Sports Talk With Bo Mattingly's Podcast

Jill Gillen doesn’t lack confidence. The senior volleyball standout thrives on people telling her what she can’t do and proving them wrong. She’s one of the best players in Razorback volleyball history, and has helped turn around a program that was once an afterthought. In this episode, we discover how people doubting her abilities fueled Jill Gillen to become the best version of herself and help put Arkansas volleyball on the map.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

Andrew Armstrong has had quite the journey to Arkansas and the SEC—college football’s grandest stage. Underrecruited, Armstrong went to D2 Texas A&M-Commerce… where he spent four years, but didn’t even play the first two after a redshirt season and a lost season due to Covid. Then, he excelled. Now, Armstrong has emerged as a go-to target for quarterback KJ Jefferson and the Arkansas offense. And make no mistake, this was always his plan. In this episode, we tell the story of how Andrew Armstrong is proof that no two journeys are the same.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

Few Razorback football players through the years were as exciting to watch as Felix Jones. Alongside Darren McFadden, he formed one of the greatest backfields in college football history. Jones still holds the Arkansas school record for career yards per rush, was a First-Team All-American in 2007, and was part of some of the most memorable Razorback moments of the past quarter century. And though it was McFadden who got the spotlight as a two-time Heisman finalist, the duo was better together. In this episode, we take a look back with Felix Jones and find out what made him such a special player, and what made those Razorback teams so great.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

Original episode synopsis: We sit down with former Arkansas coach Houston Nutt for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation. Nutt talks about his life growing up and getting recruited by Bear Bryant and Frank Broyles. We get into his playing career at Arkansas and why he transferred to Oklahoma State, as well how he got his break in coaching. He tells us how he got the Arkansas job and what made that 1998 season so special. We get his side of the story on his famous postgame interview after upsetting No. 1 LSU in 2007, and into the distractions of the 2006-07 seasons and what happened at the end.   Visit hogsplus.com to watch Resurgence, which chronicles the 1998 Arkansas football team under first-year head coach Houston Nutt.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

If you find yourself trying to figure out who No. 40 is on Arkansas’ defensive line this season, you won’t be alone. Landon Jackson looks like a different person. The junior is entering his second season with the Razorbacks after transferring from LSU, has added 40-plus pounds to his frame in the offseason. But gaining that much weight is a lot of work—and a LOT of eating. In this episode, we talk with Jackson about his journey to Arkansas from Texarkana, and to becoming the player he is today.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

It’s hard to believe that Sam Pittman is entering his fourth season as Arkansas’ head coach. In many ways, what he’s done in such a short amount of time has been remarkable, turning the program around and restoring Razorback pride throughout the state with the program’s first nine-win season in a decade, and back-to-back bowl wins for only the second time in school history. In this episode, we chat with the Head Hog about where the program is, why he’s more excited than ever for this season, and what he’s learned about being a head coach.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

KJ Jefferson has evolved into one of the best quarterbacks in Razorback history. As he enters his senior season at Arkansas, he’s within striking distance of Matt Jones’ school record for total offense. But it’s not just the records. KJ has grown into a major leadership role with the team. In this episode, we chat with KJ Jefferson about how he got to where he is today, why he decided to come back for more, and what he has planned for his senior season.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

Did you know, that prior to Colby Hale’s arrival at Arkansas, the Razorback soccer program had never been to the NCAA Tournament? Now, they’ve been nine times in his 11 years in charge. And after back-to-back trips to the Elite Eight, Hale’s ready for the program to take the next step. In this episode, we go inside that process—from where it started to where the program is today—as Colby Hale looks to lead Arkansas soccer to its first Women’s College Cup.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

Gritty. Tough. Hard-nosed. All words to describe Arkansas co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson. It just so happens they also describe Sam Pittman and the Razorback football program. Which makes Woodson and Arkansas a match in Hog Heaven. Woodson grew up in a hard-working, blue-collar family. That mentality helped him earn a scholarship at Ole Miss. And even though his playing career was cut short by injuries, he’s carried that same work ethic into his coaching career. In this episode, we get to know Woodson, what drives him to be great, and what it’s like to be the new co-defensive coordinator at Arkansas.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

Jimmy Smith has had a rapid ascent through the football coaching ranks. Just five years ago, he was in his fifth season as a high school head coach in Atlanta. Now, he’s in his fourth season coaching running backs at Arkansas, and serves as Sam Pittman’s associate head coach. Whether it’s coaching up Rocket Sanders or heading out on the recruiting trail, his background as a high school coach serves him well. But beyond that, it taught him how to handle adversity—something we all can learn from.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

Original Episode Synopsis: When many people think of Clint Stoerner, they think of the fumble against Tennessee. But shouldn’t he be remember for so much more? We sat down with the former Razorback to tell his story—starting with what he’s up to now and why he likes coaching (3:00). We go back to how he grew up (9:36) and how he got into football instead of baseball (15:50). Next, he tells us why he chose Arkansas over LSU (21:18) and what it was like when Houston Nutt got hired (25:25). We get into what he remembers about the 1998 Tennessee game, the fumble that everyone talks about and the immediate aftermath (29:53). He talks about what he had to endure from angry fans (36:43), and what he thinks fans think of when they hear his name (42:48). Finally, we talk to Clint about getting redemption against the Vols in 1999 and his story coming full circle (44:05).   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly

Original Episode Synopsis: It’s the story of how Arkansas baseball went from playing at the fairgrounds to becoming one of the top programs in the country. We visit with legendary Razorback baseball coach Norm DeBriyn, and talk about how he ended up in Arkansas, how he eventually got the head coaching job, teaching Driver’s Ed, and how he helped get Baum-Walker Stadium built. We’ll also chat with him and current coach Dave Van Horn about when Norm decided the time was right to pass the baton to his former player, and coming so close to winning a national championship.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: Sawyer Radler & James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

Jared Wegner’s journey hasn’t been a straight line. And he’s perfectly OK with that, knowing how things have turned out. Wegner’s baseball life started from a young age in Kearney, Nebraska, and even included a trip to Williamsport to play in the Little League World Series. But excelling in Little League doesn’t guarantee a shot at major college baseball. Wegner ended up at Creighton, where he battled injuries but eventually became a top player for the Blue Jays—all while watching big-time programs play right there in Omaha at the College World Series. So, with a grad transfer available, Wegner bet on himself, and ended up at Arkansas. The hard work paid off for Wegner, who overcame a hand injury in the middle of the season and became a major player for one of the top programs in the country. As Wegner prepares to begin his professional journey, he knows what it takes to succeed at the highest levels, and owes it, in part, to his time with the Hogs.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod E

As Razorback nation mourns the unexpected and tragic loss of Ryan Mallett, one of the all-time great quarterbacks in school history, we're digging into the vault and bringing back one of our favorite Hog Pod episodes.    Original Episode Synopsis: Ryan Mallett is one of the best players in Razorback history. But his college career didn’t start with the Razorbacks and from his perspective, there was a good reason why. Mallett’s talent was evident at a young age. Michigan was the first to take notice and eventually earned Mallett’s commitment, but after the legendary Lloyd Carr retired, Mallett’s boyhood dream of becoming a Hog began to look like more of a reality. After sitting out a year because of transfer rules, it became clear that Ryan Mallett was a perfect fit for head coach Bobby Petrino. And in 2010, Arkansas made its first-ever BCS bowl appearance. Though there were ups and downs, missteps and misunderstandings. Ryan Mallett gave Arkansas some of its best SEC memories, culminating as an NFL starter

At 6-10, Dan Skipper stands out on and off the football field. But his journey from Arkansas to the NFL has been larger than life. A three-star recruit out of high school, Skipper came to Arkansas and quickly assumed a starting role. He would start 47 straight games for the Razorbacks, the second-longest streak in program history. Skipper blocked seven field goals at Arkansas, just two shy of the NCAA career record, and he was a two-time All-SEC selection who played a role in some memorable moments. But a standout college career doesn’t equate to immediate success at the next level. At one point, Skipper was making pies, thinking his career was over. After six teams in six years, Skipper finally got his shot in 2022. After emotionally being cut in training camp by Detroit, he got his first career start in Week 2 for the Lions, and made an immediate impact. No matter where his professional journey takes him next, Dan Skipper’s story is already larger than life.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @

How do you sum up a legendary career? For Lance Harter, the stats tell the story: 33 years, seven NCAA Championships and 45 SEC Championships. But his impact on the Razorback program—and its student-athletes—goes beyond the numbers. It’s about the relationships he’s built, how he’s treated others, and how he’s represented the University of Arkansas. As an incredible career ends, Lance Harter’s name now adorns the track at the Randal Tyson Track Center, ensuring that his legacy will live on at Arkansas for years to come.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

Hunter Hollan doesn’t take the success he’s having for granted. He knows he’s come a long way on a journey that hasn’t been in a straight line. The Covid-19 pandemic impacted his college choices, and the junior lefty ended up at San Jacinto College for two seasons. But he eventually got his chance at Arkansas, and he’s taken full advantage. A guy who can throw five or six different pitches any given night, Hollan has become a weapon for pitching coach Matt Hobbs. Hollan is 8-2 across 14 starts for the Razorbacks, including a stand-out complete-game performance in a big win over South Carolina. Whether he pitches Friday, Saturday or Sunday, he’s been ready to bring his best stuff to the mound.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

Sometimes, things are just out of your control. Jace Bohrofen knows that all too well. He had his senior season of high school baseball canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. His first school wasn’t a fit, so he transferred to Arkansas. And then, in his first year with the Razorbacks last season, he suffered a freak injury that cut into his playing time. Bohrofen has certainly made the most of his junior season in Fayetteville, leading the team in home runs and becoming a fixture in the Razorback lineup. His teammates have noticed, too. Bohrofen was voted a team captain this season, despite having just parts of one season under his belt on the Hill. It speaks volumes about who he is. If Bohrofen has set the tone, the rest of the team has followed suit, going to work with an eye on the ultimate prize.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Edito

Who comes to mind when you think of the word “clutch”? Maybe it’s Michael Jordan. Tom Brady. Or Tiger Woods. Razorback baseball’s version of clutch? That’d be Kendall Diggs. A sophomore from Overland Park, Kansas—an area which has produced some of the best Razorback baseball players in recent memory—Diggs has a knack for coming through when it matters most, with four game-winning hits and counting in his young career. Getting to that point takes a lot of hard work. Thankfully, for Diggs and every other Razorback, the coaching staff is up to the task. Kendall Diggs appreciates everything about his time at Arkansas—from the coaching staff to his teammates, from the fans to the facilities. And he’s hoping there are more big moments in store.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

For their entire lives, Hannah and Lauren Camenzind [cam-in-zend] have been tied together. So it’s no surprise that they’re both making an impact for the Razorback softball team as freshmen. Their decision to come to Arkansas as a packaged deal was pretty easy. As it turns out, Fayetteville feels a lot like home. But their path to get to this point wasn’t always easy. In fact, early on, they wondered if they’d ever be good at softball. But a lot of hard work paid off. Hannah has developed into a three-time SEC Freshman of the Week pitcher, while Lauren has cemented herself as a fixture in the Hogs’ lineup at catcher. The future is extraordinarily bright for Hannah and Lauren Camenzind, and they’ll be able to celebrate all their successes along the way just as they always have: together.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman) Editor, Engineer &a