Arkansas Basketball Ranks in Preseason Polls
The Razorbacks enter the season ranked 12th in the AP poll and 13th in the USA TODAY Coaches poll.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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Arkansas men's basketball starts the season with top-15 rankings in both major national polls. The team is also projected to finish third in the SEC following back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances.
Why it matters
These rankings and the inclusion of the nation's top recruiting class signal high expectations for the program this year. The team enters the season under significant pressure to maintain its recent tournament momentum.
Arkansas holds a preseason ranking of 12th in the AP poll and 13th in the USA TODAY Coaches poll. The team is currently predicted to finish third in the SEC rankings.
The players
Arkansas Razorbacks
The Arkansas men's basketball team represents the University of Arkansas and competes in the Southeastern Conference.
Gonzaga
Gonzaga University fields a nationally recognized men's basketball program based in Spokane, Washington.
Memphis
The University of Memphis men's basketball team is a competitive program that frequently plays top-tier non-conference opponents.
The details
Arkansas looks to build on back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances as they prepare for two high-profile exhibition games at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville. The team will face Gonzaga on October 24 and Memphis on October 28 before beginning official play.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Exhibition game against Gonzaga in Bud Walton Arena at 3 pm.
October 28, 2026: Exhibition game against Memphis in Bud Walton Arena at 7 pm.
November 3, 2026: Official season opener against UAPB.
Season Trajectory
The Razorbacks' high preseason ranking reflects their status as a consistent contender following consecutive Sweet 16 appearances. This trajectory suggests the program is now consistently positioned to challenge for the top of the SEC standings.
Fans can watch the team's exhibition progress at Bud Walton Arena with the Gonzaga game starting at 3 pm and the Memphis game at 7 pm. These exhibition contests serve as the primary indicators for how the top-ranked recruiting class will adjust to the collegiate rotation.
The takeaway
Maintaining a high national ranking will require the incoming recruiting class to immediately adapt to the team's established winning culture. Fans should monitor these early exhibition games closely to evaluate the depth and chemistry of the new squad.
What happens next
The Arkansas basketball season opens officially on November 3, 2026, against UAPB.
Further reading
Learn more about the team's upcoming schedule and roster developments on the Fayetteville Basketball page.
More information
To secure your spot at the upcoming preseason matchups, Purchase exhibition basketball game tickets via the team's official portal.
Live Poll
Do you think high preseason rankings improve a local team's chances of having a successful season?
