Returners announced, new players introduced in video posted by John Calipari

After weeks of wondering, a roster shrouded in mystery has finally come into view. On Thursday afternoon, Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari released a video on his personal X account (formerly Twitter) announcing the current status of the 2025-26 roster.

Harkening back to one of his first comments as the Razorbacks' head coach, Coach Cal starts the video by saying, "I just met with the team... and there is a team this year." One by one, returning and incoming players appeared on the screen with a brief message either announcing their return or stating their excitement about becoming Hogs.

John Calipari releases video announcing roster

The first three players are returners DJ Wagner, Trevon Brazile, and Billy Richmond III. Notably missing is freshman Karter Knox, who stepped up to the challenge after injuries plagued the 2024-25 team and earned a starting role. About an hour before Calipari's video, Knox announced he will test the NBA waters while maintaining collegiate eligibility.

Knox posted a graphic on his personal Instagram account that read, "Dear Hog Nation, I want to thank you for the love and support this season! The journey has been a learning experience for me and my teammates, and for that, I am grateful...

"I'm excited to announce that I have decided to go through the 2025 NBA draft process while maintaining my college eligibility."

Knox's decision to return likely hinges on the feedback he receives at the NBA Combine, though Coach Cal expressed his support for Knox's choice in the video.

Overall, with Wagner, Brazile, and Richmond II, the Hogs have a solid group of returns to build around. All three averaged at least 17 minutes a game. Wagner recorded 11.2 points and 3.6 assists per game, but Brazile returns after posting a second-leading 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks this year. Richmond III may not pop off the box score, but his energy off the bench was instrumental to Arkansas' success through the final stretch of the season.

Of the newcomers, only the two most recent commits were absent from the post: Florida State transfer Malique Ewin and South Carolina transfer Nick Pringle. Five stars Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas were the first to follow returners. Then 4-star Isaiah Sealy and overseas transfer/incoming freshman Karim Rtail came after.

Altogether, Arkansas has nine active players on the roster—10 considering walk-on Jaden Karuletw—with the chances that Karter Knox comes back. That leaves between three and four spots left to fill.

With only three bigs on the roster, Calipari may go to the portal to find one more, giving the Razorbacks some insurance in the frontcourt next season. Arkansas could also use a bonafide shooter and another player that can play the three/four position to replace what the Hogs lost with Adou Thiero.

The 2025-26 Arkansas basketball roster as it stands