07 Sep 2025 Cooking up a Storm
By David Grimes
The Arkansas Storm is preparing to officially take the field in 2026. The Storm will play in the International Football Alliance (IFA), which features teams from the United States and Mexico.
Team owner Coy Flynn of Maumelle has been busy this year putting together the coaches and support staff for the franchise.
A former Hog will be leading the Storm on the sidelines, as Ron Calcagni was named head coach earlier this year. He played quarterback for the University of Arkansas in the 1970s, leading the Razorbacks to the legendary Orange Bowl upset of the Oklahoma Sooners in 1978.
“The excitement around the Arkansas Storm has been incredible,” Flynn said. “The interest from fans and supporters all over the state has been beyond what I imagined. Bringing in a legendary coach like Ron Calcagni, who has assembled an amazing staff of experienced Arkansas college coaches, makes this journey even more thrilling.”
Calcagni is committed to helping players move to the next step. “We are excited about bringing pro football to the great state of Arkansas and to helping our players’ dreams come true for their next step in professional football,” he wrote. “Faith, football and fan excitement. GO STORM GO!”
Former Arkansas Razorback and Mayflower High School product Lerinezo Robinson is serving as Storm Ambassador and player development director. “Robinson, who played for the Razorbacks under Houston Nutt, has developed a pipeline to all colleges in and around the state,” Flynn said. “This is where we hope to pick up a lot of our talent moving forward, promoting Arkansas kids from Arkansas colleges.”
Coach Calcagni has already begun building the team, holding several open tryouts. They hosted one on June 28 in North Little Rock and another on July 26 at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
While they won’t officially join IFA league play until 2026, the Storm will make their debut this year on Sept. 13 with an exhibition game in Texas at The Star arena and stadium in Frisco to take on the Dallas Prime. The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility.
“We’re thrilled to have our coming-out party on such a big stage at The Star, the headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys,” Flynn said. “With the support of the Jones family and the Cowboys organization — and the strong ties our coaches, staff and Fred Marshall have there — this is going to be an unforgettable experience for our players.”
The Storm has also announced a tribute to another former University of Arkansas legend. The Fred Marshall Legacy will honor the quarterback who led the Hogs to a national championship.
“We are honored to work hand in hand with Freddy Marshall and those closest to him to celebrate and preserve his lasting impact on the game, the state, and future generations in Arkansas,” the Storm announcement said. “Freddy is a true Arkansas legend — the last quarterback to lead the Arkansas Razorbacks to a national championship, guiding them to an unforgettable 11-0 season in 1964. His legacy of excellence, leadership, and integrity is one we are proud to carry forward. Stay tuned for special events, tributes, and opportunities to be part of this historic journey.”
The team’s owner is optimistic and has big dreams for the Storm.
“From launching the Arkansas Storm to playing our debut game at The Star, everything has come together in a way I could have only dreamed of,” Flynn said. “The support from our state, the leadership of Coach Calcagni and his staff, and the opportunity provided by the Cowboys’ organization truly set the tone for what this team is about — big goals, big moments and making Arkansas proud.”
The Arkansas Storm will play their home games at North Little Rock High School’s Charging Wildcat Stadium. The IFA season is set to begin in May 2026. More information can be found at thestormfootball.com.
