Arkansas vs. Texas: SEC Showdown
Date: May 22, 2026
Location: Hoover Metropolitan Stadium
Time: 3 p.m
Watch: SEC Network
Listen: AM-1300 The Zone
Live stats: texas.statbroadcast.com
Pitching Matchup
Arkansas: Hunter Dietz (7-3, 3.32 ERA)
Texas: Cody Howard (0-0, 7.45 ERA)
The Game Ahead
Texas, coming off an impressive 40-win season, kicks off the SEC Tournament by facing Arkansas. The Longhorns hold a dominant 76-42 record against the Razorbacks, a rivalry that dates back to 1902. Arkansas is fresh off a win against Tennessee, while Texas aims to make a strong start.
Spotlight on Texas
As of late May, Texas ranks high in several important metrics: 4th in RPI and 6th in strength of schedule. They’ve had a stellar record of .769 and a solid run differential of +3.7. Their pitching team shines too, with a 3.30 FIP and an impressive fielding percentage of .980, placing them in the national top 20.
Awards and Recognition
Recently, five Texas players received SEC postseason honors. Anthony Pack Jr. was named SEC Freshman of the Year, while Aiden Robbins grabbed the title of SEC Newcomer of the Year. Notably, Pack Jr. is the first back-to-back Freshman of the Year for Texas since 2009-10. This recognition highlights a strong year for the Longhorns’ young talent.
Texas Dominates the SEC
In their time in the SEC, Texas has been a force to be reckoned with. They have the best conference winning percentage at .695, closely followed by Georgia. Coach Jim Schlossnagle has led the way, winning more series than anyone else since he took charge.
The Power Hitter’s Club
Under the guidance of Troy Tulowitzki, Texas has recorded extraordinary home run numbers. In 2022, they hit a record 128 home runs. This year, they have already smashed 87. Carson Tinney leads the team with 20 homers, making it an exciting time for Longhorn fans.
Pitching History in the Making
Texas’ pitching staff is also on a roll, with 585 strikeouts this season. They’re on track to break a 41-year-old record of 618 strikeouts set back in 1985. Ruger Riojas and Dylan Volantis stand out, becoming the first Texas duo to hit 100 strikeouts in a single season in over a decade.
Speed on the Bases
Texas has reached over 100 stolen bases for the first time since 2005, ranking 3rd in the SEC. This season, six players have double-digit steals, including freshman Anthony Pack Jr., who leads with 20. This level of athleticism and strategic speed is a significant factor in the team’s success.
Future Stars
Sam Cozart, Anthony Pack Jr., and Dylan Volantis will join the 2026 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp this summer. This is a proud moment for Texas, showcasing their commitment to developing exceptional players.
As Texas embarks on this postseason journey, they bring excitement and high expectations. Fans are eager to see if they can continue their winning streak and make a lasting impact in the SEC Tournament.
