On Monday, Arkansas offensive lineman Luke Brown announced he is medically retiring from football. Brown spent two seasons with the Razorbacks.

“I am medically retiring from football,” Brown wrote on X. “Thanks to Coach Pittman, Coach Mateos, and everyone at the University of Arkansas for giving me the opportunity to play at the next level. Thanks hog nation for everything!”

Brown didn’t see any action during his true freshman season in 2023 and redshirted. Brown also did not play this season. The reason behind his decision to medically retire is unclear.

Brown played high school football at Henry County High School (TN), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 404 overall recruit and No. 26 interior offensive lineman in the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

As a senior at Henry County, Brown amassed 127 pancake blocks on the offensive line and helped the Patriots post an 11-3 overall record with a 5-0 mark in 5A Region 7 play to earn a first-place finish.

Luke Brown also posted a similar message to his Instagram regarding his decision.

“Thank you football,” Brown wrote. “I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to play the game for as long as I have. It has created lifelong memories and friendships. Thanks to all the coaches, family members, and friends who have helped me along my way in this journey. It truly has been a blessing.
With that being said, I will be medically retiring from football.”

Sam Pittman reassures worried Arkansas fans

In the opening days of the NCAA Transfer Portal winter window, Arkansas saw several of its standouts enter their names, including players such as tight end Luke Hasz and cornerback Jaylon Braxton. Shortly after their decisions, Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman sent a message to any fans beginning to panic about the transfer portal.

“We’re not stupid. We know if a guy like a Luke Hasz walks out the door, it’s going to mean something,” Pittman said. “Hell, it meant something to us too. It meant something to him too. It was very difficult for him and his family.

“But the decisions have to be about the team. It can’t be about just the individual, it has to be about the team. All I would say is, all I would ask is that they be patient to see over the next week and a half (to) see if we get out of the portal what I think we can get. If we do, I think they’ll be very excited about that.”

Arkansas basketball (10-2, 0-0 SEC) has one game remaining in the 2024 calendar year and will host the Oakland Golden Grizzlies (4-9, 1-2 Horizon) on Monday at Bud Walton Arena.

The Razorbacks are on a five-game win streak and most recently took down the North Carolina A&T Aggies, 92-67, last Saturday. The team then took time off for Christmas break and returned to practice Dec. 26 to prepare for the final non-conference game of the season.

The Hogs and Golden Grizzlies have met on two separate occasions, and Arkansas won both times. The first matchup came in 2006, when the Razorbacks took a 71-57 victory. The next meeting came in 2011, a game Arkansas won 91-68.

Oakland is led by head coach Greg Kampe, who is the longest-tenured active college basketball coach and has been with the program for 41 years. He has made four trips to the NCAA Division I Tournament in that time and also had four trips to the NCAA Division II Tournament before Oakland made the jump to Division I.

Arkansas head coach John Calipari has his own recent history with Oakland as well. The Golden Grizzlies defeated the Kentucky Wildcats — led at the time by Calipari — 80-76 in the first round of last year’s NCAA Tournament behind 32 points from Jack Gohlke, who hit 10 threes to win the game.

Below are details on how to watch, links to stream and links to all of our coverage leading up to the game…

Who: Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2, 0-0 SEC) vs. Oakland Golden Grizzlies (4-9, 1-2 Horizon)

When: Monday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. CT

Where: Bud Walton Arena — Fayetteville, Arkansas

TV/Stream: ESPN2 / Watch ESPN (Dave Neal and Pat Bradley)

Radio: Learfield Razorback Sports Network (Chuck Barrett and Matt Zimmerman)

Below are details on the betting odds for the game and Double R Prop bets. To get in on the action, visit BetSaracen.com and click on the Arkansas Specials tab.

(Lines and odds are subject to change at any point after the publishing of this story. HawgBeat does not guarantee any bet as a winner or loser. You must be at least 21 years of age to use BetSaracen. If you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net)

*All odds accurate as of the publishing of this story. They are subject to change.*

Moneyline/Spread

Arkansas: –3000

Oakland: +1200

Arkansas: -17 (-110)

Oakland: +17 (-110)

Total Points

Over/Under 143.5 points

Double R Props (more available on BetSaracen app)

– Adou Thiero over 1.5 offensive rebounds and over 2.5 three-point attempts (+165)

– Boogie Fland and Johnell Davis over 19.5 field goal attempts and over 11.5 field goals made (+140)

– Jonas Aidoo over 10.5 points and over 4.5 rebounds (+175)

– Trevon Brazile over 1.5 blocks and over 7.5 field goal attempts (+150)

– Zvonimir Ivisic over 10.5 points and over 3.5 rebounds (+220)

– Karter Knox over 11.5 points and over 3.5 rebounds (+250)