Sports Talk With Bo Mattingly's Podcast

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

It takes a special kind of player to come through for a team when it matters most.  For Arkansas, senior pitcher Chenise Delce fits the bill. Time and time again, the Oklahoma City native has been a star in the circle for the Razorbacks in the biggest moments, like capturing an SEC Tournament title a year ago. A Tulsa transfer, her relationship with Arkansas head coach Courtney Deifel is a big reason she’s become the player she is today. Delce is plenty good. She’s the reigning SEC Pitcher of the Year, and has had an impressive follow-up campaign. But as nice as the individual awards are, she has one goal: To lead the Razorbacks to her hometown, and the Women’s College World Series.   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)

Julian Perico knows almost everybody in the golf world, so it’s no wonder that he’s known as the Mayor of College Golf. A big smile and fun-loving personality are a way of life for Perico, who just wrapped up his decorated Razorback career, which includes holding the course record at Blessings Golf Club and one of the best scoring averages in program history. A native of Lima, Peru, Perico understands the value of hard work and knows what it takes to succeed at the highest levels. Nothing about Julain Perico’s story is average. And he knows he’s lucky.   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)

As with so many, Tavian Josenberger has long dreamt of playing baseball on the biggest stage. But what makes his story unique is that his dream didn’t end just because he didn’t get to be a Razorback right out of the gate. And it’s given him some added perspective. He’s had success at the plate and in the field, and has emerged as a team leader in his first season in Fayetteville. It makes sense, then, that Josenberger is the tone setter atop the Razorbacks’ lineup. Batting leadoff, he’s among the team leaders in on-base percentage and leads the team in steals. He’s also made some spectacular plays prowling center field. With Josenberger setting the table, this team will have a chance to keep finding ways to win.   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)

Hannah Gammill knows she’s fortunate. Hailing from the small town of McRae, Arkansas—near Beebe—and a lifelong Razorback fan, she wasn’t afraid to dream big. As her family supported her dreams, Gammill turned into a great player, one that caught the attention of Razorback head coach Courtney Deifel, who’s become a big part of Gammill’s on- and off-field success. A first-team All-American in 2022, Gammill has emerged as a leader for Deifel’s squad, and it’s a role she’s embraced and is thriving in. But Gammill’s impact doesn’t stop on the field. She’s just as big a leader in the community. Through an internship with a domestic violence shelter, Gammill is making an impact on lives every day. She's well on her way to leaving a lasting legacy on the Razorback softball program, but if she has her way, her impact will be felt far off it.   FIND US ONLINE: Twitter: @HogsPlus Instagram: @thehogpod Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com   CREDITS: Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo) Producer: B

Dan Enos is a familiar face to Razorback fans. His time at Arkansas for three seasons from 2015 to 2017 produced some great offenses and top quarterback play. After leaving the Razorbacks, he spent time at some of the biggest programs and with some of the game’s top coaches. So why come back to Arkansas? Sam Pittman had a lot to do with that. Enos has a long history of developing quarterbacks, with seven signal callers currently in the NFL, including Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa. And his impact is already being felt on the Razorback offense, especially with KJ Jefferson. With Enos overseeing the offense, Pittman, Jefferson and the Razorbacks are looking to take the next step in the SEC West.   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)

Playing in the Masters. Chasing the green jacket alongside icons of the game. It's every golfer's dream. For Razorback senior Mateo Fernandez de Oliviera, his dream has become a reality. With his record-setting win earlier this year at the Latin American Amateur Championship, Mateo secured his invitation to the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open. For him, it’s just the beginning. A native of Argentina and a transfer from TCU, he’s been making the most in his time as a Razorback, earning All-American honors and a spot on the Palmer Cup team, as well as rising to a top-30 spot in the world amateur golf rankings. The future is bright for Mateo, but he’s making the most of his present.   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)

Whether it’s the middle of winter or the middle of the season, baseball is always something Dave Van Horn is thinking about. It helps Van Horn be prepared for anything, from a trip to Omaha last season, to the adversity of dealing with injuries to the pitching staff this year. One thing Van Horn hasn’t had to worry about? His assistant coaches, Nate Thompson and Matt Hobbs. Armed with an exceptional staff and a talented roster, Van Horn is ready to lead the Diamond Hogs to another standout 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)   The Hog Pod is a presentation of Arkansas Athletics, Sport & Story, and Learfield. 

In this special episode of the Hog Pod, host Bo Mattingly sits down with junior guard Devo Davis to talk about his incredible performance in the second round upset of Kansas, how he constantly shows up in the biggest moments, and how the Hogs have gotten to this point.   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)   The Hog Pod is a presentation of Arkansas Athletics, Sport & Story, and Learfield. 

Razorback legend Joe Kleine and freshman standout Jordan Walsh join Matt Zimmerman to talk all things Arkansas basketball as the Hogs head into the NCAA Tournament in this Hog Pod special. Get the best insight into the matchup with Illinois and reasons this team can make another run, as well as plenty of fun moments.

In many ways, Nick Smith Jr. has been preparing for this moment his whole life. The hard work paid off. Smith was a five-star prospect, a McDonald’s All-American, and is a projected top-10 NBA Draft pick.  But despite the accolades, he feels he hasn’t yet arrived. Smith cares about his roots, his hometown of Jacksonville, Ark., and his desire to impact others in a positive way. Though he’s battled injuries and adversity in his freshman season, Nick Smith Jr. is well on his way to making his hometown—and the state of Arkansas—proud.   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)   The Hog Pod is a presentation of Arkansas Athletics, Sport & Story, and Learfield. 

The University of Arkansas is having a moment. Buoyed by success across all sports, there’s something special brewing in Fayetteville. And U of A chancellor Dr. Charles Robinson knows it. Robinson is the first African American chancellor in the university’s history. He understands how the Razorbacks impact so many. After all, he grew up admiring Nolan Richardson’s Arkansas teams. Given his background as a professor researching southern history and race relations, Robinson knows how much progress has been in that area since Richardson roamed the sidelines, but also that there’s still work to be done.