Sports Talk With Bo Mattingly's Podcast

Arkansas women’s basketball is a program on the rise. Need proof? Look no further than all the things Mike Neighbors has accomplished as he begins Year 6 at the helm of the Razorbacks. There were those two top-five wins over UConn and Baylor—two of the four such wins in program history. But he’s also one of three coaches in program history to lead the Hogs to four-straight winning seasons. That success is largely driven by Neighbors’ unique approach to coaching. He’s always coming up with new ideas to challenge the norms. And as more and more top talent joins the Razorback program, fans are beginning to catch a glimpse of what’s to come.

Pat Bradley has always been “the shootah.” The stats and records back it up. Bradley is fifth on Arkansas’ all-time scoring list, led the Razorbacks in points per game three times, and made more 3-pointers than any Hog in history. And that shooting prowess is how a little-recruited guard from the Boston area ended up down in Arkansas. But Fayetteville is a long way from home. And there was a tough adjustment period for Bradley, who was unsure he’d last with the Razorbacks. Bradley stuck it out, took his lumps early and quickly emerged as a scoring threat for the Razorbacks, entering a new era minus their championship-winning heroes. And he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

There’s something special about the No. 5 jersey at Arkansas. It takes a special player to live up to the impossible standard set by the GOAT, Darren McFadden. But Rocket Sanders is doing his best—and as it turns out, his best is pretty darn good. The sophomore leads the SEC in rushing and is on pace to have the best season by a Razorback running back since McFadden. And having that No. 5 jersey is a big motivating factor. And as important as living up to the legacy of No. 5 is to Sanders, there’s something even bigger to him: being a dad. Sanders grew up most of his life without a father figure in his life. He’s determined to play a major role in his son’s life. Rocket Sanders has big shoes to fill, but if the early returns are any indication, he’s well on his way to leaving a lasting legacy on—and off—the field.

Jadon Haselwood was born to make plays. But sometimes, the right opportunity doesn’t come straight away. After committing to Oklahoma as one of the top recruits in the country, Haselwood had his moments, but a major injury and lack of targets had left him struggling to catch on in his three seasons in Norman. A decision to transfer landed him at Arkansas, with a fresh start, bolstered by a coaching staff who believes in what he can do. Being a top recruit can come with a lot of pressure, and Haselwood has dealt with it throughout his career. But a new outlook has propelled him to an impact role at Arkansas, and is seeing him become the best version of himself.

Eric Musselman is doing things at Arkansas that Razorback fans haven’t seen in quite some time. He’s been to back-to-back Elite Eights and already has two wins over No. 1-ranked teams. And as Musselman enters the fourth year of his Arkansas tenure, expectations are sky high. Fans care about seeing a winner, and the Head Hog embraces it. Beyond the on-court success, there’s a freshman class ranked as one of the best in the country. Winning leads to more winning, and people are noticing. Now all that’s left is to keep the moment going. Arkansas and Musselman have their sights set on another deep run in March.

Running is hard. Doing it over long distances at consistent top speeds is one of the most impressive athletic feats. So when you’re an All-American in cross country, indoor and outdoor track like Isabel Van Camp, you’re doing something right. Add in a collegiate record in the women’s 4 x 1500m relay and a national title in the distance medley relay, and Van Camp is living her best life. But after struggling at times early on in her Razorback career, there were doubts. But remembering she was part of something bigger helped Van Camp push through. That team-first attitude has served Van Camp well, and makes all the hard work worth it. Van Camp aspires to greatness on—and off—the track. And her time at Arkansas has served her well in pursuit of her goals.

What’s in a nickname? For Arkansas soccer standout Ava Tankersley…everything. "Tank" is an apt nickname. Tall, athletic, and full of offensive firepower, Tankersley has bulldozed her way through opponents and ranks among the best in the country in assists. But make no mistake, the junior forward likes to score, too. Athletic success runs in the family. Her dad played in the big leagues with the Padres, and her mom’s a marathon runner. It’s given her an easy career goal—matching her parents. But it takes hard work to get to that level. And Tank has Arkansas coach Colby Hale to thank for reaching new heights. Her performances have been off the charts for a program that has won three-straight SEC titles in the three years she’s been on campus. In this conversation with Hogs+ senior contributor Clay Henry, it’s the story of how Ava Tankersley has developed into a key cog for the Razorbacks.

Gaby Lopez is one of the best Pro Hogs around. After a standout career at Arkansas that saw her finish as national runner-up, she’s now won three times on the LPGA Tour. The Mexico native wasn’t always a star, though. She routinely was shooting in the 100s when she started playing, and, while she was having fun, something was missing. Her play eventually attracted the interest of Arkansas, where she would learn the skills necessary to have success—both in college and at the next level. And when she won for the first time on the LPGA Tour, it validated all the hard work. In 2021, she earned perhaps her biggest honor to date: Being the flag bearer for Mexico at the Summer Olympics. Gaby Lopez shined bright at Arkansas, and is doing big things as a professional. Her story is one of determination and success. And there’s nobody better to help tell it than Arkansas women’s golf coach Shauna Taylor.

Joe Adams’ football career could be summed up with one word: Electrifying. He returned five career punts for touchdowns—third in SEC history—won national awards and was a first-team All-American. But his time as a Razorback wouldn’t have happened without a last-minute change of heart. The signing day decision to play for his home-state Razorbacks meant the Hogs would be loaded with some all-time greats. But Adams didn’t want to take on the task of stepping into another legend’s number. Adams made No. 3 his own, dazzling fans and opposing defenses alike with his shiftiness and speed as he became one of the best receivers in school history. Now, having been inducted into the Razorbacks’ Hall of Honor, Adams’ spot as an Arkansas legend is secure.

How do you end up going from growing up in Australia to coaching volleyball in the SEC? Ask Jason Watson. It’s been a long journey from Down Under to Arkansas for Watson, who played college volleyball at BYU and spent 11 years as an assistant before finally getting the chance to lead his own program at his alma mater. Along the way, Watson has developed a coaching philosophy that’s helped him guide teams to seven NCAA Tournament appearances and get buy-in from every athlete he coaches. Watch a match and you might not see Watson say a lot. He chooses his words and timing carefully. Watson has turned the Razorback volleyball program around. And though it bothers him that the team hasn’t been selected for an NCAA Tournament yet, he’s happy building a winner in his new home.

In just one season, Cam Little proved to be clutch. It’s not easy being a college kicker, but the sophomore from Oklahoma has embraced the spotlight…and the pressure that comes with it. Little had a remarkable freshman season, connecting on 20-of-24 field goal attempts and hitting all 46 of his extra points en route to being named a Freshman All-American. But Little wants to be known as much for what he’s doing on the field as he is off it. Cam Little is making an impact for the Razorbacks—and for so many others—with every kick. And that’s just the way he likes it.

Trey Knox is a different person than when he first arrived on Arkansas’ campus—literally. He started for the Razorbacks as a freshman wide receiver, and is now a bulked-up tight end and No. 1 on the depth chart. Sometimes, the idea of less playing time or a position change has a player looking elsewhere. But not Knox. He loves Fayetteville and wanted to fight for his place on the team. Knox has emerged as a leader for a Razorback team filled with confidence. And he believes last season’s 9-4 record helped everyone realize there are bigger things to come. Knox wanted to be a Razorback. Now he wants to help lead the Hogs to new heights.

Sam Pittman has restored the pride within Razorback football and around the state. Though it might’ve happened quicker than expected, the turnaround is real. Last season, there was more celebrating than the Razorbacks had seen in a decade. Arkansas won nine games and reached the top 10 for the first time since 2011, and won all three major rivalry trophies for the first time. As the Razorbacks head into Year 3 under Pittman, there’s an excitement in the state that hasn’t been felt in a long time. And fans are hoping to hear the jukebox playing early and often on Saturdays this fall.

When you’re handpicked by Sam Pittman to be his offensive line coach, you must be doing something right. And if you’re Cody Kennedy, the best thing you can do is to watch, listen and learn from one of the best. Originally hired as the tight ends coach at Arkansas, Kennedy was quickly reassigned to the offensive line when the job became available. And he hasn’t looked back. A Broyles Award semifinalist last season and one of the game’s up and coming position coaches, Kennedy has four returning starters along the o-line and says stability will help the Arkansas program take the next step. In this episode, Hogs+ senior contributor Clay Henry sits down with the Razorbacks offensive line coach for a wide-ranging conversation—from building relationships to finding the winning recipe up front.

Bea Franklin has settled in nicely at Arkansas. The senior transferred from Notre Dame prior to last season, and helped guide the Razorbacks to a third-straight SEC title and the program’s first ever trip to the Elite 8—thanks to a win over her former school in the Sweet 16. Franklin has found a home in Arkansas and with the Razorbacks, and gives credit to the culture that head coach Colby Hale has built. A self-described serial hobbyist, Franklin is interested in a little bit of everything—from snow skiing to serving as Arkansas’ Student-Athlete Advisory Council president. Franklin feels like she’s gotten a second chance at Arkansas, and so far, she’s taking full advantage of it.

He might just be the next big WWE star, but Dalton Wagner is perfectly comfortable on the football field right now. Wagner, a 24-year-old super senior, is the elder statesman for the Razorback offense. He’s been a model of consistency, starting in each of the past four seasons and improving throughout. It’s no surprise the WWE came calling with an NIL deal. After all, at 6-foot-9, Wagner looks the part. But for now, he’s focused on football. And with four returning starters along the offensive line and KJ Jefferson back at quarterback, Wagner looks at last season’s 9-4 mark as the baseline. In this episode...Hogs+ senior contributor Clay Henry visits with Wagner and gets to the bottom of what’s in store for him this season and how he ended up becoming one of the longest-tenured Razorbacks.

After a standout junior season that saw him earn All-SEC honors, Ricky Stromberg had a decision to make: move on to the NFL, or come back for one final season with the Hogs. Stromberg anchored Arkansas’ offensive line at center, blocking for an offense that led all Power 5 schools in rushing at nearly 230 yards per game. It’s no wonder that Head Hog Sam Pittman is excited to have him back. And Pittman isn’t the only one who’s fired up. Stromberg, a preseason All-American pick, is ready to go to work with the guys up front. The senior from Tulsa isn’t shying away from high expectations, either. Not for himself, or for this team. In this episode, former Razorback and NFL offensive lineman Travis Swanson sits down with Stromberg to talk about why he came back to the Hogs, his goals for his senior season, and the attention he’s getting from preseason watch lists.

If you were building a Mount Rushmore of important figures in Arkansas football history, there’s no doubt that Frank Broyles would be on there. But right there with him would be Harold Horton. Horton’s ties to the Razorbacks—and the state of Arkansas—run deep. He was part of three Southwest Conference championship teams in the early ‘60s under Frank Broyles, who then hired him as an assistant coach—a position he would hold for 13 years. After an unceremonious end to his time as a Razorback assistant and two years in the business sector, Horton was hired as the head coach at Central Arkansas, where he would win two NAIA national championships in eight seasons. He would return to Arkansas in 1990, working in football operations, before eventually serving as the president of the Razorback Foundation. All told, Horton had a major impact on the Hog football program for nearly 40 years. In this episode, Hogs+ senior contributor Clay Henry tells the story of Razorback great Harold Horton, with help from former Arkan

Britton Wilson is having the time of her life. The standout hurdler for the Razorback women’s track team set nine school records in 2022, was named SEC Outdoor Runner of the Year, won a national championship, and is competing for Team USA at the World Championships. But the success hasn’t come easy. Britton struggled to find her way as a freshman in college, and decided that she needed to make a change. And that change was transferring to Arkansas. Her decision to join the Razorbacks has been life changing. Had she not made the change, Britton knows what her life might’ve been like. Wilson is glad she didn’t quit. So, too, are the Razorbacks. And as she continues her record-setting pace, she has dreams of representing the U.S. in the Olympics. Dreams that are close to becoming reality.

Jalen Catalon is one of the best defensive backs Arkansas has seen in quite some time. He’s the first Razorback DB to make First Team All-SEC since Chris Houston in 2006. And he’s already joined Ken Hamlin and Kenoy Kennedy as the only Hog safeties to ever be named an All-American. But his fight to bounce back from injury is just as important as his quest to be one of the all-time greats. Catalon missed the Hogs’ final seven games—including the Outback Bowl win over Penn State—in what was shaping up to be a stellar sophomore season. But Catalon knows what it takes to bounce back. He’s dealt with injury and disappointment before, tearing his ACL and missing nearly his entire senior season at Mansfield Legacy High School in Texas. In this episode, Hogs Plus senior contributor Clay Henry talks to Catalon about his recovery from injury, working to get better, and how he hopes to take his place alongside some of the all-time Razorback greats.