FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman and athletics director Hunter Yurachek publicly supported playing the 2020 football season Monday.
In separate Twitter posts, Pittman and Yurachek used the hashtag #wewanttoplay, which gained traction among several prominent college football players Sunday night. The players using the hashtag advocated for sport-wide health and safety protocols, eligibility promises for players who opt out of the season, and dialogue between players and the sport's decision makers.
"On behalf of the @RazorbackFB team (that includes my son) and each of @ArkRazorbacks student-athletes that I represent, serve, support, care for, fight for and love. #WeWantToPlay," Yurachek wrote.
Yurachek's second of three sons, Jake, is a sophomore linebacker for the Razorbacks. His oldest son, Ryan, is a graduate assistant coach.
"The way our student athletes have handled these uncertain times is incredible and our staff is so proud of them," Pittman tweeted. "As the Head Coach of @RazorbackFB #WeWantToPlay."
The players' push for a season came as reports suggested the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences were considering canceling the season. SEC leaders have delayed the start of their season until Sept. 26, and on Friday announced each team's 10 opponents for the 2020 season.