Arkansas basketball continues its steady climb up the national rankings, moving up three spots to No. 14 in this week’s Associated Press Top 25 following an impressive 93–86 victory over ranked Texas Tech. The Razorbacks had just one game this past week, but it proved to be more than enough to catch the attention of voters.
The win over the Red Raiders marked another statement performance for Arkansas, which is now riding a three-game winning streak after a tough loss to then top-five Duke. Rather than lingering on that defeat, the Razorbacks have responded exactly how elite teams do by getting better and improving on the areas they needed to. Beating a higher-ranked Texas Tech squad reinforced the belief that this Arkansas team is finding its rhythm at the right time.
Poll Jump Reflects Momentum
The jump from No. 17 to No. 14 may not seem dramatic, but it reflects both the quality and importance of the victory. Arkansas is now inching closer to the top 10 for the first time this season, with a massive non-conference showdown against Houston looming. A strong showing in that game could propel the Razorbacks even higher in the polls if they continue playing at their current level.
Few teams in the country can match Arkansas’ strength of schedule. The Razorbacks will face, or have already played, 11 teams that currently reside in the Top 25, underscoring just how battle-tested this group will be by seasons end. Duke, which handed Arkansas a 80-71 loss on Thanksgiving, stands as the highest-ranked non-conference opponent at No. 3. Houston follows at No. 8, with Michigan State, Louisville, and Texas Tech also highlighting a brutal slate that doesn't even include the rugged SEC schedule on the horizon.
SEC Standing and National Respect
Within the SEC, the Razorbacks are making plenty of noise. Arkansas enters the week as the second-highest ranked team in the conference, trailing only No. 13 Vanderbilt. The Hogs sit ahead of Alabama (No. 16), Tennessee (No. 20), Auburn (No. 21), Florida (No. 23), and Georgia (No. 25). LSU and Kentucky also received votes, further highlighting the depth of the league. This level of depth and parity within the conference could lead to a lot of fluctuation within the polls over the year.
The rise wasn’t limited to the AP Poll. In the USA Today Coaches Poll, Arkansas also jumped three spots to No. 14 after being ranked No. 17 last week. Once again, the Razorbacks trail only Vanderbilt among SEC teams in that ranking.
Razorbacks Peaking at the Right Time
With SEC play approaching, Arkansas appears to be peaking at the perfect time. The roster boasts a blend of youth and experience, led by highly touted freshman guards Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas, who are gaining confidence and momentum early in their collegiate careers. In the frontcourt, veteran forward Trevon Brazile continues to anchor the team, consistently delivering points and rebounds on a nightly basis.
This Razorbacks team looks deep, dangerous, and increasingly confident. With Coach John Calipari pushing all the right buttons and the players buying in, Arkansas is humming and the rest of the country should be on notice. If the Hogs keep stacking quality wins, this climb up the rankings may be far from over.