Arkansas basketball took a slight step back in this week’s Associated Press Top 25 poll, falling four spots from No. 14 to No. 18 after a 1–1 week. While the drop may catch some attention, it’s far from alarming given the context of the Razorbacks’ lone loss.
That defeat came Saturday against No. 8 Houston, a 94–85 setback at the Prudential Center. It was a game Arkansas wishes it could have back, as a win would have vaulted the Razorbacks into the top 10 for the first time this season. Still, losing to one of the nation’s elite teams by single digits is not a result that derails a season or a résumé.
Houston Loss Stings
The Razorbacks found themselves in a deep hole early, trailing by as many as 21 points. However, late offensive execution allowed Arkansas to close the gap, cutting the deficit to nine before the final buzzer. That late surge could've played a role in softening the poll drop, as voters possibly took note of the team’s resilience and ability to score against a top-tier opponent.
The loss snapped a four-game winning streak and once again highlighted a recurring issue for Arkansas: defense. Offensively, the Razorbacks have proven they can score with nearly anyone in the country. Against Houston, they showed flashes of that firepower even while playing from behind. Putting up the numbers they did were actually quite impressive for it being against one of the better coached, defensive teams in all of college basketball. But defensive lapses have been a common thread in their losses, and tightening up on that end of the floor will be essential if Arkansas wants to take the next step and reach its full potential.
SEC Deep But Not Elite?
Within the SEC landscape, Arkansas remains in a strong position. The Razorbacks are the third-highest ranked team in this week’s poll, trailing only Vanderbilt at No. 11 and Alabama at No. 14. Arkansas will face both teams before the season’s end, giving them direct opportunities to climb back up the rankings. After being the second-highest ranked SEC team last week, the Razorbacks were passed by Alabama, but the margins remain thin.
The conference continues to show impressive depth. Tennessee sits just behind Arkansas at No. 19, while Florida (No. 22) and Georgia (No. 23) round out a cluster of ranked SEC teams. Compared to last season, the league appears more deep than top-heavy, which could ultimately benefit Arkansas as the schedule unfolds.
There is still plenty of time for teams to build their cases, and for the Razorbacks, the path remains clear. If Arkansas can pair its explosive offense with more consistent defense, it has every opportunity to seize momentum, move back up the polls, and firmly establish itself as a contender for the SEC title.