Predicting Arkansas Razorbacks Starting Five, Rotation for 2026-27 Season

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – With just over a month remaining until Arkansas coach John Calipari unveils his third team in Fayetteville, there might be more questions about how he’ll divide the minutes than who will actually start.

While Jordan Smith Jr. and Billy Richmond III are two of the most likely players slated as starters, but there are probably five more who are fighting for the other three spots.

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While there are 200 minutes to go around for everyone, this could be one of the most competitive rosters in the country when it comes to earning playing time.

Here’s what the starting lineup and rotation could look like when the Razorbacks take the floor against Gonzaga for its first of two exhibitions on Oct. 24.

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Jordan Smith heads to sideline during a timeout against Carleton University. | Razorback MBB | X

Point Guard: Jordan Smith, 31 minutes

The former 5-star and reigning Gatorade National Player of the Year should be the Razorbacks minutes leader this year and for good reason. The 6-foot-2 guard is a prolific scorer, improving his offensive game in a big way as a senior at Paul IV Catholic School in Virginia, and an electric defender who creates turnovers and lockdown anyone in front of him.

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Going into his senior season, the knock against him was his shooting ability from deep. He struggled over the course of his prep career, but ended up taking drastic steps to improve by double-digit percentage points in just one offseason.

As a senior, Smith averaged 27 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals per game while shooting 56% from the field, 37% from 3-point range and 72% from the free throw line.

Those improvements translated to his first college appearances in the Baha Mar Summer League in the Bahamas, averaging over 17 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals per game, including a 48% mark from the field and 36% beyond the arc.

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Publish date : 2026-09-21 15:00:00

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