Silverfield speaks at Governor’s Mansion ahead of Razorback season

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – With the 2026 Razorback football season just two weeks away, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders hosted a preseason "Undefeated Party" Friday night at the Governor's Mansion, bringing together University of Arkansas leaders, fans and new head football coach Ryan Silverfield.

The event comes as excitement builds around a new era of Razorback football under Silverfield, who said the team's preparation and work ethic will be key to its success this season.

"I think all that will show up in between the white lines, and we constantly preach about relentless effort," Silverfield said.

Sanders joked a successful Razorback season could have an impact beyond the football field.

"I joke that people are happier when the Razorbacks are winning games," Sanders said. "We'd really like this state to be happier, so we want to win a lot of games this year."

For longtime fans like John Riddle, Razorback football is about more than just Saturdays in the stadium. Riddle said attending games has become a family tradition.

"I used to go to all the Razorback games and never out of town, never missed one, so it's kind of a tradition in my family," Riddle said.

Silverfield has spent much of the offseason traveling across Arkansas and meeting with fans. He said getting the entire state behind the team is important heading into the season.

"It's been such a fortune to be able to travel around the state and meet so many of our great fans," Silverfield said. "I love this state; I love our fans. They're phenomenal."

Riddle said fans should rally around the new coach and team despite the program's struggles in recent years.

"Get behind the Razorbacks. Let's do it," Riddle said. "I think the whole state ought to get behind them."

The crowd at Friday night's event appeared ready to do just that, with fans joining in a traditional "Woo Pig Sooie" chant.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the team remains who will start at quarterback.

Silverfield was asked when fans can expect an answer.

"That's a great question," he joked. "Probably not tonight, but maybe we'll let the governor announce later on."

The Razorbacks open the 2026 season Sept. 5 against North Alabama at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.