Where Arkansas ranks in initial NET rankings
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The NCAA has released the initial NET rankings for the 2025-26 season, and the Razorbacks have some work to do.
Arkansas is ranked No. 45 in the NET rankings, with a 4-0 record against Quad 4 opponents and a 1-0 record in its lone Quad 2 game. The Hogs are 0-2 in Quad 1 games, with both of those losses coming against ranked opponents — Duke and Michigan State. The Blue Devils are the No. 2 team in the NET and the Spartans are at No. 10.
For those who don’t know, the NET rankings break each game into four quadrants: Quad 1, Quad 2, Quad 3 and Quad 4. Each team is ranked No. 1 through 364, and wins and losses are viewed through this lens:
– Quadrant 1: Home 1-30, Neutral 1-50, Away 1-75
– Quadrant 2: Home 31-75, Neutral 51-100, Away 76-135
– Quadrant 3: Home 76-160, Neutral 101-200, Away 135-240
– Quadrant 4: Home 161-353, Neutral 201-353, Away 241-353
The NET ranking evaluates game results, strength of schedule, net offensive and defensive efficiency, and the quality of wins and losses.
The Hoop Hogs are the ninth-ranked SEC team in the NET rankings, behind Vanderbilt (4), Tennessee (12), Alabama (14), Kentucky (15), LSU (19), Auburn (30), Florida (33) and Georgia (36).
As it stands right now, Arkansas has 11 more opportunities to earn Quad 1 wins, and that number will probably fluctuate as the season wears on.
The Razorbacks’ next opportunity for a signature win will come in the SEC/ACC Challenge at Bud Walton Arena against Louisville.
Tipoff for that game is set for 6 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN.
Subscribe to HawgBeat for half of the annual price through our Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deal. Get the latest coaching carousel updates, transfer portal intel, signing day scoops, access to The Trough premium message board, plus a full year’s subscription to The Athletic for just $59.99 ($4.99 per month).
