Arkansas spent last season getting pushed around inside, and the numbers told the story. The Razorbacks ranked No. 337 out of 361 Division I teams in scoring defense, allowing 81 points per game.
Matt Zimmerman thinks that changes in a big way in 2026-27.
The Razorback Sports Network analyst pointed to a roster built with size, length and more bite around the rim, saying the group is already showing a different edge in practice.
"This team gets after it very, very hard on defense," Zimmerman said in a video posted to social media. "They got high energy.
They compete against each other in the drills. They challenge shot.
We protect the rim very [well]. Last year's team blocked five shots a game, but weren't a physical team inside the paint; gave up too many points inside the paint.
That's a point of emphasis now. Much better rim protectors."
Arkansas’ front line is loaded with height. Paulo Semedo, Maper Maker, Miikka Murrinnen and Ilia Frolov are all listed at 7 feet or taller, and Caleb Ourigou, who officially reclassified and joined the roster on Tuesday, comes in at 6-foot-11, 240 pounds.
The length goes beyond simple height, too. Semedo, Muurinen and Frolov each have wingspans north of 7-foot-2, while Furman transfer Cooper Bowser is listed at 7-foot-5. Bowser made the most of that reach last season, finishing as one of the most efficient offensive players in the country by hitting 76.6% of his shots from the floor.
That gives John Calipari something he hasn’t had much of in Fayetteville: a roster with real depth and real physicality. With Ourigou on board, Arkansas now has 15 players, and 12 could be in the rotation. Amere Brown and Ayden Kelley are expected to be limited to blowouts, and Isaiah Sealy is out for the season after suffering a knee injury in June.
Zimmerman said the overall feel around the program has been different this summer, and he believes the team is trending toward a strong season.
"Of the 3 summers of Coach & staff being here, this has been the best one. This team has been able to maximize practices & they compete against each other very hard.
The depth is better.The offense is still developing. The defense is better.
@FSBank Summer Report @OnlyInArk"
He also pointed to the schedule ahead, which includes neutral-site games, a road trip to North Carolina and a demanding conference slate.
"This is going to be a special, special season," Zimmerman said. "The schedule is loaded, especially the neutral site games, the tough game at North Carolina.
It's going to be a great schedule. There's going to be some great games in Bud Walton.
We've got a great conference schedule. Practice have been outstanding.
Coach [Cal] has been very energized, he's practiced them hard."
Last season’s lack of muscle in the paint helped keep Calipari’s team from reaching the Elite Eight, as Arkansas fell to Arizona 109-88 in the Sweet 16. Now, with the sport continuing to lean toward physical play inside, the Razorbacks look built to meet that standard.
Arkansas will get an exhibition against Gonzaga in Bud Walton Arena later this fall, but the first competitive test for this group comes on July 31 in the Bahamas against the Bahamas National Team in the Baha Mar summer league. The Razorbacks will also face Carleton University, Toros Del Valle and the University of Calgary during the trip.
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