Purdue is set to have more returning minutes next season than Arkansas, making them the only high-major team to do so. While maintaining player continuity doesn’t guarantee success, it provides a solid foundation. Arkansas retains four key players: point guard DJ Wagner, wing Karter Knox, forward Trevon Brazile, and wing Billy Richmond III.
Each of these players brings a strong defensive presence: Wagner? Defensive asset. Knox? Defensive asset. Brazile? Defensive asset. Richmond? Defensive asset. This emphasis on defense gives Arkansas a solid foothold as they look to improve after experiencing the highs of nearing an Elite Eight appearance and the lows of a 1-6 start in SEC games. With high hopes for the 2025-26 season, the returning quartet forms the backbone, but the team will need new players to significantly elevate their performance.
READ MORE: Way-too-early SEC basketball tiers: Starting lineup projections, observations on each team
How will all the new pieces come together? Let’s explore John Calipari’s recent recruits.
THE JEWEL
G Darius Acuff, No. 5 in Class of 2025
Projected role: Starting guard. Not all five-star recruits are alike, and Acuff appears prepared to make an immediate impact. Karter Knox has gained attention as a potential standout after opting to stay for a second year, and Malique Ewin, averaging 14 points in the ACC, is another to watch. However, it’s Acuff—rather than Knox or Ewin—who is expected to drive this team. The 6-foot-2 guard possesses the ability to be the top player on the court.
Under Calipari, teams are generally guard-centric, and Acuff seems more than ready for that responsibility. He is among the most skilled lead guards to enter college basketball in recent times. With impressive strength, Acuff can absorb contact and finish effectively. His aggressive drives put pressure on defenses, combining power with finesse. He excels at scoring from various ranges and has a solid grasp of playmaking, often pushing the tempo during transitions—something that suits Arkansas’ playing style.
Additionally, Acuff is a prolific three-point shooter, filling a critical need for the team. His ability to create his own shot or play off the ball makes him a challenging matchup. Though the environment he joins isn’t perfect, there’s sufficient support for success, particularly with Wagner helping to alleviate the pressure on Acuff.
Wagner can guard the opposing team’s top guard, allowing Acuff to conserve energy for offensive duties. Their dual point guard system should enhance Arkansas’ mediocre halfcourt offense, addressing the “your turn, my turn” mentality that can hinder play. No other SEC freshman is likely to have as significant a role on Day One as Acuff, and his potential for All-SEC recognition is evident. With a dynamic lead guard like Acuff, there’s a real opportunity for Arkansas to achieve greatness, given that everything falls into place.
