Lou Holtz named honorary captain for Notre Dame at Arkansas

When Notre Dame takes on Arkansas Saturday, a coach familiar with both programs will be in attendance. Lou Holtz will be the honorary captain.

Holtz took over at Arkansas in 1977 after one season in the NFL with the New York Jets. He amassed a 60-21-2 record with the Razorbacks from 1977-83, leading the program to a national title in his first year at the helm. Following a stint with Minnesota, Holtz took over at Notre Dame and help lead the Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1988 amid an undefeated season.

Now, the two teams will get ready to square off in the early window on Saturday. Holtz said he was already planning to be there, but he’ll now also be an honorary captain, Arkansas announced.

We’re excited to welcome legendary Head Coach Lou Holtz back to The Hill as Saturday's honorary captain!

Coach Holtz, who led the Hogs to 60 wins and six bowl games as Head Coach from 1977-83, will be honored prior to kickoff. pic.twitter.com/mTb5r7jg5X

— Arkansas Razorbacks 🐗 (@ArkRazorbacks) September 24, 2025

“I definitely planned on being at Fayetteville Stadium on Sept. 27 to watch the Hogs take on the Fighting Irish,” Holtz said in a video. “Thank you to the Arkansas fans for giving me seven wonderful years. All four of my children went to high school in Fayetteville, Ark. It’s still our home.

“And I really learned how to be a football coach at a big-time program at that university. I look forward to being there, and I can hardly wait to hear, ‘Woo Pig Sooie.'”

During his coaching career, Lou Holtz won two Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards – one at Arkansas in 1977 and the other at Notre Dame in 1988. Between the two programs, he had a 160-51-4 overall record, including national titles at each stop.

Saturday’s game looms as a big one for both Notre Dame and Arkansas. The Fighting Irish are looking to avoid a 1-3 start to the year, dropping the first two games to Miami and Texas A&M before the offense showed out last week against Purdue. The Razorbacks, meanwhile, are coming off back-to-back close losses in the final minutes. Last week, they led Memphis 28-17 at one point before the Tigers stormed back to get the 32-31 win.

Both quarterbacks are going to be front and center, as well. Taylen Green has been impressive once again to start the 2025 season, throwing for 1,191 yards and 12 touchdowns while leading Arkansas with 360 rushing yards along with two touchdowns.

CJ Carr also appears to be settling well as Notre Dame’s starter after a strong showing against Purdue. He went 10 of 12 for 223 yards and two touchdowns before handing the keys over to Kenny Minchey.