As John Calipari enters his second season as Arkansas’s head coach, the Razorbacks emerge as one of the steadier and promising programs in the Southeastern Conference.
Following a Sweet 16 appearance in Calipari’s first year, the Razorbacks bring back four key contributors and have added top-level freshmen and proven frontcourt transfers, positioning themselves as a serious contender in the SEC.
Last season, Arkansas gained late momentum, defeating St. John’s in the NCAA Tournament and taking a double-digit lead over Texas Tech in the Sweet 16 before falling in overtime. That postseason run laid a strong foundation, and Calipari built upon it by prioritizing roster stability.
Jon Rothstein Labels Razorbacks an Underrated SEC Threat Thanks to Returning Core
College basketball insider Jon Rothstein recently identified Arkansas as an underrated team in the SEC, largely because of who is returning.
“I’m looking at Arkansas as being undervalued a bit in the SEC,” Rothstein said. “Look at what Arkansas returns—four players who had prominent roles on that run to the Sweet 16.”
Arkansas could enter next season as the second-best team in the SEC behind Florida. pic.twitter.com/bntouA5ixI
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 10, 2025
He pointed to DJ Wagner, Billy Richmond, Karter Knox, and Trevon Brazile as the backbone of next season’s team.
Wagner averaged about 12 points and 3.5 assists during the NCAA Tournament, providing stability at point guard. Richmond impressed with 16 points and nine rebounds against St. John’s. Knox, who recently withdrew from the NBA Draft to return, scored a combined 35 points in his final two games. Brazile added rim protection, rebounding, and floor spacing.
“These players are coming back to Arkansas,” Rothstein emphasized, praising their proven production in March. In a year when most programs are starting from scratch, Arkansas will benefit from a core that already knows how to win together.
Fresh Faces Bring Depth and Star Power to Fayetteville
Calipari also brings in a strong freshman class led by top-15 recruits Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas. Acuff, a 6-foot-2 guard, is known for his pace and scoring instincts, while Thomas brings size and versatility at 6-foot-4.
They are joined by Isaiah Sealy and Karim Rtail, both high-upside prospects with four years of eligibility. The newcomers will complement a roster already anchored by returning leaders.
Class of 2025 MMMMMHMMMM
🐗 Consensus top 5 class
🐗 3rd time in last 4 years with multiple McDonald’s All-Americans
🐗 2nd time in last 4 years with multiple five stars pic.twitter.com/gAdneWLnI1— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) April 30, 2025
One major decision remains: whether Adou Thiero will return from the NBA Draft. Though unlikely, his return would add more depth and versatility to the frontcourt.
Regardless, Calipari has expressed confidence in the roster. “I like what we have. I like where we stand right now,” he said during a recent Razorback Roadshow event.
Keep Reading: Basketball Analyst Says John Calipari’s Arkansas Could Add SEC-Ready Prospect With NBA Frame
Calipari described the offseason plan as retaining four key players, signing elite freshmen, and adding size through the portal. That plan also led to the additions of veteran forwards Nick Pringle and Malik Ewan, both of whom bring physicality and experience.
With returning tournament-tested players, high-level freshmen, and a focused coaching strategy, Arkansas appears built for success in the SEC. Calipari’s second Razorbacks team is not only deep and balanced—it is prepared.
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