The Arkansas Razorbacks began the season ranked No. 14 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll, reflecting high expectations entering Coach John Calipari’s second year at the helm. Despite an early showing of offensive firepower, including a dominant win over Southern University where they scored over 100 points, the loss to Michigan State send Arkansas down seven spots to No. 21 in the Week 2 poll.
Mixed Start
Arkansas’ 1-1 start is a tale of two halves. In their opener, they flashed scoring ability and looked the part of a top-15 team. But in their second game, on the road against a quality opponent in the Michigan State Spartans coached by Tom Izzo, the Razorbacks came up short. They led in the first half, but faded in the second, shooting poorly and showing deficiencies on the boards. Their best big man, Trevon Brazile, was in foul trouble and held in check, exposing the lack of depth in the paint beyond him.
Why the Drop Isn’t a Disaster
While dropping from 14 to 21 might look alarming at first glance, the situation isn’t as dire as it might appear. Losing a close game early to a ranked opponent like Michigan State isn’t a red flag so much as a learning opportunity. Arkansas now has a clear view of where gaps remain, rebounding discipline, second-half execution, and interior depth and Coach Calipari’s track record of turning the corner late in seasons suggests fans can remain confident.
What’s Next for Arkansas
One thing to remember: early polls tend to overreact. A strong opening or a misstep can cause big leaps or drops based on very little data. The key takeaway for Arkansas isn’t the drop itself but the mission ahead. As the season progresses and games accumulate, a clearer picture of strengths and weaknesses will emerge. The Hogs have the talent, the leadership, and the schedule to respond.
This week brings two winnable matchups for Arkansas against Central Arkansas and Samford. These games are chances to steady the ship, lock in on fundamentals, and get ahead of issues before SEC play begins. If the Razorbacks handle business, they can climb back toward the top 15 and build momentum. With Coach Calipari navigating the ship and a roster with returning core contributors, the foundation is set for a rebound.
Final Thought
Arkansas’ drop in the poll is a reminder that the season is long and full of variables. They’ve shown what they can do offensively, but the recent loss exposed what they must shore up. With the right adjustments and focus, the Razorbacks still have everything they need to validate their preseason position and climb back into national relevance. Being in the SEC conference and having the bulk of their schedule lying ahead, proves these first couple weeks are like an extended preseason. Polls may be fickle early on but the opportunity ahead is real.