SPRINGDALE, ARK. – While college football teams train and practice in preparation for the start of the season this fall, product developers at Tyson Foods Inc. have gotten into shape with the rollout of chicken nuggets that are designed to mimic the look of the University of Arkansas’ iconic mascot. Tyson’s bite-sized Razorback Nuggets are made from white chicken meat and were inspired by Razorback fans’ loyalty to the university’s sports teams. The new product was named the official nugget of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

In its announcement of the product, Tyson said the recent news that basketball coaching legend John Calipari would lead the Razorback’s team on the hardwoods ignited a new energy among fans of the university’s basketball and football team to pay tribute to the diehard loyalty of the Razorback faithful just ahead of the kickoff of college football season.

“Tyson Foods is in Razorback country,” said Kristina Lambert, senior vice president and general manager of Tyson’s retail value-added poultry, adding that most of Tyson’s employees in the Northwest Arkansas area count themselves among the fan base.

“Most of our team members are huge Razorback fans and our consumers have been calling for a way to celebrate their team,” she said. “We’ve listened and are excited to deliver Tyson Razorback Nuggets to Arkansas fans in time for the football season.”

The frozen, fully cooked, breaded patties are sold in 4-lb, resealable pouches with an illustration of the Razorback mascot on the middle of the package with the university’s globally recognized Hog Call (“Wooo Pig Sooie”) across the top. Each serving includes 13 g of protein and can be prepared using an air fryer in about seven minutes. They will be sold in frozen food cases of select Walmart stores beginning in early August and at area Sam’s Club stores in September.

“When Arkansas fans cheer on our teams this season they will be inspired by their passion for the Hogs and fueled by the new Tyson Razorback Nuggets,” said Hunter Yurachek, University of Arkansas vice chancellor and director of athletics.

The Razorback Nuggets join Tyson’s other themed nugget products, including Spooky Nuggets and kid-focused Dino Nuggets.