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 adds transfer DB, signs Texas lineman for 2026 class
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas continued its offseason roster work by adding a transfer defensive back and securing a future offensive line piece from Texas, addressing both immediate depth and long-term development.
The Razorbacks announced the signing of Georgia State defensive back Tyler Scott, a transfer with multiple years of eligibility remaining, while also landing Carey Clayton, an offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll High School, as part of the 2026 recruiting class.
Scott joins the Hogs after spending the 2025 season at Georgia State, where he appeared in two games and recorded four tackles. He arrives in Fayetteville with three years of eligibility remaining, giving Arkansas flexibility in how he’s developed and used in the secondary.
Before his time at Georgia State, Scott spent two seasons at Auburn. One of those seasons was cut short due to an ACL injury, limiting his opportunity to contribute on the field.
The Razorbacks now provide him with a chance to reset and compete in a defensive back room that continues to evolve.
At 6 feet tall, Scott adds experience to a secondary that has seen significant turnover through the transfer portal. His addition gives the Hogs another option at defensive back as the staff works through spring and fall evaluations.
Clayton strengthens 2026 offensive line class
Arkansas also added a future piece up front with the commitment of Carey Clayton, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll, one of Texas’ most consistent high school programs.
Clayton helped Southlake Carroll complete an undefeated regular season last fall and reach the state semifinals. He enters college football as a consensus three-star prospect, ranked among the top offensive line recruits in Texas.
In addition to Arkansas, Clayton held offers from Air Force, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, UAB and UTEP. He ultimately chose the Razorbacks, becoming the 16th commitment in the Hogs’ 2026 recruiting class.
Clayton is ranked around No. 251 nationally and No. 141 in Texas. While not among the highest-rated prospects in the class, his high school experience and physical development make him a long-term project for Arkansas’ offensive line.
Hogs continue roster building
The additions of Scott and Clayton reflect the Hogs’ continued focus on roster balance. Scott becomes the 23rd transfer portal addition this offseason, reinforcing a secondary that has emphasized competition and depth.
Clayton’s commitment adds to a growing 2026 class that prioritizes size and developmental upside, particularly along the offensive line.
Arkansas has steadily worked to build future depth in the trenches while supplementing current needs through the portal.
While neither move is designed to generate immediate headlines, both fit into a broader plan aimed at improving roster stability.
Scott offers experience and flexibility in the defensive backfield, while Clayton provides a long-term option at a position that often requires patience.
As the Razorbacks move through the offseason, these additions help establish depth at key positions and give the coaching staff more options heading into the coming seasons.
Key takeaways
- Arkansas added Georgia State transfer defensive back Tyler Scott, who brings experience and remaining eligibility to the secondary.
- The Razorbacks signed 2026 Texas offensive lineman Carey Clayton, adding size and long-term depth up front.
- The Hogs continue balancing immediate roster needs with long-term development through recruiting and the portal.
Hogs Feed
Arkansas
Questions for Hester on prison, kowtowing to Sarah | Arkansas Democrat Gazette
John Brummett
John Brummett’s career in news began when he was in high school, as a part-time reporter for the Arkansas Democrat. He moved to the Arkansas Gazette in 1977.
He wrote a political column for the Gazette from 1986 to 1990. He was an editor for the Arkansas Times from 1990 to 1992.
In 1994, his book, “High Wire: From the Back Roads to the Beltway, the Education of Bill Clinton,” was published by Hyperion of New York City. He became a columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 1994. In 2000, he signed a deal with Donrey Media Group, now known as Stephens Media, and wrote for them for 11 years.
He rejoined Democrat-Gazette as a columnist on Oct. 24, 2011.
Arkansas
Ole Miss basketball vs Arkansas live updates, score, start time, TV channel
Ole Miss basketball continues conference play with its SEC home-opener against No. 15 Arkansas and coach John Calipari.
The Rebels (8-6, 0-1 SEC) will host the Razorbacks (11-3, 1-0) at Sandy and John Black Pavilion on Jan. 7 (8 p.m. CT, SEC Network). This will be the second time this season Ole Miss faces a ranked team.
Ole Miss coach Chris Beard’s squad will be challenged with shutting down the Razorbacks, who have the best 3-point percentage in the SEC at 39.1%.
Ole Miss basketball vs. Arkansas live score updates
When does Ole Miss basketball vs. Arkansas start?
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 7
- Time: 8 p.m. CT
- Where: Sandy and John Black Pavilion, Oxford
What TV channel is Ole Miss vs. Arkansas on today?
- TV: SEC Network
- Streaming: SEC Network
- How to watch online: FUBO (Free trial)
Ole Miss vs. Arkansas prediction
Arkansas 88, Ole Miss 71: Arkansas is a talented team with a balanced offense that should have few problems overcoming Ole Miss, despite the Rebels being second in the SEC in scoring defense.
Ole Miss basketball 2025-26 schedule
Next five games
- Jan. 10: Missouri (5 p.m. CT, SEC Network)
- Jan. 14: at Georgia (6 p.m. CT, ESPN2/ESPNU)
- Jan. 17: at Mississippi State (7:30 p.m. CT, SEC Network)
- Jan. 20: Auburn (8 p.m. CT, ESPN/ESPNU)
- Jan. 24: at Kentucky (11 a.m. CT, ESPN)
Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.
-
Detroit, MI5 days ago2 hospitalized after shooting on Lodge Freeway in Detroit
-
Technology3 days agoPower bank feature creep is out of control
-
Dallas, TX4 days agoDefensive coordinator candidates who could improve Cowboys’ brutal secondary in 2026
-
Health5 days agoViral New Year reset routine is helping people adopt healthier habits
-
Nebraska2 days agoOregon State LB transfer Dexter Foster commits to Nebraska
-
Iowa2 days agoPat McAfee praises Audi Crooks, plays hype song for Iowa State star
-
Nebraska2 days agoNebraska-based pizza chain Godfather’s Pizza is set to open a new location in Queen Creek
-
Entertainment2 days agoSpotify digs in on podcasts with new Hollywood studios