Texas A&M Aggies vs Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Preview
The Texas A&M Aggies travel to Fayetteville for a Week 8 SEC showdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The annual Southwest Classic kicks off at 3:30 PM ET from Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and will air nationally on ESPN.
Texas A&M enters the contest ranked No. 4 in the nation with a 6-0 record (3-0 SEC), while Arkansas sits at 2-4 (0-2 SEC) and is seeking its first conference win of the season. This marks the first time since 2013 that the rivalry game will be played in Fayetteville instead of Arlington.
Texas A&M Adjusting Without Moss
The Aggies have looked every bit the part of a College Football Playoff contender this season, but they face a key setback with running back Le’Veon Moss sidelined by an ankle injury. Moss has been the team’s top rusher, recording 389 yards and six touchdowns on 70 carries before going down in last week’s 34-17 win over Florida.
In Moss’ absence, Rueben Owens II is expected to shoulder the load. Owens led Texas A&M with 51 rushing yards and a touchdown in that Florida game and brings a solid mix of speed and physicality.
Quarterback Marcel Reed has been the offensive anchor, throwing for 1,490 yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions. His composure and efficiency have powered an attack averaging 34.7 points per game. The Aggies’ defense has been just as impressive, ranking 22nd nationally in rushing defense (103.3 yards per game) and top-five in sacks (21).
Head coach Mike Elko has kept his team focused and balanced, and despite the loss of Moss, the Aggies still have the weapons to stay unbeaten.
Arkansas Showing Progress Under Petrino
The Arkansas Razorbacks have struggled this season but looked reinvigorated in last week’s narrow 34-31 loss to Tennessee — their first game under interim coach Bobby Petrino. The Razorbacks displayed renewed energy on offense, racking up 497 total yards and staying competitive throughout.
Quarterback Taylen Green threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns while also showcasing mobility in the pocket. Running back Mike Washington Jr. contributed 131 rushing yards and a touchdown, forming a reliable one-two punch for an offense averaging 36.3 points per game (27th nationally).
Arkansas’ defense, however, remains its weak spot, ranking 114th in points allowed (30.7) and 118th in turnover margin (-5). Despite those struggles, the Razorbacks have shown flashes of playmaking ability, ranking among the top 10 nationally in both interceptions and fumbles recovered.
If Arkansas can avoid costly turnovers and maintain offensive balance, they have the potential to challenge Texas A&M in front of their home crowd.
Line Movement and Odds
Current Odds (via ScoresAndStats.com NCAAF Odds)
Texas A&M -7.5 (-109)
Arkansas +7.5 (-111)
Total: 61.5 (Over -111 / Under -110)
Texas A&M is 19-3 straight-up as a favorite over the past two seasons, while Arkansas has been profitable as an underdog, going 13-7 against the spread in its last 20 games.
Matchup Breakdown
Texas A&M Aggies Outlook
Even without Moss, Texas A&M’s offensive balance and defensive front remain elite. Reed’s ability to extend plays gives the Aggies flexibility, and the defense has been disruptive — forcing turnovers and applying pressure consistently. If Owens can keep the ground game respectable, A&M’s passing attack should have space to exploit Arkansas’ secondary.
Arkansas Razorbacks Outlook
Arkansas has one of the most explosive offenses in the SEC but must take care of the football. Green’s decision-making will be key against a defense that thrives on sacks and takeaways. Defensively, the Razorbacks must find ways to generate pressure without compromising coverage — something they’ve struggled to do consistently this season.
Key Edge
Texas A&M’s defense gives it a decisive advantage. The Aggies’ front seven can overwhelm Arkansas’ offensive line, forcing Green into hurried throws. Unless the Razorbacks can sustain long drives and avoid turnovers, Texas A&M’s efficiency on both sides of the ball should lead to another Southwest Classic victory.
Betting Trends
Texas A&M is 6-0 straight-up in 2025.
Texas A&M is 19-3 straight-up as a favorite in its last 22 games.
The total has gone over in seven straight Texas A&M road games.
Arkansas is 13-7 ATS as an underdog in its last 20 games.
Arkansas has gone over the total in four of its last five contests.
Prediction and Best Bets
Both teams have plenty of offensive firepower, but Texas A&M’s defense and quarterback play make the difference. Expect the Aggies to control the tempo and pull away late.
Projected Score: Texas A&M 35, Arkansas 24
Best Bet: Texas A&M -7.5
Secondary Lean: Over 61.5
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