The Arkansas Razorbacks are starting to look like a team built for March.
Following an impressive opening game of SEC play against Tennessee, Arkansas climbed to No. 15 in the latest AP Top 25 poll, a jump fueled by a convincing home victory over the Volunteers and a steady close to non-conference action. The rise reflects not just wins on the scoreboard, but the growing confidence voters have in a Razorbacks team that continues to prove it can handle elite competition.
Arkansas Sends Message in SEC Opener
Arkansas closed December by taking care of business at Bud Walton Arena with a comfortable win over James Madison, then carried that momentum straight into league play. On Saturday, the Hogs opened SEC action with an 86–75 win over Tennessee, a result that immediately steadied their footing in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. The victory wasn’t just a résumé boost, it was a statement that Arkansas belongs near the top of the national conversation.
Context has played a major role in shaping that perception. Arkansas navigated a demanding non-conference schedule that featured five teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25. That early gauntlet tested the Razorbacks in multiple environments and styles, and while it came with its share of challenges, it also laid the foundation for a battle-tested group now finding its rhythm in January.
Coach Cal’s Different Approaches to Winning Is Effective
As the season progresses, Arkansas’ body of work continues to stack up. The Razorbacks are showing they can win in different ways, fast-paced shootouts, physical half-court battles, and pressure-filled conference games against ranked opponents. That versatility has become one of their biggest strengths.
Much of that success starts with the team’s star trio. Darius Acuff has been the engine, dicing up defenses with an elite blend of scoring and playmaking. Meleek Thomas provides instant offense, capable of flipping games when his outside shot heats up, particularly from beyond the arc. Inside, Trevon Brazile anchors the paint, controlling the glass and imposing his presence on both ends of the floor.
What truly separates Arkansas, however, is its depth. With quality contributors throughout the rotation, the Razorbacks have what feels like a “full bag” of weapons, the ability to attack opponents with different lineups, matchups, and styles depending on the night. That balance makes them difficult to game-plan against and dangerous in the grind of SEC play.
Now ranked No. 15 and trending upward, Arkansas looks every bit like a team capable of contending with anyone in the country. As conference play deepens, the challenge only intensifies, but the Razorbacks have already shown they are prepared for it. If they continue to build on this momentum, staying hot and healthy, their climb up the polls may be far from finished.