The bright lights of the gridiron never dimmed the spirit of Ryan Mallett, the former Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback whose competitive fire and leadership left an indelible mark on the program. On Friday night, September 26, 2025, Mallett was posthumously inducted into the Arkansas Athletics Hall of Honor, a fitting tribute to a player who embraced the state as his own and whose legacy resonates both on and off the field. The Texarkana native, who passed away on June 27, 2023, at age 35, was celebrated in Fayetteville with stories of his grit, talent, and second act as a coach.
Mallett’s journey with Arkansas began in 2009 when he transferred from Michigan, bringing a level of skill that immediately turned heads. Despite being ineligible to play that year, he dominated scout team practices, showcasing the arm strength and poise that would later define his college career. Former teammate DJ Williams recalled to Pig Trail Nation, “Mallett’s over there on scout team just carving up everybody up because he’s still one of the most elite quarterbacks in college football. One of the leaders on our team was a guy who wasn’t even eligible to play.”
A Heisman Contender and NFL Veteran
The following year, 2010, Mallett proved his worth on the big stage. Under head coach Bobby Petrino, he threw for 3,869 yards and 32 touchdowns, finishing seventh in Heisman Trophy voting and earning first-team All-SEC honors. His 2010 season included a memorable 58-21 rout of South Carolina, cementing his status as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Mallett played 10 professional seasons across multiple teams, including stints with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, before injuries sidelined him.
After retiring, Mallett found a new calling as a high school coach at White Hall, Arkansas, where he channeled Petrino’s teachings into mentoring young athletes. Former Razorback Jarius Wright likened him to “a high school Bobby Petrino,” adding, “All the teachings and everything that Bobby instilled in him, he gave it right back to the kids.” Mallett’s passion for the game never faded, and his coaching tenure won him admiration from players and parents alike.
A Legacy of Pride and Connection
Mallett’s bond with Arkansas went beyond football. Wright noted, “If you ask him, he was born in Arkansas. Nobody took more pride in doing that than Ryan Mallett.” His larger-than-life personality and commitment to the community—whether through charity events or engaging with fans—made him a beloved figure. The Hall of Honor induction, held during a ceremony at Bud Walton Arena, included tributes from teammates, coaches, and family, with a full feature video available on KARK’s Pig Trail Nation segment.
Tragically, Mallett’s life was cut short in a swimming accident off Destin, Florida, in June 2023. His death at 35 shocked the Razorback Nation, but his memory lives on through this honor and the countless lives he touched. The induction ceremony drew a crowd of former players and fans, with memorabilia like his No. 15 jersey on display, symbolizing his enduring impact.
For those who knew him, Mallett was more than a quarterback—he was a symbol of resilience and Arkansas pride. As the Hall of Honor grows, his name joins a pantheon of legends, ensuring his story inspires future generations of Hogs.
