Across college athletics, we see and hear chants in stadiums on a weekly basis. With this, in the heart of the Southeastern Conference, we hear, perhaps, the most unique of all, “Woo Pig Sooie” from Arkansas Razorbacks fans.
The Roar of the Razorbacks: Woo Pig Sooie
Few traditions ignite a fan base like 70,000 fans inside Donald W. Reynolds Stadium, with arms raised high, fingers wiggling in unison, which is difficult to do, as a “Woooooo” builds to a fever pitch. This is only the beginning as the fans clinch their fists and pump with pride, yelling “Pig! Sooie!”. This is then repeated thrice before a thunderous “Razorbacks,” before the Arkansas band “The Best in Sight and Sound” completes the fight song. In this piece, we will delve into history, the impact of this battle cry for fans, and how the upcoming season gives chances for Razorback fans to Call Those Hogs!
From Farms to Football Fields
This chant, commonly known as “Calling The Hogs”, traces back to the rural landscapes of Arkansas, where farmers herded wild, ferocious boars, known as Razorbacks. In this, there was a skill in calling them, thus the origin of the call. When play began in 1894, Arkansas was not the Razorbacks, but the Cardinals. During the 1909 season, behind a gritty performance against LSU, then coach Hugo Bezdek described his players as “A wild band of misfit Razorback hogs,” which captivated fans. This nickname became the official mascot in 1910, when the Arkansas formally changed its name.
In the 1920s, during a Razorbacks game where the team was trailing, this iconic chant happened. Legend has it that a group of farmers in attendance began emulating hog calls to rally the players. They squealed like hogs to try to spur a comeback. This unorthodox approach for encouragement worked as Arkansas came back to win the game. This became a regular occurrence at the next game as fans chanted “Sooie” from the stands. This word derives from pig-calling traditions and is linked to the Latin roots in the scientific name of Hogs, Suidae family.
A History of Hog Calling
If the calls were not enough, Arkansas introduced a live mascot, Tusk, to its games. In the 1960s, Arkansas unveiled a caged Boar at games. This took the experience to another level. The caged boar, combined with the success of the program in the 1970s under Frank Broyles, and this call and mascot, took on another meaning for the Arkansas faithful. Hearing these chants during legendary games in the Southwest Conference, including the 1964 National Championship game, put the unique chant on the national radar.
In the modern era, this chant now extends to all sporting events, and some non, as fans go through the motions with pride in their eyes. Now recognized as one of the sport’s most unique chants, the fans of Arkansas take this very seriously. There is a way to perform the chant, as described above, and they will educate you swiftly if not done properly.
Power Behind The Pig
To perform this chant is an art form. This form begins with arms raised overhead for about eight seconds while wiggling fingers, and yelling “Woooo,”. This, combined with the clinched fists, arm pumps, and exclaiming “Sooie” and “Razorbacks,” is not easy to do for four quarters. It is physical and creates an atmosphere of energy that opponents dread.
The power of this chant holds statistically, as Arkansas has a 740-539-40 record in its home field. We mentioned the raucous crowds at DWRS, and this chant fills the stadium. In historic games such as the 1969 “Game of the Century” with Texas, the 1998 upset of No. 1 Tennessee, to the 2011 downing of also No. 1 Alabama, this is heard loudly. Examples such as these games, and as current as last season versus a top-five Vols team, showcase how three words change games. Wild how “Woo Pig Sooie” can contribute to a 60% home win rate for Arkansas historically.
A Call for Redemption in 2025
As the 2025 season approaches, the chant takes on a new level of pride. Coming off a 7-6 season for Sam Pittman and the Razorbacks has fans making other “Calls”. With August 30th on the horizon, and Alabama A&M entering Fayetteville, the season will begin. The remaining schedule is historic as first-time meetings with Arkansas State and Notre Dame shine in the non-conference slate.
Key games within the SEC have the fans clamoring for success. May pundits project another seven-to-eight-win season for Arkansas. While we do not know how many wins the season will end with, there will be a chant heard nationally.
In closing, this season will be defined by key moments that will occur in games along the way. In a sport that is defined by passion, “Woo Pig Sooie” captivates the soul of a fanbase. As the 2025 Hogs charge into the season, expect the call to ring louder than ever. If we listen closely, we will hear calls from long ago mesh with modern voices with a common theme. Go Hogs!
Main Image: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
