Arkansas Holds Steady at No. 21, But the Ceiling Feels Higher
The Razorbacks didn’t climb in the latest AP Top 25, but they didn’t need to. Sometimes, staying put says just as much about a team’s trajectory as a big jump - especially when you’re coming off a bounce-back win that checks all the right boxes.
Arkansas, now 17-6 overall and 7-3 in SEC play, stayed firm at No. 21 after a one-game week. But don’t let the lack of movement fool you. This team is trending in the right direction, and the way they responded after a tough loss to Kentucky tells you a lot about their makeup.
A Statement Win, Even If the Polls Didn’t Budge
John Calipari’s squad made sure there was no hangover from the Kentucky defeat. They came out swinging against Mississippi State and never let up, cruising to a 20-plus point win that was equal parts dominance and discipline. From the opening tip, Arkansas dictated the pace, controlled the glass, and executed on both ends - all while still managing injuries to key players.
That kind of performance, especially with a short bench, speaks volumes. It’s easy to roll when everything’s clicking and everyone’s healthy.
It’s a different story when you’re patching together rotations and still finding ways to dominate. That’s what Arkansas did.
Sure, voters didn’t move the Razorbacks up - and that’s understandable. Mississippi State is having a tough season, and Arkansas only had one game to showcase last week while others had two. But the Razorbacks did exactly what good teams are supposed to do: respond to adversity with purpose and precision.
Darius Acuff Continues to Shine
Freshman guard Darius Acuff continues to look like the real deal - not just in flashes, but with consistency. Against Mississippi State, he put up 24 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, doing a little bit of everything and doing it with poise.
What stood out wasn’t just the stat line, though. It was how he set the tone early.
After the Kentucky loss, Acuff came out locked in, leading by example and keeping the Razorbacks focused on execution instead of frustration. That kind of leadership from a freshman?
That’s rare. And it’s exactly what Arkansas needs as they head into the heart of SEC play.
SEC Landscape: Arkansas Holding Its Own
Arkansas remains one of just three SEC teams in the Top 25, alongside No. 14 Florida and No.
20 Vanderbilt. The Razorbacks already have a win over the Commodores, and they’ll get their shot at Florida later this month - a matchup that’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the conference.
What’s more, Arkansas’ résumé is stronger than the No. 21 ranking might suggest. Three of their six losses have come against teams currently ranked in the top 10.
That’s not a fluke - that’s a brutal schedule. And it’s the kind of schedule that forges a team’s identity heading into March.
The Road Ahead: Opportunity Knocks
If Arkansas wants to climb - and make no mistake, the opportunity is there - consistency is going to be the name of the game. Calipari’s been preaching a one-game-at-a-time mentality, and that approach will be critical with a challenging two-game stretch on deck.
First up is LSU, a team Arkansas edged out by just four points in their last meeting. That one could go either way.
Then comes a rematch with Auburn - the same Auburn squad that handed Arkansas a 22-point loss earlier this season. But this time, it’s at Bud Walton Arena, where the Razorbacks have been nearly unbeatable, dropping just one game all year.
Protecting home court is going to be key. If Arkansas can take care of business in Fayetteville and continue to show growth - especially on the defensive end and in half-court execution - they’ll be in prime position to move up.
Bottom Line
The Razorbacks are holding steady in the rankings, but their play suggests they’re building toward something bigger. The pieces are there: a dynamic freshman leader, a battle-tested roster, and a coach who knows how to navigate the grind of SEC play.
Now it’s about stacking wins, staying healthy, and capitalizing on the opportunities ahead. Because if Arkansas keeps trending upward, No. 21 might just be the floor - not the ceiling.