Two Big Names Appear on Arkansas’ Coaching Candidate List

The coaching search at Arkansas just got a little more intriguing. Among the nine potential candidates listed this week by 247Sports’ College Football Insiders are former Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy and Colorado’s Deion Sanders.

For Gundy, the inclusion is not especially surprising. He remains a high-profile name in coaching circles, experienced, reputable, and with a long history in the Big 12. Even after his departure from Oklahoma State, his name continues to surface in Power Four conversations, and this slot in Arkansas’ shortlist reinforces that he is still very much in the running in major programs.

Sanders’ appearance adds another layer of national intrigue. Coach Prime is already a polarizing figure in the sport, celebrated for his outsized personality, ability to elevate program visibility, and aggressive recruiting presence. His inclusion signals that Arkansas is entertaining not only conventionally seasoned names, but also more dramatic, high-ceiling options.

The 247Sports list frames Arkansas’ decision point sharply: Do the Razorbacks lean toward a steady hand steeped in long-term consistency, or swing toward a bold hire who commands attention and recruits at volume? Gundy fits the former profile; Sanders the latter. Either route carries risk. An established coach may lack urgency; a flashy coach may polarize.

This list from 247Sports is not an official roster of finalists, but it does reflect which names are currently resonating in insider circles. For Gundy, it’s a nod that his candidacy remains alive. For Sanders, it’s proof that his reach continues to extend beyond Colorado.

As the Razorbacks narrow the field, both Gundy’s institutional experience and Sanders’ brand-driven appeal will be measured against stability, recruiting impact, and long-term trajectory in SEC competition. The weeks ahead should bring clarity to who truly emerges as the front-runner.