Razorbacks rank 16th in preseason AP poll, looking at SEC momentum

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As Purdue secured the top spot in the preseason AP men’s basketball poll for the first time, the Arkansas Razorbacks also landed among the ranked teams, carrying both optimism and pressure into the new season.

Arkansas opens at No. 16 in the Top 25, the highest preseason mark for any team that missed last year’s NCAA Tournament.

The SEC media projected the Razorbacks to finish fourth in league play, signaling renewed confidence under Hall of Fame coach John Calipari.

“Being in the Top 25 to start is a recognition of what this program aspires to,” Calipari said. “But where we start doesn’t define where we finish.”

Purdue collected 35 of 61 first-place votes to secure No. 1, followed closely by Houston and Florida. UConn, St. John’s and Michigan rounded out the top seven.

Six SEC programs appeared in the preseason rankings, underscoring the conference’s growing national strength.

For Arkansas, that means testing itself against elite competition from the outset. SEC teams Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida all earned Top 15 rankings, setting the stage for a season defined by difficult matchups and limited margin for error.

The Razorbacks’ No. 16 ranking marks a positive turn for a program seeking stability after a turbulent campaign that ended without an NCAA bid.

AP Preseason Basketball Poll

The national respect acknowledges Calipari’s offseason work in reshaping the roster and reestablishing recruiting momentum.

Some early projections were even more bullish. Multiple national outlets placed Arkansas as high as No. 12 in “way-too-early” rankings, crediting the team’s mix of returning experience and promising newcomers.

Still, analytical models such as ESPN’s Basketball Power Index placed Arkansas around 40th, reflecting uncertainty about chemistry and consistency.

Calipari has emphasized that his young team must learn quickly.

“You can have talent, but winning requires maturity and accountability,” he said. “That’s where our focus has been from day one.”

Arkansas returns a balanced core featuring dynamic guard play and improved frontcourt depth.

Calipari added several key transfers to complement his incoming class, strengthening rebounding and perimeter shooting, two areas of concern from last season.

The Razorbacks’ early schedule features multiple programs that received preseason votes, offering immediate chances to validate their ranking.

Calipari’s up-tempo style and defensive pressure are expected to define the team’s identity.

With an 18-year streak of at least one NCAA Tournament appearance under Calipari across Kentucky and Arkansas combined, expectations for postseason success remain firm.

The Razorbacks’ ability to protect Bud Walton Arena and compete on the road will likely determine whether they surpass or fall short of preseason projections.

Consistency within the SEC remains the top hurdle.

The Razorbacks will face a gauntlet of conference opponents that includes top-10 teams and programs with veteran leadership. Avoiding prolonged slumps and staying healthy through February will be crucial.

Nonconference tests will provide early benchmarks, particularly against nationally recognized teams expected to contend for NCAA bids.

These games could shape Arkansas’s postseason seeding and national perception.

Calipari said the Razorbacks are eager for the opportunity.

“We know the schedule’s challenging, but that’s what you want,” he said. “If you’re going to build something special, you play the best.”

Key takeaways

• Ranked at No. 16 — Arkansas earns its highest preseason ranking under John Calipari and looks to regain national footing.

• Balanced expectations — Analysts split between optimism for the roster’s talent and questions about experience and depth.

• SEC gauntlet ahead — Six ranked SEC teams ensure every league matchup carries national significance.