Arkansas Silverfield's going to get out coach completely. Like I feel like if you're going to point to a game and say, hey, what's your best home chance of having a home win in the sec? It has to be that one right now.
[07:47]
Co-host
Well, speaking of games, I think you made the comment and I don't want to misquote you, but you said maybe season defining was the Vanderbilt game is what you were looking back and I agree. I think that would be a pivotal matchup. But do you think that's the most important game on Arkansas schedule?
[08:05]
John Neighbors
It honestly is just depending on what like what perspective you look at it at. Like for me, I truly believe the, the season defining like everything is Utah week two.
[08:15]
Co-host
Yeah.
[08:16]
John Neighbors
If Arkansas goes on the road to Utah and win that game, I'm, I'm looking At it like this could be a 6 and 16, which is crazy to think is that. But that's an incredible year. It really is. But if they lose, you're kind of like, I just don't see how they'll be able to get to a six win season just given circumstances. So to me that's the most important one from that perspective. But when it comes to the sec, the reason I say Vanderbilt is because it's like right smack in the middle of the year, it's on the road to Nashville. And I know Clark Lee's done a great job obviously that 10 win season last year, but I don't think anybody's looking at him and saying that's going to be a repeat 10 win team. And again, you got that stretch in the middle of the year in the SEC play. If you're going to win games, it has to be that you're not. You're not winning Georgia or A and M on the road in the beginning of the year. You're not beating Texas on the road or LSU at home at the end of the year, like you're not doing that. So it's that middle spot on the road against Vanderbilt. You do that. Then I feel like you do beat South Carolina. I feel like you can beat Auburn on the road. And I also feel like, you know, which, the Missouri games on Halloween this year, which again I like. But you know that you just get a little bit more confidence that you could pull that off. So to me, if you told me that, hey, the only game I'm going to tell you right now that you're winning this year is Vanderbilt on the road. I'm like, to me that means that you probably end up being a 6 and 6 caliber team or at least you're going to be winning. First off, you win an SEC game, which is great to end the losing streak, but you feel like you're in a really good position to win some other games. In those matchups they talk about it,
[09:42]
Co-host
I mean, Vegas comes out and says four and a half. And me and Mike, we're saying they're begging you to take the under, which, you know, you look at your schedule. Yeah, you got, was it North Alabama? Is that the first one? And then you have Tulsa and you're like, okay, those are the two wins but where are the other ones at? And you're looking at it. So I just, I don't know, man. I feel like Arkansas is poised to ruin a couple of team seasons for sure.
[10:05]
John Neighbors
Yeah, we're really good at that we don't have good seasons but we ruin other people. Yeah. So I've been a part of. I mean yes, it's like it's a store. It's a tales of this time. But I, I look at Arkansas schedule and you know, trying to find those wins and everything and I get it. Like there's not, like I said, there's not an SEC game where my Arkansas is the better team right now. Like if I was. That game is going to be played today. But I'm telling you, and I mean this, if they go 09, which hey, they'll be the first SEC team ever to go 09. If they go, if they go on nine, I'm out, I'm done. I'm done with. I, I cannot.
[10:37]
Interviewer
You can.
[10:37]
John Neighbors
This era. I don't care what the circumstance is in the SEC with transfer portal, with Nil, everything. You cannot go on nine and keep your job. I felt that way before in Arkansas. Trust me, they've had plenty of over seasons recently and when, I mean how many coaches in college football and sc, maybe you guys know, maybe Clark Lee might be the example. But my. How many coaches have gone over at his SEC school in a season and ended up being great? Very, very few.
[11:03]
Interviewer
Holtz, baby.
[11:05]
Firestone Auto Care Announcer
Yeah.
[11:05]
John Neighbors
I mean yeah, he was probably the closest but it's like, you know, again there's examples of it, but I think there's more examples of coaches that did go over, you know, Joker Phillips, Gene Chisk. Well just Gene Chisk won a title. Mason. So yeah, Derek Mason. So it's. I just can't imagine this year's team. And also too that would give you 20 straight losses in SEC play. Which by the way guys, another exciting little stat for you. This is the third, third different double digit losing streak in SEC play that Arkansas has had since 2012. How about that? Isn't that fun?
[11:36]
Co-host
Great.
[11:38]
John Neighbors
Yeah.
[11:39]
Interviewer
Hey, well, I gotta credit you. I don't know if you saw this, but Shane was asking everybody, you know, biggest disappointment this season in the sec and Reagan who you work with said Arkansas Razorback. So you have trained her well in the ways of the Razorbacks. But other than Arkansas, you know, maybe not disappointment the right word, but who do you think takes the biggest step back in the conference this year?
[12:01]
John Neighbors
Oh, so if by, by putting it that way, I was honestly going to say LSU as far as. But not that they're taking a step back because more of like disappointment. More like I just, I think that's a 9 and 3 team at best. Just being honest which is not bad, trust me. But to their expectation it is. But as far as a step back goes, you know, I could go the easy answer and say Vanderbilt because, you know, go from 10 wins to that. But it's, it's just a really tough with so many new coaches and then you got the new quarterback situations and all that. But I'll tell you what, for you guys, I think it's going to be Tennessee because they're going to lose to Arkansas and Fayetteville. Of course that's where it's all going to start. But listen, somebody's got, we all know somebody's got to finish class, somebody's got to lose some games. And I feel like this is just setting up to be another chaotic year where you're going to see some random one. Actually, no. Change my answer. Ole Miss. Oh, Ole Miss. Ole Miss. Because I'm not saying Pete Golden's a bad coach, but you can't sit there and say, telling me with a straight face, but there's not going to be a drop off from Lane Kiffin. There's just zero chance. And how many times have we seen this situation play out where a coach interim steps in, becomes a full time guy and ends up being great? I mean, maybe Dabo Sweeney at Clemson way back in the day, but I just, I see that there. This is going to be like, it'll be funny to see how they react, but I, I feel like they're going to be a 7 and 5, 8 and 4 type team.
[13:19]
Co-host
You can just kind of feel it coming, can't you? Yeah, right.
[13:22]
John Neighbors
Well, and then Trinidad Chambliss, it's like, okay, but I'm telling you, like Lane Kiffin is, is that, he's that guy. You know, it was kind of like when Bobby Petrino got fired. But don't worry, Paul Petrino, he's, he's the OC now. He's going to be great. And you could tell like, nope, this is not the same. I think it's going to be the same thing at Ole Miss. And I just, as a Rageback fan, I hope that's the case because they need to get back down to where, hey, come down to the slums. Back with us where you belong, buddy. Like, we're tired of being down here and y' all are, you know, up in the champagne room. You need to be down here getting the scraps like the rest of us. So I'm hoping that happens.
[13:56]
Co-host
Now Silver, is he, is he get winning any fans over over there?
[14:01]
John Neighbors
I mean, it's like, he's not doing anything wrong. In fact, he's done some really good things. I truly mean that. I think it's. He could have come in and just looked around and be like, geez, everyone hates me already. But he's gone in with energy, he's put his head down. So I really respect him for it. But there just hasn't been anything like, major that's also juiced everybody up. You know, like in the portal, they did an okay job, but there wasn't like that sexy, big, oh my gosh type of get coaching staff. I like his coaching staff. I think it's fine. But there wasn't that, oh my gosh, like, they got like when Pimmin got hired and he got Barry Odom and Kendall Briles at the time, like, yo, that's. That's incredible. So there's nothing bad.
[14:39]
Interviewer
It's just.
[14:39]
John Neighbors
There's nothing that people are, you know, there's no juice to it, you know, at SEC media days. I've talked to you guys about it. Arkansas is the least interesting team here. It's not because of, oh, they're just terrible, pathetic, whatever. There's just not a real big storyline to them that gets people interested and excited right now.
[14:56]
Interviewer
Would that be any different had they hired Alex Golish? So I guess what I'm really asking you, is it a coach issue or is it a program issue?
[15:03]
John Neighbors
I think it's a program issue. And I've said this before, that I think the. The fan base overwhelmingly has a disapproval or a disapproval rating of Hunter Yurichuk, the athletic director, beyond anything I've ever seen. And I thought, you know, people really didn't like Jeff Long at the end. This is bad with what it is. And I still believe that if there would have been a different athletic director hired, if they would have, your chick would have moved on. A different athletic director came in and hired Ryan Silverfield. It wouldn't be incredibly more excitement, but it'd be some because they've lost trust. They've lost trust in the, in the administration. They've made it very clear. They're very anti nil. They're not big on this. They've They've been weird with numbers and the money. None of it makes sense. And so there's no trust. So I think it's more of a problem there where again, I'm not saying Silverfield, everybody would be all in crazy great if somebody else made the hire, but there would just be a little bit more trust of like, hey, he may be the greatest coach ever. But if you can't support him and set him up for success, it doesn't matter if it was Nick Saban as the head coach, like, you're just not going to get it done.
[16:02]
Co-host
How tied do you think Hunter is to this, to this hire? Like, if this doesn't work, you feel like he's gone as well.
[16:08]
John Neighbors
I, I, and I mean this, I don't know this for a fact. This is just my opinion. I don't think you're a check. Has wanted to be here for a while at Arkansas, and I think he's mailed in a lot of his decisions and it shows he does not want to be here. I think that with the approach, because from my understanding, he hired Ryan Silverfield in late October. He made that higher then. And some things I've heard that was the case. There's some people. One of the names you just mentioned didn't even have a legitimate conversation with, and some people feel like one of the biggest reasons he did that is because he wanted to be on the College Football Playoff chair. Remember that whole thing when the Baylor AD had, he wanted that. But they, he kept putting out these things of saying, oh, well, you know, we haven't talked to anybody. We haven't talked to anybody. Reason being is because if the committee goes to him and says, hey, yeah, we want you to put you at the chair. But if you've been talking to some of these others coaches for coaching hires that are in the playoff contention, that could be a conflict of interest. We didn't talk to anybody. And I think that that was almost where it's like, hey, I got to make this higher because I got to get this resume builder. So Silverfield desperately wants the job. He's the easy pick because all I got to do is just offer it and he's got it. I think that was the case. Doesn't mean that he's a bad coach. Doesn't mean he's not going to work out. I just don't think that there was near, near enough due diligence and interviews and conversations had with various coaches that could have potentially been more interested or could have potentially been better. I think they just went the path of least resistance and that's why Silafield was in.
[17:33]
Co-host
Because it seems like every time we talk about elite coaches, they're saying, do you know he almost went to Arkansas? I've heard that by a lot of these guys. Yeah, yeah.
[17:42]
John Neighbors
I mean, listen, you could say the same thing about Paul Bear Bryant, Gus Malzahn, Tommy Tuberville, Jimmie Johnson, Barry Switzer. You know, all these guys that are from Arkansas. Yeah. That didn't coach at Arkansas. Yeah, those are my favorite ones. But they won titles everywhere else. That's great. I'm really happy for those other programs, but, yeah, it's frustrating, but I still think that there are. There are going to be other opportunities down the road, but for whatever reason, I hope Silverfield works out. It just until we see something. It's just been bad the past decade. Five of these seasons have ended with one SEC winner. Last for Arkansas, and I don't care. And these kids these days, like kids like my interns. Their best season they've ever seen for Razorback football is when Brandon Allen was the quarterback. And you're like, and I love Brandon Allen better. I love Brandon Allen. But I'm like. I was like, you have no McFadden. You know, Ryan Mallet, rest in peace. They're like, they don't know. They just think Arkansas is just crap football. That's what they are. And so it's just really sad. So they got to get back to that point.
[18:43]
Interviewer
Who do you got? Speaking of good teams, who do you got winning the conference?
[18:48]
John Neighbors
Georgia. Yeah, I mean, I. I don't like Texas, so I don't want them to do it, but I think. I think Georgia. It sounds kind of the cliche answer, but I don't know, man. Like, Kirby Smart is just a great coach. They're always going to have great talent. They got a great setup. I just feel like it's going to be them. And if it's not Georgia or Texas, then, man, something crazy happened. I think it's going to be between those two, but, yeah, give me Georgia. I think they're. I think they're the best team.
[19:16]
Co-host
We talked about Texas a couple times, and if this team. If this Texas Longhorn team does not make the playoffs. You think Sark safe?
[19:25]
John Neighbors
No, I don't. And I don't think he should be. Listen, I understand it's hard to win a title. I get it. It's hard to even navigate through the sec. I get it. There is zero reason for the University of Texas to not be in the playoff or playoff contention every single year. And I know last year was a, quote, disappointment. What else do you need, Dude? What other school is providing you the resources and the ability to win at a high level than Texas right now? I mean, there are a few, but there's zero excuse. Some schools are just like that. Where, you know, at Arkansas. Shoot, you go when a games you get a statue. But Texas, dude, you've done every everything that's been done set up for you. And if you can't do it this year or you think oh no, but next year you're going to no, there's just you got to get it done at some point in time. And I know again it's hard to win, but I think that this year has to be the year they get it done.
[20:21]
Interviewer
You know what I just heard there? Shane Steve Sarkeesian Offensive Analyst, Arkansas 2027 Head Coach no Analyst Head coach Would
[20:32]
John Neighbors
you take you take him, right? I mean, listen, I was over here talking about maybe I could talk myself into Ed Orger on at one point in time. I can talk myself into a lot of crazy things. So maybe that's the case.
[20:42]
Interviewer
Well, speaking of getting crazy, we sometimes get a little crazy when we have too much. Tennessee Legend they're our sponsor for media day so we're asking everybody for their Tennessee Legend. Boldest take heading into the sec what's your boldest take?
[20:58]
John Neighbors
Here's if you may not consider it as bold of a take, but you know, my boldest take this year is that the team that advances the furthest into the playoffs from the SEC is not Texas or Georgia. There's going to be a team that makes the playoffs, there's going to team that makes it further in the playoffs. That's not Texas or Georgia. That's my bold take.
[21:21]
Co-host
You got a team?
[21:22]
Interviewer
Tennessee.
[21:23]
John Neighbors
I'm taking the field. I'm taking the field. That way I can be vague about it so they won't come back to haunt me.
[21:28]
Co-host
One last thing for me Ceiling. I like to end on a positive note. Let's just say good God, the stars line up. Everybody's talking about strength of schedule, but who knows man, I mean it's July, we may find out half these teams suck. So by the time you play him, if we're talking best case scenario, what is the ceiling for Arkansas Razorback?
[21:46]
John Neighbors
Six and six. Just, just being on a six and six. If they get to six and six I and I mean this Ryan Silverfield needs to be considered for coach of the year. Just given the schedule, given the circumstances of the quarterback situation, they're more than likely going to get picked dead last. I assume here media days if you look at Mike's great and Yalls great list of players and everything, you're like Arkansas 16th guy that's like a defensive backs ass 16th dead last and everything. I think that's the ceiling. And if they did that again. I'm serious. Like, he needs to be at least in consideration for coach of the year. If they get to seven wins, he better win coach of the year. Has to. Absolutely no questions asked.
[22:21]
Interviewer
All right, John, thank you so much. Before you go, tell our audience how to follow you and how to find all your work.
[22:26]
Co-host
Yeah.
[22:26]
John Neighbors
If you want to yell at me Inside Arkansas on YouTube Social media, do all the podcasts or podcasts found locked on Razorbacks. Number one Razorback podcast in the world. Follow me on social media at John Neighbors show. As I always tell everybody, if you can't find me, that's a you problem because I'm obnoxiously everywhere and talking about everyone's favorite team, America's Team.
[22:43]
Co-host
Really?
[22:43]
John Neighbors
The Arkansas Razorbacks. So. But yeah, appreciate as always, guys, great to see you and we look forward to next time.
[22:49]
Interviewer
Thank you, America's Team.
[23:02]
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[23:35]
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Summary6 min read

That SEC Football Podcast: John Nabors on How Ryan Silverfield Can Turn Around Arkansas Football

Episode Date: July 31, 2026
Host: Michael Bratton (SEC Mike), with Co-host "Cousin Shane"
Guest: John Nabors (Inside Arkansas, Locked On Razorbacks podcast)

Episode Overview

This episode explores the pressing question of how new head coach Ryan Silverfield might engineer a turnaround for Arkansas Razorback football. John Nabors, a plugged-in Arkansas voice, joins the show to provide candid analysis of the state of the program, the challenges ahead, and (scarce) reasons for optimism in Fayetteville. The discussion delves into historical struggles, the impact of staff and roster overhauls, and the broader malaise hanging over the Arkansas fanbase, while also touching on SEC-wide storylines, from rivalry games to bold playoff predictions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Shift in Rivalry Week (01:37–02:43)

John Nabors expresses his excitement about Arkansas finishing the season against LSU instead of Missouri, a callback to his childhood.
- Memorable Quote (01:47): “If my nipples were any harder, my clothes would explode. Because I am excited. The fact that we get LSU at the end of the year… it just feels right, I guess, is really what it's about.”
- He acknowledges the game's history and the significance of having a meaningful matchup to end the season.

Reasons for Realism, If Not Optimism (02:53–04:50)

Nabors is frank about the scarcity of optimism but highlights Silverfield’s focus on fundamentals as a possible avenue for improvement.
- Stat Highlight: Arkansas is 17-49 in one-possession games since 2012.
- Key Insight (03:49): “If you cut those losses in half, made them wins, Arkansas is averaging an extra two wins a season… just how the entire program is viewed differently.”
- Nabors credits Silverfield’s results in ball protection and discipline at Memphis and notes it’s an area the Razorbacks desperately need to improve.

Uncharted Territory: Entirely New Roster Dynamics (05:04–06:10)

The turnover is massive: “You had what, 40 come in, 40 leave? ...a whole new roster.”
Nabors likens it to being a new kid at school, noting “so much newness, but there's just no optimism to go along with it.”
Analysis: The roster has potential impact players (e.g., Quincy Rhodes, Joker Johnson, Kimora House), but there’s huge uncertainty about how it gels.

Arkansas’ Best Chance(s) For a Win? (06:31–07:47)

Asked for the most winnable home game, Nabors points to South Carolina late in the year:
- “By that point, not saying it for sure happen, but by that point Shane Beamer may be fired… If you're going to point to a game and say, hey, what's your best home chance of having a home win in the sec? It has to be that one right now.” (06:49)

Season-Defining Games (07:47–09:41)

Most important game on the schedule? Nabors highlights Utah (week 2) as “season defining” outside the SEC:
- “If Arkansas goes on the road to Utah and win that game, I'm looking at it like this could be a 6 and 6 team, which is crazy to think… But if they lose, …I just don’t see how they'll get to a six-win season.” (08:15)
For the SEC, Vanderbilt is a critical pivot point for momentum; get that win and maybe “beat South Carolina,” “Auburn on the road,” etc.

Vegas Expectations and Fear of Futility (09:41–11:38)

The Vegas win total is set at 4.5; Nabors jokes, “they're begging you to take the under.”
He draws the line: “If they go 0-9, I'm out, I'm done… you cannot go 0-9 and keep your job.”
Historical note: This could be Arkansas’ third double-digit SEC losing streak since 2012.

Biggest Step-Back Team in the SEC? (12:01–13:56)

Nabors waffles between LSU (“I think that's a 9 and 3 team at best… to their expectation it is [a step back]”), Tennessee, and eventually lands on Ole Miss as the biggest regression:
- “There's just zero chance [there won’t be a drop-off]… This is going to be like, it'll be funny to see how they react, but I feel like they're going to be a 7 and 5, 8 and 4 type team.” (13:19)

Assessing Coach Silverfield’s Start (14:00–14:55)

No major missteps, but no “juice” or big wins; portal additions and staff hires have been solid but not splashy.
“There just hasn't been anything like, major that's also juiced everybody up.”

Program Problem vs. Coaching Issue (14:55–16:02)

Nabors believes issues run deeper than coaching—citing ‘broken trust’ with the administration, particularly AD Hunter Yurachek:
- “They've made it very clear. They're very anti NIL. …There's no trust… if you can't support [the coach], it doesn’t matter if it was Nick Saban.” (15:02)

Hunter Yurachek’s Future Tied to Silverfield? (16:02–17:33)

Nabors suspects Yurachek “has mailed in a lot of his decisions” and may not even want to be at Arkansas.
Alleges Silverfield was hired well before the search was public and that Yurachek’s external ambitions (e.g., playoff committee role) may have influenced his process.

The Arkansas "What-If" Coach Carousel (17:33–18:42)

List of elite coaches with Arkansas ties who led elsewhere (Bear Bryant, Malzahn, Tuberville, Switzer, Johnson)—“won titles everywhere else… they don't know. They just think Arkansas is just crap football. That's what they are. And so it's just really sad.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"If my nipples were any harder, my clothes would explode." – John Nabors on excitement for the LSU rivalry game (01:47)
"If they go 0-9, I'm out, I'm done ... you cannot go 0-9 and keep your job." – John Nabors (10:04)
“This is the third different double digit losing streak in SEC play that Arkansas has had since 2012. How about that? Isn't that fun?” – John Nabors (11:04)

Lightning Round & Predictions

SEC Champion Pick (18:42–19:15)

Nabors: “Give me Georgia. I think they're the best team.”
Expects Texas and Georgia as main playoff contenders, but leaves the door open for surprises.

Texas & Sark's Hot Seat (19:15–20:20)

Nabors: “No, I don’t [think Sark is safe if he misses the playoff], nor do I think he should be… There is zero reason for the University of Texas to not be in the playoff or playoff contention every single year.”
Speculation: If Sark is fired, would Arkansas take him? Nabors: “I can talk myself into a lot of crazy things. So maybe that's the case.” (20:32)

Boldest SEC Take (20:58–21:22)

Nabors: “The team that advances the furthest into the playoffs from the SEC is not Texas or Georgia ... I'm taking the field.”

Arkansas Ceiling Scenario (21:27–22:21)

Six wins is the best-case: “If they get to six and six … Silverfield needs to be considered for coach of the year. … If they get to seven wins, he better win coach of the year ... absolutely no questions asked.”

Final Notes & Where to Find John Nabors (22:25–22:43)

“Locked On Razorbacks,” the “number one Razorback podcast in the world.”
Social media: @JohnNeighborsShow — “If you can't find me, that's a you problem because I'm obnoxiously everywhere…”

Timestamps for Important Segments

(01:37) – LSU rivalry game at season's end
(02:53) – Realistic reasons for hope under Silverfield
(05:04) – Impact of roster turnover
(06:49) – South Carolina as Arkansas' best SEC win opportunity
(08:05) – Utah & Vanderbilt as swing games
(10:04) – Vegas win total and threat of 0-9 season
(12:01) – SEC regression candidate: LSU, Ole Miss
(14:00) – Silverfield’s early tenure
(15:02) – AD Hunter Yurachek’s role and trust issues
(18:42) – SEC champion pick (Georgia)
(20:58) – Boldest take: non-GA/TX team advances deepest in playoffs
(21:46) – Arkansas’ best-case ceiling
(22:25) – Follow John Nabors

Tone and Takeaway

John Nabors delivers raw, sometimes biting realism, leavened with classic SEC humor and local color. He’s rooting for a turnaround but sees deep structural issues and is skeptical about quick fixes. Arkansas’ new coach Ryan Silverfield brings process and discipline, but a jaded fan base and tough SEC odds paint a sobering path forward. Nabors’ prediction: 6-6 is a dream, but bowl eligibility alone would be a major leap for “America’s Team.”

For more, follow John Nabors’ work via Inside Arkansas and Locked On Razorbacks.

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Transcript72 lines

[00:01]
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[00:50]
Interviewer
Alright, we're here at John Nabors inside Arkansas. You know what we have in common, John?
[00:56]
John Neighbors
A beard.
[00:56]
Interviewer
Well, not only that, but drink. Dodged us too this. This season, man.
[01:01]
John Neighbors
Man, that's brutal. That's brutal. I think after last year, once he came on the show with me and you in the same year, I. I think it's too much for him to handle. I think that the strain was too much for him to bear.
[01:13]
Co-host
It is.
[01:13]
Interviewer
Or is it that he just fears Arkansas?
[01:15]
John Neighbors
No, we know it's not that.
[01:18]
Interviewer
Damn it. I was trying to set you up.
[01:19]
John Neighbors
I know, I know. Oh, listen, it's like I will, as I've always said with that whole thing with Missouri, I still stand by what I said. I'm not changing what I said, but something like that, I'm not going to say it just for the sake of saying it, but hey, it's been fun. I mean, if I was Missouri, I'd be happy to be in 2 and 7 against Arkansas since joining the SEC or 7 and 2 against Arkansas since joining the SEC.
[01:38]
Co-host
Well, on that note, man, I mean, we're so used to seeing that game late in the year, you know. What are your thoughts on rivalry week in the way it fell out? Oh, I am.
[01:47]
John Neighbors
I mean, as tickled as can be. I don't know if I can say this, but if my nipples were any harder, my clothes would explode. Because I am excited. The fact that we get LSU at the end of the year. Now I know LSU doesn't care and that's fine. And I know that, you know, world's like, oh, you're just, you don't like it because you always lost in Missouri. I was like, kind of maybe part of it too, but I grew up playing Arkansas, Missouri or Arkansas, LSU end of season. And it was in War Memorial back in the day. Every year. It's not that anymore. But there were a lot of times in the early mid 2000s that that game decided who won the West. And it's just nice. It kind of just feels right, I guess, is really what it's about. Just feels right to have it back. I'm not going to sit here and pretend that like, oh, now that it's here, it's going to rival the Iron bowl or the Egg. It's not that, but it's just nice to be able to, you know, have a game that a lot of people are going to be paying attention to and watching because at least one team most years will be in the College Football Playoff contention. I won't say which team, you know, it could be either one, but it's just nice to have it back.
[02:44]
Interviewer
Now, obviously there's negativity and for a reason with Arkansas, but I'm done with that, Shane. I'm done with it. I want to know what are you optimistic about, about the Razorbacks heading into the 26 season?
[02:54]
John Neighbors
Well, first of all, that's when you know things are bad, when you're like, I'm tired of being so negative that I'm just gonna have to switch it up. I'm getting sick. But I feel you on that. Listen, there is no optimism for the most part, but. But there are reasons to believe into what they're trying to do with Ryan Silverfield that could really make a difference. And here's the thing, I could sit here and be like, well, this, you know, they're going to have these great defensive lineman and forget all that noise. Arkansas 17 and 49 and one possession game since 2012. If you cut those losses in half, made them wins. Arkansas is averaging an extra two wins a season. And think about that six win that went to an eight win or that eight win that went to 10 win and just how the entire program is viewed differently. It is, well, what usually is the case into why you lose one possession games in football, not all of them are created equal, but it's usually the little things that fumble, that penalty, that third and long, that sack you took, you know, just those little things make the difference. And the one thing that I will give Ryan Silverfield a lot of credit, especially when he was at Memphis and the thing that he's been really hammering home is about the protecting of the ball, like not turning the ball over and not having penalties. That's what every coach wants. We know that. But I think that his approach, whatever it is, he was successful at it at Memphis. I think he's really putting it forth here at Arkansas. And will they be the most talented team? No. Will they have the best offense, defense? No. But if they get into those one possession games, which has been haunting Arkansas, I at least like what they're trying to do to try to avoid blowing those games. Because as you guys know, last year, if Arts has a fumble against Ole Miss on the road or against Memphis on the road, Sam Pittman is starting 4 0. And Ole Miss may not be in the playoff, but you did. So it's like those little things that you got to keep from having because Arkansas has been good enough to compete, been good enough to win, but they are their own undoing in previous years. And I think Silverfield's trying to change that.
[04:50]
Co-host
Have you been around this team, this new team? Because, I mean, you had what, 40 come in, 40 leave? It felt like, I mean, this is a whole new roster compared to some, some past Arkansas teams. Is there anything that stands out to you?
[05:04]
Interviewer
It's.
[05:05]
John Neighbors
It's a very strange thing because, you know, you got a whole new coaching staff and a whole new roster. Essentially. I feel like that, you know, you, like when, if you're in elementary school and you made all your friends and suddenly your family moves to cross country and you got to go to a new school and you're just like, I got to make this work, but I don't know anybody, and it's like this awkward, like, how do I make friends? You know, it's. It feels that same way with Arkansas, where there's just so much newness, but there's just no optimism to go along with it. Because usually new coaches make that. But now to say, like, listen, you got Quincy Rhodes back, which was massive. I mean, it was massive. You had to do something like that. But besides that, you have a lot of guys that you're hoping can translate, you know, like Joker Johnson, the transfer defensive back from Tulane is awesome, but okay, but now you're in the sec, so how's that going to work? You got a guy like Kimora House from North Carolina who's a great player last year. How's this going to work? Jamonte Waller, which I'm a huge fan of, Auburn transfer, he was hurt last year, but how's he going to. So there's just like all these things where it looks and feels like it's going to be okay with the roster and a lot of these players can make sense and work, but how's it going to work with this coaching staff in the sec?
[06:10]
Interviewer
It.
[06:10]
John Neighbors
It's really hard to tell right now. So I don't think anybody knows really anything about these this team. I mean we can sit here and say what it could potentially be, but the only thing that I feel confident in right now is that you got one heck of a pass rusher and Quincy Rhodes and the rest of it could be great, could be good, could be bad, could be average. No clue
[06:32]
Interviewer
when we're talking to home games. Arkansas's got a lot of ridiculously tough
[06:36]
John Neighbors
conference games, as is tradition.
[06:38]
Interviewer
Georgia tennant. Well, if you're a season ticket holder, you're going to get some games, you know, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Carolina, lsu. Which one do you think is a most likely win for Arkansas this year?
[06:49]
John Neighbors
Georgia easily. No, I'm just messing. You know, honestly, I think, I think it's South Carolina not to say that because there's not. Let me be clear. There's not a single game on this SEC schedule for Arkansas where I'm like Arkansas's better. They're going to win that game. There's not one. They didn't win a game last year. So I am not saying this is a guarantee, but when Arkansas plays South Carolina later in the year, I think it's their third to last game of the season. By that point, not saying it for sure happened, but by that point Shane Beamer may be fired. You know, they may have an interim situation, they may have let go of the rope. It could be like Arkansas was last year, you know, so looking at the timing of it, looking at the fact it's a home game, the fact that, you know there's with Beamer being at South Carolina, I'm not intimidated by him, is thinking that he's just this like, oh, Arkansas Silverfield's going to get out coach completely. Like I feel like if you're going to point to a game and say, hey, what's your best home chance of having a home win in the sec? It has to be that one right now.
[07:47]
Co-host
Well, speaking of games, I think you made the comment and I don't want to misquote you, but you said maybe season defining was the Vanderbilt game is what you were looking back and I agree. I think that would be a pivotal matchup. But do you think that's the most important game on Arkansas schedule?
[08:05]
John Neighbors
It honestly is just depending on what like what perspective you look at it at. Like for me, I truly believe the, the season defining like everything is Utah week two.
[08:15]
Co-host
Yeah.
[08:16]
John Neighbors
If Arkansas goes on the road to Utah and win that game, I'm, I'm looking At it like this could be a 6 and 16, which is crazy to think is that. But that's an incredible year. It really is. But if they lose, you're kind of like, I just don't see how they'll be able to get to a six win season just given circumstances. So to me that's the most important one from that perspective. But when it comes to the sec, the reason I say Vanderbilt is because it's like right smack in the middle of the year, it's on the road to Nashville. And I know Clark Lee's done a great job obviously that 10 win season last year, but I don't think anybody's looking at him and saying that's going to be a repeat 10 win team. And again, you got that stretch in the middle of the year in the SEC play. If you're going to win games, it has to be that you're not. You're not winning Georgia or A and M on the road in the beginning of the year. You're not beating Texas on the road or LSU at home at the end of the year, like you're not doing that. So it's that middle spot on the road against Vanderbilt. You do that. Then I feel like you do beat South Carolina. I feel like you can beat Auburn on the road. And I also feel like, you know, which, the Missouri games on Halloween this year, which again I like. But you know that you just get a little bit more confidence that you could pull that off. So to me, if you told me that, hey, the only game I'm going to tell you right now that you're winning this year is Vanderbilt on the road. I'm like, to me that means that you probably end up being a 6 and 6 caliber team or at least you're going to be winning. First off, you win an SEC game, which is great to end the losing streak, but you feel like you're in a really good position to win some other games. In those matchups they talk about it,
[09:42]
Co-host
I mean, Vegas comes out and says four and a half. And me and Mike, we're saying they're begging you to take the under, which, you know, you look at your schedule. Yeah, you got, was it North Alabama? Is that the first one? And then you have Tulsa and you're like, okay, those are the two wins but where are the other ones at? And you're looking at it. So I just, I don't know, man. I feel like Arkansas is poised to ruin a couple of team seasons for sure.
[10:05]
John Neighbors
Yeah, we're really good at that we don't have good seasons but we ruin other people. Yeah. So I've been a part of. I mean yes, it's like it's a store. It's a tales of this time. But I, I look at Arkansas schedule and you know, trying to find those wins and everything and I get it. Like there's not, like I said, there's not an SEC game where my Arkansas is the better team right now. Like if I was. That game is going to be played today. But I'm telling you, and I mean this, if they go 09, which hey, they'll be the first SEC team ever to go 09. If they go, if they go on nine, I'm out, I'm done. I'm done with. I, I cannot.
[10:37]
Interviewer
You can.
[10:37]
John Neighbors
This era. I don't care what the circumstance is in the SEC with transfer portal, with Nil, everything. You cannot go on nine and keep your job. I felt that way before in Arkansas. Trust me, they've had plenty of over seasons recently and when, I mean how many coaches in college football and sc, maybe you guys know, maybe Clark Lee might be the example. But my. How many coaches have gone over at his SEC school in a season and ended up being great? Very, very few.
[11:03]
Interviewer
Holtz, baby.
[11:05]
Firestone Auto Care Announcer
Yeah.
[11:05]
John Neighbors
I mean yeah, he was probably the closest but it's like, you know, again there's examples of it, but I think there's more examples of coaches that did go over, you know, Joker Phillips, Gene Chisk. Well just Gene Chisk won a title. Mason. So yeah, Derek Mason. So it's. I just can't imagine this year's team. And also too that would give you 20 straight losses in SEC play. Which by the way guys, another exciting little stat for you. This is the third, third different double digit losing streak in SEC play that Arkansas has had since 2012. How about that? Isn't that fun?
[11:36]
Co-host
Great.
[11:38]
John Neighbors
Yeah.
[11:39]
Interviewer
Hey, well, I gotta credit you. I don't know if you saw this, but Shane was asking everybody, you know, biggest disappointment this season in the sec and Reagan who you work with said Arkansas Razorback. So you have trained her well in the ways of the Razorbacks. But other than Arkansas, you know, maybe not disappointment the right word, but who do you think takes the biggest step back in the conference this year?
[12:01]
John Neighbors
Oh, so if by, by putting it that way, I was honestly going to say LSU as far as. But not that they're taking a step back because more of like disappointment. More like I just, I think that's a 9 and 3 team at best. Just being honest which is not bad, trust me. But to their expectation it is. But as far as a step back goes, you know, I could go the easy answer and say Vanderbilt because, you know, go from 10 wins to that. But it's, it's just a really tough with so many new coaches and then you got the new quarterback situations and all that. But I'll tell you what, for you guys, I think it's going to be Tennessee because they're going to lose to Arkansas and Fayetteville. Of course that's where it's all going to start. But listen, somebody's got, we all know somebody's got to finish class, somebody's got to lose some games. And I feel like this is just setting up to be another chaotic year where you're going to see some random one. Actually, no. Change my answer. Ole Miss. Oh, Ole Miss. Ole Miss. Because I'm not saying Pete Golden's a bad coach, but you can't sit there and say, telling me with a straight face, but there's not going to be a drop off from Lane Kiffin. There's just zero chance. And how many times have we seen this situation play out where a coach interim steps in, becomes a full time guy and ends up being great? I mean, maybe Dabo Sweeney at Clemson way back in the day, but I just, I see that there. This is going to be like, it'll be funny to see how they react, but I, I feel like they're going to be a 7 and 5, 8 and 4 type team.
[13:19]
Co-host
You can just kind of feel it coming, can't you? Yeah, right.
[13:22]
John Neighbors
Well, and then Trinidad Chambliss, it's like, okay, but I'm telling you, like Lane Kiffin is, is that, he's that guy. You know, it was kind of like when Bobby Petrino got fired. But don't worry, Paul Petrino, he's, he's the OC now. He's going to be great. And you could tell like, nope, this is not the same. I think it's going to be the same thing at Ole Miss. And I just, as a Rageback fan, I hope that's the case because they need to get back down to where, hey, come down to the slums. Back with us where you belong, buddy. Like, we're tired of being down here and y' all are, you know, up in the champagne room. You need to be down here getting the scraps like the rest of us. So I'm hoping that happens.
[13:56]
Co-host
Now Silver, is he, is he get winning any fans over over there?
[14:01]
John Neighbors
I mean, it's like, he's not doing anything wrong. In fact, he's done some really good things. I truly mean that. I think it's. He could have come in and just looked around and be like, geez, everyone hates me already. But he's gone in with energy, he's put his head down. So I really respect him for it. But there just hasn't been anything like, major that's also juiced everybody up. You know, like in the portal, they did an okay job, but there wasn't like that sexy, big, oh my gosh type of get coaching staff. I like his coaching staff. I think it's fine. But there wasn't that, oh my gosh, like, they got like when Pimmin got hired and he got Barry Odom and Kendall Briles at the time, like, yo, that's. That's incredible. So there's nothing bad.
[14:39]
Interviewer
It's just.
[14:39]
John Neighbors
There's nothing that people are, you know, there's no juice to it, you know, at SEC media days. I've talked to you guys about it. Arkansas is the least interesting team here. It's not because of, oh, they're just terrible, pathetic, whatever. There's just not a real big storyline to them that gets people interested and excited right now.
[14:56]
Interviewer
Would that be any different had they hired Alex Golish? So I guess what I'm really asking you, is it a coach issue or is it a program issue?
[15:03]
John Neighbors
I think it's a program issue. And I've said this before, that I think the. The fan base overwhelmingly has a disapproval or a disapproval rating of Hunter Yurichuk, the athletic director, beyond anything I've ever seen. And I thought, you know, people really didn't like Jeff Long at the end. This is bad with what it is. And I still believe that if there would have been a different athletic director hired, if they would have, your chick would have moved on. A different athletic director came in and hired Ryan Silverfield. It wouldn't be incredibly more excitement, but it'd be some because they've lost trust. They've lost trust in the, in the administration. They've made it very clear. They're very anti nil. They're not big on this. They've They've been weird with numbers and the money. None of it makes sense. And so there's no trust. So I think it's more of a problem there where again, I'm not saying Silverfield, everybody would be all in crazy great if somebody else made the hire, but there would just be a little bit more trust of like, hey, he may be the greatest coach ever. But if you can't support him and set him up for success, it doesn't matter if it was Nick Saban as the head coach, like, you're just not going to get it done.
[16:02]
Co-host
How tied do you think Hunter is to this, to this hire? Like, if this doesn't work, you feel like he's gone as well.
[16:08]
John Neighbors
I, I, and I mean this, I don't know this for a fact. This is just my opinion. I don't think you're a check. Has wanted to be here for a while at Arkansas, and I think he's mailed in a lot of his decisions and it shows he does not want to be here. I think that with the approach, because from my understanding, he hired Ryan Silverfield in late October. He made that higher then. And some things I've heard that was the case. There's some people. One of the names you just mentioned didn't even have a legitimate conversation with, and some people feel like one of the biggest reasons he did that is because he wanted to be on the College Football Playoff chair. Remember that whole thing when the Baylor AD had, he wanted that. But they, he kept putting out these things of saying, oh, well, you know, we haven't talked to anybody. We haven't talked to anybody. Reason being is because if the committee goes to him and says, hey, yeah, we want you to put you at the chair. But if you've been talking to some of these others coaches for coaching hires that are in the playoff contention, that could be a conflict of interest. We didn't talk to anybody. And I think that that was almost where it's like, hey, I got to make this higher because I got to get this resume builder. So Silverfield desperately wants the job. He's the easy pick because all I got to do is just offer it and he's got it. I think that was the case. Doesn't mean that he's a bad coach. Doesn't mean he's not going to work out. I just don't think that there was near, near enough due diligence and interviews and conversations had with various coaches that could have potentially been more interested or could have potentially been better. I think they just went the path of least resistance and that's why Silafield was in.
[17:33]
Co-host
Because it seems like every time we talk about elite coaches, they're saying, do you know he almost went to Arkansas? I've heard that by a lot of these guys. Yeah, yeah.
[17:42]
John Neighbors
I mean, listen, you could say the same thing about Paul Bear Bryant, Gus Malzahn, Tommy Tuberville, Jimmie Johnson, Barry Switzer. You know, all these guys that are from Arkansas. Yeah. That didn't coach at Arkansas. Yeah, those are my favorite ones. But they won titles everywhere else. That's great. I'm really happy for those other programs, but, yeah, it's frustrating, but I still think that there are. There are going to be other opportunities down the road, but for whatever reason, I hope Silverfield works out. It just until we see something. It's just been bad the past decade. Five of these seasons have ended with one SEC winner. Last for Arkansas, and I don't care. And these kids these days, like kids like my interns. Their best season they've ever seen for Razorback football is when Brandon Allen was the quarterback. And you're like, and I love Brandon Allen better. I love Brandon Allen. But I'm like. I was like, you have no McFadden. You know, Ryan Mallet, rest in peace. They're like, they don't know. They just think Arkansas is just crap football. That's what they are. And so it's just really sad. So they got to get back to that point.
[18:43]
Interviewer
Who do you got? Speaking of good teams, who do you got winning the conference?
[18:48]
John Neighbors
Georgia. Yeah, I mean, I. I don't like Texas, so I don't want them to do it, but I think. I think Georgia. It sounds kind of the cliche answer, but I don't know, man. Like, Kirby Smart is just a great coach. They're always going to have great talent. They got a great setup. I just feel like it's going to be them. And if it's not Georgia or Texas, then, man, something crazy happened. I think it's going to be between those two, but, yeah, give me Georgia. I think they're. I think they're the best team.
[19:16]
Co-host
We talked about Texas a couple times, and if this team. If this Texas Longhorn team does not make the playoffs. You think Sark safe?
[19:25]
John Neighbors
No, I don't. And I don't think he should be. Listen, I understand it's hard to win a title. I get it. It's hard to even navigate through the sec. I get it. There is zero reason for the University of Texas to not be in the playoff or playoff contention every single year. And I know last year was a, quote, disappointment. What else do you need, Dude? What other school is providing you the resources and the ability to win at a high level than Texas right now? I mean, there are a few, but there's zero excuse. Some schools are just like that. Where, you know, at Arkansas. Shoot, you go when a games you get a statue. But Texas, dude, you've done every everything that's been done set up for you. And if you can't do it this year or you think oh no, but next year you're going to no, there's just you got to get it done at some point in time. And I know again it's hard to win, but I think that this year has to be the year they get it done.
[20:21]
Interviewer
You know what I just heard there? Shane Steve Sarkeesian Offensive Analyst, Arkansas 2027 Head Coach no Analyst Head coach Would
[20:32]
John Neighbors
you take you take him, right? I mean, listen, I was over here talking about maybe I could talk myself into Ed Orger on at one point in time. I can talk myself into a lot of crazy things. So maybe that's the case.
[20:42]
Interviewer
Well, speaking of getting crazy, we sometimes get a little crazy when we have too much. Tennessee Legend they're our sponsor for media day so we're asking everybody for their Tennessee Legend. Boldest take heading into the sec what's your boldest take?
[20:58]
John Neighbors
Here's if you may not consider it as bold of a take, but you know, my boldest take this year is that the team that advances the furthest into the playoffs from the SEC is not Texas or Georgia. There's going to be a team that makes the playoffs, there's going to team that makes it further in the playoffs. That's not Texas or Georgia. That's my bold take.
[21:21]
Co-host
You got a team?
[21:22]
Interviewer
Tennessee.
[21:23]
John Neighbors
I'm taking the field. I'm taking the field. That way I can be vague about it so they won't come back to haunt me.
[21:28]
Co-host
One last thing for me Ceiling. I like to end on a positive note. Let's just say good God, the stars line up. Everybody's talking about strength of schedule, but who knows man, I mean it's July, we may find out half these teams suck. So by the time you play him, if we're talking best case scenario, what is the ceiling for Arkansas Razorback?
[21:46]
John Neighbors
Six and six. Just, just being on a six and six. If they get to six and six I and I mean this Ryan Silverfield needs to be considered for coach of the year. Just given the schedule, given the circumstances of the quarterback situation, they're more than likely going to get picked dead last. I assume here media days if you look at Mike's great and Yalls great list of players and everything, you're like Arkansas 16th guy that's like a defensive backs ass 16th dead last and everything. I think that's the ceiling. And if they did that again. I'm serious. Like, he needs to be at least in consideration for coach of the year. If they get to seven wins, he better win coach of the year. Has to. Absolutely no questions asked.
[22:21]
Interviewer
All right, John, thank you so much. Before you go, tell our audience how to follow you and how to find all your work.
[22:26]
Co-host
Yeah.
[22:26]
John Neighbors
If you want to yell at me Inside Arkansas on YouTube Social media, do all the podcasts or podcasts found locked on Razorbacks. Number one Razorback podcast in the world. Follow me on social media at John Neighbors show. As I always tell everybody, if you can't find me, that's a you problem because I'm obnoxiously everywhere and talking about everyone's favorite team, America's Team.
[22:43]
Co-host
Really?
[22:43]
John Neighbors
The Arkansas Razorbacks. So. But yeah, appreciate as always, guys, great to see you and we look forward to next time.
[22:49]
Interviewer
Thank you, America's Team.
[23:02]
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[23:35]
Bank of America Soccer PSA Announcer
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