Arkansas
Arkansas basketball under John Calipari: Insiders detail transfer portal news, 2024 recruits, roster, targets
New Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari inherited an Arkansas basketball roster with just one player left on it in April, but he hit the ground running in his first two months on the job. Calipari showcased his college basketball recruiting expertise at Memphis and Kentucky, and has used that ability to land players from the transfer portal along with incoming freshmen. The Razorbacks added five players from the portal, occupying the top spot in the 247Sports transfer portal team rankings. The Arkansas basketball roster currently stands at nine players, as they have three freshmen on the way.
Arkansas made the Final Four three times in the 1990s, but the Razorbacks have not made it to that stage of the NCAA Tournament since then. Calipari has already built a roster that can compete in the SEC, and there could be more additions before the 2024 Arkansas basketball lineup is finalized. If you love the Razorbacks, or just want the latest roster updates and college basketball transfer portal news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at HawgSports, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Arkansas.
The team of insiders at HawgSports.com are providing up-to-the-minute scoop on the latest intel surrounding the Arkansas basketball coaching transition and roster changes. Launched in 2002, HawgSports has established itself as the top source for insider Arkansas basketball coverage. Trey Biddy, Danny West and Connor Goodson have a combined 30 years of experience covering the Razorbacks professionally. And right now, HawgSports is offering 30% off the first year of an annual subscription*, so now is the time to sign up.
The team at HawgSports has full coverage of who is coming and who is going on the Arkansas basketball roster. Head to HawgSports now to see all the insider info.
Arkansas basketball roster departures
Of the 16 players who suited up for former coach Eric Musselman for last year’s Arkansas team, just two are returning for 2024-25. One of those, Lawson Blake, scored all of one point a year ago. Arkansas lost its top three scorers: Tramon Mark (16.2 ppg), Khalif Battle (14.8 ppg) and Makhi Mitchell (8.6 ppg). Mark and Battle transferred to other programs, while Mitchell is out of eligibility.
Additionally, players like Davonte Davis, El Ellis and Chandler Lawson, who all started double-digit games last season, are no longer on the team. That leaves Arkansas with a current 10-man roster for the 2024-25 season, consisting of five incoming transfers, three freshmen and two holdovers. Outside of Blake, forward Trevon Brazile is the lone returnee as the Razorbacks are bringing back just 8.7% of their scoring from last season. Join HawgSports to see the latest on all of Arkansas’ roster changes.
Arkansas basketball news, roster
Calipari had three players follow him from Kentucky to Arkansas in Zvonimir Ivisic, Adou Thiero and D.J. Wagner Jr. Thiero and Wagner combined to average more than 17 points per game last season, while Ivisic averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds during a limited freshman campaign. Ivisic previously played professionally for SC Derby in Montenegro, and he missed the first 16 games last season while awaiting clearance from the NCAA.
The Razorbacks also brought in Tennessee big man Jonas Aidoo and Florida Atlantic guard Johnell Davis. Aidoo averaged 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Vols, while Davis led the Owls with 18.2 points per game. Arkansas got more good news when forward Trevon Brazile announced he would withdraw from the NBA draft and play for Calipari. Join HawgSports to get the latest on all of Arkansas’ roster additions.
How to get insider Arkansas basketball roster updates
Calipari has already been in contact with multiple transfers from power-conference teams, so be sure to join HawgSports to see who they are and get the rest of the insider roster news.
Who are the top names Arkansas basketball is pursuing under coach John Calipari, and which power-conference transfers could land in Fayetteville? Go to HawgSports to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Razorbacks, and find out. And reminder, HawgSports is offering 30% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it’s too late.
*Terms: This offer is only available for new members who sign up for a HawgSports annual subscription. After the first year, subscription will re-bill on an annual basis at the regular rate. 247Sports.com reserves the right to alter or cancel this promotion at any time. Please write support@247sports.com with any questions you may have.
Arkansas
Arkansas State Police accepting applications for their next Troop Class
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Arkansas State Police has announced that they are now accepting applications for Troop Class 2027-A as part of a two-month recruitment program.
The training program is a 21-week law enforcement training program scheduled to start in January that is open to both certified and non-certified applicants.
“With the return of The Big Hat Law has come a renewed investment in our Troopers,” said Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas State Police (ASP). “This is more than a job – it’s a calling. We’re looking for the best of the best who are ready to step up, serve with honor, and wear the hat with pride.
New Troopers will receive the following compensation package:
- Starting salary of $67,675
- Family health insurance coverage
- Non-contributory retirement plan
- Total compensation valued at $108,684
- Overtime Opportunities
In addition to the compensation package, ASP says that their new Troopers will also earn the privilege of serving the public on the front lines, protecting communities, enforcing the law, and being a part of the 91-year-old nationally recognized tradition.
“Arkansas is investing in the next generation of state Troopers because we know that more law enforcement equals safer streets, safer communities, and a safer state,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “There is no better state to serve in law enforcement than Arkansas, and I encourage anyone who shares the Arkansas State Police’s values of bravery, integrity, and public service to apply.”
Applications for Troop School 2027-A will be open from 5 p.m. on May 1 to July 1, 2026. ASP encourages those interested to get ahead of the process and start their application now.
For more information about Troop School or application requirements, click here or email the ASP Recruiting Office at recruiting@asp.arkansas.gov.
Arkansas
How to watch Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss | TV channel, time, streaming info
There are only three weekends remaining in the season as Arkansas baseball welcomes one of its permanent rivals to Baum-Walker Stadium.
The No. 24 Razorbacks (30-16, 11-10 SEC) host No. 18 Ole Miss (31-15, 11-10) for a three-game set beginning Friday, May 1. The Rebels are one of two teams, along with Missouri, who the Hogs will face ever season under the new SEC scheduling format that was adopted in 2025 when Texas and Oklahoma joined the league.
This weekend represents a chance for both teams to boost their resumes with the NCAA Tournament on the horizon. Arkansas won two-of-three games against Missouri in its last series, while Ole Miss went on the road and won the opener before losing the final two games against Georgia.
Here’s how to watch Arkansas vs. Ole Miss this weekend.
Watch Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss
Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss schedule
- Game 1: Friday, May 1, 6 p.m. CT, N/A, SECN+
- Game 2: Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m. CT, N/A, SECN+
- Game 3: Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m. CT, SEC Network, Fubo
The Razorbacks and Rebels will be on SEC Network for the final games of the series. The weekend’s other two games will be available to stream on SECN+.
Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss probable pitchers
Arkansas pitchers listed first.
- Thursday: LHP Hunter Dietz (5-2, 3.62 ERA) vs. LHP Hunter Elliott (4-1, 4.82 ERA)
- Friday: LHP Cole Gibler (4-1, 2.91 ERA) vs. RHP Cade Townsend (4-1, 2.33 ERA)
- Saturday: TBA vs. RHP Taylor Rabe (3-3, 4.24 ERA)
Arkansas baseball 2026 schedule
| Date | Opponent |
| Feb. 13 | Arkansas 12, Oklahoma State 2 |
| Feb. 14 | TCU 5, Arkansas 4 |
| Feb. 15 | Arkansas 6, Texas Tech 5 (11 innings) |
| Feb. 16 | Arkansas 3, Tarleton State 1 |
| Feb. 20 | Arkansas 5, Xavier 2 |
| Feb. 21 | Arkansas 7, Xavier 6 |
| Feb. 22 | Arkansas 11, Xavier 0 (8 innings) |
| Feb. 24 | Arkansas State 12, Arkansas 4 |
| Feb. 25 | Arkansas 1, Arkansas State 0 |
| Feb. 27 | UT Arlington 4, Arkansas 3 |
| Feb. 28 | Arkansas 9, UT Arlington 0 |
| March 1 | Arkansas 11, UT Arlington 1 (7 innings) |
| March 3 | Arkansas 10, Oral Roberts 2 |
| March 6 | Arkansas 7, Stetson 1 |
| March 7 | Arkansas 13, Stetson 1 |
| March 8 | Stetson 4, Arkansas 1 |
| March 9 | Stetson 6, Arkansas 4 |
| March 13 | Arkansas 5, Mississippi State 4* |
| March 14 | Mississippi State 7, Arkansas 2* |
| March 15 | Arkansas 7, Mississippi State 3* |
| March 17 | Arkansas 13, Northern Colorado 2 |
| March 18 | Arkansas 9, Northern Colorado 4 |
| March 20 | Arkansas 22, South Carolina 6* (7 innings) |
| March 21 | Arkansas 3, South Carolina 2* (10 innings) |
| March 22 | South Carolina 9, Arkansas 4* |
| March 24 | Central Arkansas 15, Arkansas 2 |
| March 27 | Florida 9, Arkansas 4* |
| March 28 | Florida 7, Arkansas 4* |
| March 29 | Florida 7, Arkansas 6* |
| March 31 | Missouri State 15, Arkansas 14 |
| April 2 | Auburn 10, Arkansas 2* |
| April 3 | Arkansas 3, Auburn 2* |
| April 4 | Auburn 8, Arkansas 3* |
| April 7 | Arkansas 7, Little Rock 0 |
| April 10 | Arkansas 7, Alabama 5* |
| April 11 | Arkansas 15, Alabama 6* |
| April 12 | Arkansas 3, Alabama 2* |
| April 14 | Arkansas 12, UAPB 2 |
| April 16 | Arkansas 6, Georgia 3* |
| April 17 | Georgia 5, Arkansas 3* |
| April 18 | Georgia 26, Arkansas 14* |
| April 21 | Arkansas 12, Missouri State 4 |
| April 23 | Arkansas 5, Missouri 4* |
| April 24 | Arkansas 6, Missouri 0* |
| April 25 | Missouri 6, Arkansas 1* |
| April 29 | Northwestern State |
| May 1 | Ole Miss* |
| May 2 | Ole Miss* |
| May 3 | Ole Miss* |
| May 8 | Oklahoma* |
| May 9 | Oklahoma* |
| May 10 | Oklahoma* |
| May 14 | at Kentucky* |
| May 15 | at Kentucky* |
| May 16 | at Kentucky* |
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Arkansas
#22 Arkansas Faces #17 Ole Miss in Pivotal SEC Weekend Series at Baum-Walker Stadium
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 22 Arkansas (30-16, 11-10 SEC) and No. 17 Ole Miss (31-15, 11-10 SEC) clash in a pivotal SEC series this weekend at Baum-Walker Stadium. First pitch in the opener between the Razorbacks and Rebels is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, May 1, on SEC Network+ with Brett Dolan (play-by-play) and Troy Eklund (analyst) on the call.
Game two of the weekend series gets underway at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, on SEC Network+ with Dolan and Eklund in the broadcast booth. Arkansas and Ole Miss conclude the weekend with a 2 p.m. first pitch in the series finale Sunday, May 3, on SEC Network with Tom Hart (play-by-play) and Chris Burke (analyst) on the call from Baum-Walker Stadium.
The Razorbacks have won five consecutive weekend series against the Rebels (2021-25), including each of the last two weekend series played inside the friendly confines of Baum-Walker Stadium in 2022 and 2024. Arkansas and Ole Miss, both 11-10 in league play, are tied for sixth in the SEC standings with nine conference games remaining in the campaign.
Schedule
Friday, May 1
#17 Ole Miss vs. #22 Arkansas – 6 p.m. – SEC Network+ – Listen – Live Stats
Saturday, May 2
#17 Ole Miss vs. #22 Arkansas – 2 p.m. – SEC Network+ – Listen – Live Stats
Sunday, May 3
#17 Ole Miss vs. #22 Arkansas – 2 p.m. – SEC Network – Listen – Live Stats
On the Mound
Friday, May 1
Ole Miss – LHP Hunter Elliott (4-1, 4.82 ERA)
Arkansas – LHP Hunter Dietz (5-2, 3.62 ERA)
Saturday, May 2
Ole Miss – RHP Cade Townsend (4-1, 2.33 ERA)
Arkansas – LHP Cole Gibler (4-1, 2.91 ERA)
Sunday, May 3
Ole Miss – RHP Taylor Rabe (3-3, 4.24 ERA)
Arkansas – TBA
Tune In
Friday and Saturday’s games between No. 22 Arkansas and No. 17 Ole Miss will stream on SEC Network+ with Brett Dolan (play-by-play) and Troy Eklund (analyst) on the call. Sunday’s series finale, meanwhile, will televise nationally on SEC Network with Tom Hart (play-by-play) and Chris Burke (analyst) in the broadcast booth at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The entire weekend series between the Razorbacks and Rebels can also be heard on the Razorback Sports Network from Learfield, including locally in Fayetteville on 92.1 FM or through the Razorback app, with Phil Elson (play-by-play) and Bubba Carpenter (analyst) on the call from Baum-Walker Stadium. A full list of radio affiliates is available here.
History Lesson
Arkansas is 64-55 overall against Ole Miss since 1982, including a 29-23 record in games played in Fayetteville, Ark. In the Dave Van Horn era (2003-pres.), the Razorbacks are 39-45 overall and 17-19 at home against the Rebels.
The Hogs, 7-3 in their last 10 games and 13-7 in their last 20 games against Ole Miss, have not lost a home weekend series to the Rebels since 2019. In the last series between the two teams at Baum-Walker Stadium in 2024, Arkansas collected its first weekend series sweep of Ole Miss since 2002 and first sweep of the Rebels in Fayetteville since 1997.
Here’s The SEC Situation
With the second half of SEC play underway, Arkansas, currently 11-10 through 21 league games, must post a 7-2 record over its final nine games of the year to reach the 18-win mark in conference play for the ninth consecutive season.
Entering the 2026 campaign, the Razorbacks have won 18 or more SEC games in eight consecutive seasons (2017-25) and are one of only two teams in conference history to accomplish the aforementioned feat. LSU is the only other SEC program to record at least eight consecutive seasons of 18 or more SEC victories (10 from 1996-2005).
Dazzlin’ Dietz
Plagued by injuries during the first two years of his collegiate career, Arkansas’ Hunter Dietz is now fully healthy and quickly proving why he is one of the top left-handers in college baseball. Through 11 starts on the mound this season, the Trinity, Fla., native owns a 5-2 record with a 3.62 ERA and an SEC-leading 92 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work.
After beginning the season as the Razorbacks’ game two starter, Dietz will make his fourth consecutive series-opening start Friday night against the Rebels. The left-hander has turned in a team-leading six quality starts this year, the most by a Razorback pitcher in a season since LHP Zach Root logged a team-high seven quality starts during the 2025 campaign.
1. UT Arlington (Feb. 28) – 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO
2. Stetson (March 7) – 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 12 SO
3. South Carolina (March 21) – 6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 12 SO
4. #18 Auburn (April 3) – 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 11 SO
5. #8 Alabama (April 10) – 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 SO
6. Missouri (April 23) – 7.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO
Dietz has also recorded three double-digit strikeout efforts, tied for eighth most in a season by a Razorback pitcher:
1. Stetson (March 7) – 12 SO
2. South Carolina (March 21) – 12 SO
3. #18 Auburn (April 3) – 11 SO
With his next double-digit strikeout game, Dietz will move into a tie for seventh most in a season by a Razorback pitcher:
1. 11 – Hagen Smith, 2024
T2. 8 – Nick Schmidt, 2006
T2. 8 – David Walling, 1999
T4. 6 – Trevor Stephan, 2017
T4. 6 – David Walling, 1998
6. 5 – Jess Todd, 2007
7. 4 – Isaiah Campbell, 2019
T8. 3 – Hunter Dietz, 2026
T8. 3 – Zach Root, 2025
T8. 3 – Mason Molina, 2024
T8. 3 – Blaine Knight, 2017
For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).
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