The University of Arkansas will pay tribute to legendary running back Darren McFadden during the 2025 football season with a special jersey patch and a permanent display at the stadium.
The Razorbacks announced Tuesday that players wearing the No. 5 jersey this season will sport a patch featuring McFadden’s initials and a silhouette of his iconic running style. This will be the first time Arkansas has honored a former player in such a manner.
“Since 2005, the No. 5 has been synonymous with Darren McFadden across our entire state,” said athletic director Hunter Yurachek. “Our fans will always remember seeing No. 5 sprint down the sideline, power through SEC defenses, or deliver a crushing hit—those moments are unforgettable.”
I am excited to announce that Darren McFadden’s #5 will be the first Honored Jersey for Razorback football beginning with the 2025 season.
Darren and his #5 will be officially honored at the October 18th vs Texas A&M game. Congratulations DMAC a well deserved honor! pic.twitter.com/eEQQvcr8op— Hunter Yurachek (@HunterYurachek) July 29, 2025
Darren McFadden, a native of Little Rock, starred at Arkansas from 2005 to 2007, setting school records with 4,590 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns. A two-time Doak Walker Award winner as the nation’s top running back, McFadden also finished second in Heisman Trophy voting in both 2006 and 2007.
“As we place this patch on the jerseys of today’s No. 5 players, it ensures that everyone watching the Razorbacks is reminded of Darren’s incredible impact,” said athletic director Hunter Yurachek. “His legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the University of Arkansas, and this patch is a symbol of that enduring greatness.”
Senior defensive lineman Cam Ball and freshman wide receiver Ja’Kayden Ferguson—both set to wear No. 5 this season—will debut the patch during the season opener on August 30 against Alabama A&M. Both players expressed pride in carrying forward McFadden’s legacy on the field.
In addition to the jersey patch tribute, Darren McFadden’s iconic No. 5 will be permanently displayed inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. He will become just the third player in Arkansas history to receive this honor, joining Clyde Scott (No. 12) and Brandon Burlsworth (No. 77). The display is set to be unveiled during the Razorbacks’ October 18 matchup against Texas A&M.
McFadden played a key role in leading Arkansas to the SEC Championship Game in 2006 and was named SEC Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American in 2005. He remains one of the most decorated players the program has ever produced.
Former Razorbacks head coach Houston Nutt reflected on McFadden’s impact, saying, “He was just different. Tough, fast, smart—he elevated everyone around him.”
That #5 just means more 🐗 pic.twitter.com/sCVZ1NAmmC
— Hogs Plus (@HogsPlus) July 29, 2025
Arkansas’ move to honor Darren McFadden with both a commemorative jersey patch and a permanent stadium display has captured attention throughout the SEC. While jersey retirements are a common tradition, university officials emphasized that the patch offers a consistent, visible tribute to McFadden’s lasting impact on the Razorbacks’ legacy.
The goal, they say, is for the patch to serve as motivation for current and future players who wear the No. 5 jersey.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” said senior defensive lineman Cam Ball. “Everyone in Arkansas understands what No. 5 stands for. Wearing that patch means representing something far greater than yourself.”
Arkansas will kick off the 2025 season at home against Alabama A&M on August 30. McFadden’s official stadium recognition will be unveiled during the October 18 home game versus Texas A&M.
A former first-round NFL pick, McFadden played for the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. He remains one of the most revered figures in Razorback history, with his achievements now permanently embedded in the program’s identity for generations of fans to celebrate.
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