Arkansas Slides to No. 25 in AP Poll After Duke Loss, Faces Louisville Next in Pivotal Matchup
The Arkansas Razorbacks took a step back in the latest AP Top 25 poll, dropping three spots to No. 25 after falling to Duke, 80-71, in a Thanksgiving showdown in Chicago. It was the Hogs’ only game since the previous rankings, but it was enough to shuffle their position heading into a crucial stretch.
Next up? A heavyweight clash at home against No.
6 Louisville on Wednesday night as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge. That game now looms even larger-not just for Arkansas’ ranking, but for its early-season momentum.
Razorbacks Still in the Mix, But Margin for Error Shrinking
Despite the loss to Duke, Arkansas remains in the national conversation. The Razorbacks showed flashes of promise in that game, staying competitive and creating scoring opportunities late. But in a poll this tight, even a hard-fought loss can cost you ground.
They’ve now gradually slid from their preseason No. 14 ranking down to No. 25 over the first five weeks of the season:
- Preseason: No.
14
- Week 1: No.
21
- Week 2: No.
21
- Week 3: No.
22
- Week 4: No.
25
The matchup against Louisville offers a chance to reverse that trend. A win over a top-10 opponent could stabilize Arkansas’ ranking-or even launch them back up the ladder.
SEC Flexing Its Depth
The Razorbacks are one of seven SEC teams in this week’s Top 25, the most of any conference. That includes:
- No. 12 Alabama
- No. 13 Tennessee
- No. 15 Florida
- No. 17 Vanderbilt
- No. 18 Kentucky
- No. 20 Auburn
Missouri also received votes, signaling the depth and competitiveness of the league this season. The SEC is deep, balanced, and dangerous-exactly what you want to see heading into conference play.
Purdue Holds the Top Spot, But Pressure Is Mounting
Purdue stayed at No. 1 for the third straight week and fourth time in five weeks, picking up 40 first-place votes. But the pressure is mounting.
Michigan surged to No. 3 and is gaining momentum, while Arizona holds firm at No. 2.
The rest of the top five rounds out with Duke at No. 4 and UConn at No. 5. Louisville, Arkansas’ next opponent, sits right behind at No. 6-making Wednesday’s game one of the most anticipated early-season matchups on the calendar.
Inside the Ballot: How Arkansas Stayed in the Rankings
Arkansas remained on at least one key ballot this week, thanks to the way they battled against Duke. Voters noted that the Razorbacks had their chances to win and didn’t look out of place against a top-five team. That performance-combined with losses by other programs-helped keep them in the rankings.
But the message is clear: Arkansas is hanging on by a thread. Another loss, especially at home, could push them out of the Top 25 altogether.
Around the Poll: Movers, Shakers, and New Faces
Michigan made the biggest statement of the week, climbing to No. 3 after a dominant showing at the Players Era event in Las Vegas. The Wolverines dismantled multiple top-10 teams and looked every bit like a national title contender.
Kansas also made a jump, cracking the top 25 again after a strong showing despite missing key player Darryn Peterson. With him back in the mix soon, the Jayhawks could be a force down the stretch.
Houston took a slight dip, not because of poor play, but due to head-to-head losses. Voters still see the Cougars as a March-ready team, but others earned the nod this week.
Florida, meanwhile, slipped after concerns about its backcourt and a loss to a TCU team that’s been up and down. Another rough outing-especially against Duke this week-could knock the Gators off some ballots.
Teams on the Bubble
Several programs are knocking on the door, including Nebraska, Utah State, George Mason, Missouri, SMU, and Butler. Nebraska just missed out, largely due to an injury to Connor Essegian. Missouri is still undefeated but hasn’t faced a true test yet-that will change soon with games against Notre Dame and Kansas.
George Mason is quietly building something under Tony Skinn, and a road game at Virginia Tech this weekend could be a statement opportunity. SMU and Butler both have strong early resumes, with SMU holding a key head-to-head win.
What’s Next
For Arkansas, the focus now shifts to Louisville. It’s a chance to prove they belong among the nation’s elite and to stop the slide before it becomes a freefall.
The Razorbacks have the talent. Now it’s about execution-and doing it against one of the best teams in the country.
Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday in Fayetteville. Expect a packed house, high stakes, and a game that could shape the Razorbacks’ season moving forward.