Has Arkansas Won a National Championship in Football?

By Sarah Miller · May 28, 2050

The University of Arkansas has never won a national championship in football, despite a storied program with multiple conference titles and bowl victories.

Arkansas Football and the National Championship Quest

The Arkansas Razorbacks have a rich tradition in college football, consistently competing at a high level within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). However, despite decades of strong performances, they have not secured a recognized national title in football.

Why Hasn't Arkansas Won a National Championship?

Lack of consensus during peak seasons, particularly in 1964 and 1977.
Tough competition within the SEC, one of the nation's strongest conferences.
Few appearances in modern-era College Football Playoff games.
Historical challenges in maintaining top rankings through end-of-season bowl games.

Close Calls: Seasons When Arkansas Was in Contention

A few seasons stand out when the Razorbacks came close to claiming a national title.

The 1964 Season: A Contested Claim

In 1964, under head coach Frank Broyles, Arkansas went undefeated (10–0) and unscored upon in their final five games. They finished ranked No. 1 in the final UPI Coaches Poll before the bowl games. However, they lost to LSU in the Cotton Bowl and were overtaken by Alabama in the final AP Poll. Because the UPI poll did not allow post-bowl voting at the time, Arkansas is recognized by some as national champions for that year—but not by the NCAA or major selectors.

The 1977 Season: Another Near Miss

Under Lou Holtz, the 1977 Razorbacks finished 11–1 and ranked No. 2 in the final polls after defeating Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. They were the only team to beat the Sooners that season, but Alabama claimed the national title with a perfect record.

Year	Record	Final AP Rank	Final Coaches Rank	Bowl Game	Result
1964	10–1	3	1	Cotton Bowl	Lost to LSU 10–7
1977	11–1	2	2	Orange Bowl	Won vs. Oklahoma 31–6
1975	10–2	7	6	Liberty Bowl	Won vs. TCU 39–37
2010	10–3	12	13	Sugar Bowl	Lost to Ohio State 31–26

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights key seasons where Arkansas achieved elite status but fell short of a national title. The 1964 and 1977 teams came closest, finishing in the top two nationally. Despite strong records and high rankings, no Arkansas team has finished atop both major polls after the bowl season.

Conference Success and Bowl History

While lacking a national title, Arkansas has enjoyed success in conference play and postseason games.

13 conference championships (including SWC and SEC titles).
Over 40 bowl appearances, with a 22–22 record as of 2023.
SEC West Division titles in 1998, 1999, 2006, and 2010.

Pathways to a Future National Title

To win a national championship, Arkansas would need to:

Consistently recruit top-tier talent, especially on defense.
Excel in SEC matchups, particularly against powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
Qualify for the expanded College Football Playoff format starting in 2024.
Maintain quarterback stability and offensive efficiency.

About Arkansas National Championship in Football: FAQs

Has Arkansas ever been ranked number 1 in football?

Yes, Arkansas was ranked No. 1 in the UPI Coaches Poll at the end of the 1964 regular season, before losing in the Cotton Bowl.

Why doesn't Arkansas claim a 1964 national championship?

The university does not officially claim a national title for 1964 because they lost their bowl game and were ranked No. 3 in the final AP Poll, the more widely accepted selector.

How many times has Arkansas finished in the top 5?

Arkansas has finished in the final AP Top 5 four times: No. 3 in 1964, No. 2 in 1977, No. 7 in 1975 (Top 10), and No. 12 in 2010.

Who are Arkansas’s biggest rivals in football?

Arkansas’s primary rivals are LSU, Texas, and Missouri. The annual matchup with LSU is especially intense and often impacts SEC West standings.

Can Arkansas win a national championship in the future?

Yes, with the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams in 2024, opportunities for non-elite programs will increase. If Arkansas strengthens recruiting and performs well in the SEC, a national title run is possible.