Good morning, Razorbacks! The men’s basketball team jumped to No. 14 in this week’s AP Poll!

What else is Brewin’ today?

🎥 Sit down with Chris Bucknam
🏆 SEC weekly honors
🐗 And so much more! 

🎙️ THE HOG POD

In this episode of The Hog Pod, newly retired Arkansas men’s track & field coach Chris Bucknam sits down for an honest, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about closing out his 18-year run leading one of college sports’ most storied programs. Bucknam talks about clearing out his office, leaving trophies where they belong, and wrestling with the memories — the SEC Triple Crowns, 18 podium finishes, two national titles, and the one-point heartbreaks that still stick with him.

He shares candid stories about replacing a legend in John McDonnell, what it felt like to sit in “that chair,” and why he always kept a picture of Coach McDonnell on his desk as a daily reminder of the standard he inherited. 

Bucknam also discusses the challenge of trying to win in all three sports — cross country, indoor, and outdoor — with limited scholarships, and why he believes that philosophy defined his tenure. He opens up about the changing landscape of college athletics, the transfer portal, NIL, and why the evolution of the sport played some role — but not the main role — in his decision to step away.

Ultimately, he says, retirement is about family, health, and passing the program to someone he trusts. Bucknam emphatically explains why longtime assistant Doug Case is the right person to lead Arkansas next, praising his loyalty, calm presence, and technical mastery. It’s a wide-ranging look back at a remarkable career — full of competitive fire, humility, and the perspective that only comes at the end of a legendary run.

📈 STOCK UP

🔺 Lucky Number Seven. Razorback men’s basketball’s Trevon Brazile has been named the SEC Player of the Week! He recorded a double-double in Saturday’s win over No. 16 Texas Tech with 24 points and 10 rebounds. His 24 points were just one shy of his career high.

🔺 Back-To-Back. For the second-straight week, Darius Acuff Jr. has been named the SEC Freshman of the Week! He also added Dick Vitale’s Diaper Dandy Freshman of the Week to the list. He scored 20 points to go with eight assists, four rebounds, and a block on Saturday.

🔺 Kings & Queens. The 14th-ranked men’s basketball team will host Queens tonight for the first time in program history. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. on the SEC Network. This is just the second time since Nov. 21 that Arkansas has played in Bud Walton Arena.

Why Choose McDonald Eye?

Chuck Barrett, the voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks,  recently trusted Dr. Chad Betts of McDonald Eye Associates with his cataract surgery. In addition to advanced cataract surgery, McDonald Eye offers eye exams, same day appointments, glasses and sunglasses, contact lenses and Free LASIK consultations.

📬 STAY WITH US

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🎧 THE RAZORBACK DAILY

I hope you’re hungry, Hog fans! Karen Van Horn and Becky Bull join the show to dish on the new cookbook “Eat Like the Hogs."

📅 WHAT’S AHEAD

Tuesday 12/16

🏀 No. 14 Men’s Basketball vs. Queens @ 8:00 p.m. | Tickets | SEC Network

Wednesday 12/17

🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. UMKC @ 1:00 p.m. | Tickets | ESPN+

Saturday 12/20

🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. Stephen F. Austin @ 1:00 p.m. | Tickets | SECN+
🏀 No. 14 Men’s Basketball vs. No. 8 Houston @ 4:30 p.m. | CBS

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