On Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, the Auburn Tigers snapped a frustrating start to SEC play with a 33‑24 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. The decisive moment came when defensive back Rayshawn Pleasant intercepted a pass and ran 49 yards for a touchdown with just over nine minutes left, delivering the Tigers’ first SEC win of the season.
Game Overview
Before the game, both teams were stumbling. Auburn, led by head coach Hugh Freeze, sat at 0‑4 in conference play, while Arkansas was winless at 0‑4. The atmosphere at Razorback Stadium was electric – nearly 69,000 fans shouted, cheered, and groaned in equal measure as the two programs traded blows.
The first quarter favored Auburn, which opened the scoring with a 7‑0 lead. Then Arkansas answered with 21 straight points, thanks in part to an 89‑yard interception return by Kani Walker that sent the Razorbacks to a 21‑10 halftime advantage.
Turning Point: The Pick‑6
Third‑quarter adjustments changed the script. Quarterback Ashton Daniels replaced starter Jackson Arnold after the half. Daniels, who completed six of eight passes for 77 yards, sparked three quick field‑goal drives that narrowed the deficit to 24‑19.
But the real swing came in the fourth quarter. With the Razorbacks clinging to a five‑point lead, Pleasant read the quarterback’s eyes, leapt at the ball, and sprinted 49 yards into the end zone. The crowd’s roar was deafening, and the momentum shifted completely in Auburn’s favor.
Quarter‑by‑Quarter Breakdown
- 1st Quarter: Auburn 7, Arkansas 0 – a 2‑yard rush by running back Jace McCoy set up the opening score.
- 2nd Quarter: Arkansas 21, Auburn 3 – Walker’s 89‑yard pick‑6 and two rushing touchdowns put the Hogs ahead.
- 3rd Quarter: Auburn 9, Arkansas 0 – three field goals (32, 38, 45 yards) by kicker Josh Alford trimmed the gap.
- 4th Quarter: Auburn 17, Arkansas 0 – Pleasant’s pick‑6, a 7‑yard touchdown run by Daniels, and a final field goal sealed the win.
Arkansas failed to score after halftime, a stark contrast to their first‑half fireworks. Auburn’s defense forced three punts and a fumble, while the offense, galvanized by Daniels’s poise, kept the drive clock moving.
Coaches' Reactions
After the game, Hugh Freeze praised his squad’s resilience: “We’ve been knocked down four times by top‑ranked teams, each by less than ten points. To see these young men bounce back, to keep fighting—that’s what football’s about.”
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, visibly disappointed, said, “We started strong, we built a lead, but we didn’t execute in the second half. We’ll learn and get back on track.”
The Auburn Sports Network’s host Zach Blackerby reflected on the broadcast, noting, “Auburn finally gets a win. Finally. It felt like we finally fought through adversity, and that’s a good sign moving forward.”
Implications for the SEC Race
With the victory, Auburn lifted its SEC record to 1‑4, tying South Carolina for the second‑lowest spot but breaking a three‑game losing streak in conference play. The win also gave the Tigers a morale boost ahead of their next matchup against the LSU Tigers, a game many analysts consider a potential turning point for the season.
For Arkansas, the loss left them at 0‑5 in the conference, slipping further behind Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia, who continue to dominate the SEC West and East. The Razorbacks will now travel to face Kentucky, hoping to avoid an embarrassing winless conference slate.
Across the league, the SEC standings remain a chessboard: Texas A&M (5‑0) still leads, while Alabama (5‑0) and Georgia (4‑1) chase; the Tigers’ win narrows the gap for middle‑tier teams like Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, who sit at 4‑1 and 3‑1 respectively.
Looking Ahead for Auburn and Arkansas
Next week, Auburn travels to Baton Rouge to test its newfound momentum against the LSU Tigers, a team sitting at 2‑3 in SEC play. If the Tigers can replicate their second‑half surge, they could climb out of the bottom tier.
Arkansas, meanwhile, will attempt to rebound against Kentucky on the road. The Razorbacks will need to tighten up their defense—still vulnerable after giving up 49 yards on a single play—and find a way to protect the ball in the latter stages of games.
Fans can continue to follow the action on the SEC Network, with streaming options through Fubo TV ($84.99/month) and Sling TV (starting at $4.99). The Auburn Sports Network will also provide live coverage, post‑game analysis, and daily podcasts featuring coaches and analysts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Auburn’s win affect its chances of bowl eligibility?
A win brings Auburn to a 4‑4 overall record, keeping them within reach of the six‑win threshold typically required for bowl eligibility. If they win two of their next three games, they’ll secure a postseason spot.
What were the key statistical differences that led to Auburn’s comeback?
Auburn outgained Arkansas 384‑332 total yards, forced three turnovers (including Pleasant’s pick‑6), and had a time‑of‑possession advantage of 33:12 to 28:45 in the second half. The shift in turnovers proved decisive.
Why was the interception return by Rayshawn Pleasant so pivotal?
The 49‑yard pick‑6 turned a five‑point deficit into a three‑point lead with less than ten minutes remaining, reversing momentum and forcing Arkansas into a pass‑heavy offense they couldn’t sustain.
What does the loss mean for Arkansas’s SEC outlook?
Dropping to 0‑5 in the conference deepens Arkansas’s rebuilding challenges. They’ll need to win at least three of their remaining SEC games to avoid finishing at the bottom.
Who are the standout performers to watch for Auburn moving forward?
Quarterback Ashton Daniels (332 passing yards, 2 TDs), defensive back Rayshawn Pleasant (crucial pick‑6), and kicker Josh Alford (three field goals) emerged as key contributors and will be pivotal in the next games.