When Hunter Yurachek stunned the college sports world by luring John Calipari away from Kentucky, it felt like Arkansas athletics had stepped into a new era; an era where the Razorbacks could reach into blueblood territory, swing big, and actually land giants. Naturally, Razorback fans spent the early weeks of the football search assuming something similar was possible.
Initially, it looked like James Franklin might be that swing. He checked the boxes: brand power, experience, proven winner, and a résumé that carried national weight. He was the football equivalent of a Calipari-lite hire.
But that hope evaporated the moment Franklin chose Virginia Tech.