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Kentucky vs. Arkansas: TV/Streaming Info, Preview, and Betting Odds/Predictions

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John Calipari returns to Rupp Arena as the Kentucky Wildcats take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in a highly anticipated matchup.
Chet White | UK Athletics

After a big win over the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville, the Kentucky Wildcats will turn their attention to one of the most anticipated college basketball games in recent memory. On Saturday. John Calipari will make his return to Rupp Arena for the first time as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

While there is currently a debate between booing and cheering, one thing is for sure: This will go down as one of the most emotional games in the history of Kentucky basketball.

If you are one to take into account the motivation factor, this game will arguably mean more to Calipari than anyone else on the court.

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While Kentucky has been enjoying success since the separation, the opposite is true for Calipari and Arkansas. The Razorbacks are 1-6 in SEC play and 2-8 in Quad I and II games. They’re currently projected to miss the NCAA Tournament, so they’ll have to win a game like this to get back in the hunt for a March Madness berth.

On top of that, they recently lost star freshman Boogie Fland for the season. The former Kentucky commit led the Hogs in scoring (15.1 points per game) and assists (5.7 per game).

Making matters worse is Johnell Davis, the former FAU guard who helped the Owls reach the Final Four in 2023, has been hobbled by injury this season and has struggled to find any rhythm in Fayetteville.

It’s worth pointing out that Arkansas did recently score their first SEC victory, a 68-65 home win over a Georgia Bulldogs team that took down Kentucky in Athens.

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This game has a different meaning for each team. For Kentucky, this is a moral win for the fanbase. For the Razorbacks, they’re fighting for a resume-building win to aid their NCAA Tournament chances.

Let’s dive into the matchup.

Let it Rain

Coming out Against Tennessee, a defense that allows a lot of three-point attempts, Kentucky made it their priority to shoot (and make) the three, and they did so successfully. From the tip, they shot four straight (making three) three-pointers and shot 14 of their first 20 shots from deep.

That game plan should carry over to Arkansas, which also leaves the three open. (i.e. Jack Gohlke)

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Kentucky has a strong three-player attack from deep tight now in Jaxson Robinson, Koby Brea, and Ansley Almonor. Those three made 11 of Kentucky’s 12 three-pointers against Tennessee on 57% shooting.

Attack the Glass and 50/50 Balls

Arkansas is not a strong rebounding team. Ranked 11 in the SEC of 16 teams, the Razorbacks have been outrebounded in five of their seven SEC games. That said, rebounding has been a struggle at times this season for Kentucky, especially so with Andrew Carr out.

Kentucky has to be the aggressor on the boards and limit the costly offensive rebounds they have given up of late.

It’s not just been the rebounding, though, as they have lost many 50/50 balls at critical points. While fatigue and lack of depth have certainly affected that, they have to want it more.

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Maintain Defensive Intensity

One of the most impressive parts of Kentucky’s win over Tennessee on Tuesday was their defensive intensity.

While they still didn’t force a lot of turnovers, they had great on-ball pressure, especially to start, and that set the tone from the start of the game. While the Volunteers had a couple of runs, they had to work hard for their shots and defaulted to shooting threes. I’m playing into Kentucky’s game plan.

The Wildcats need to come out with that same intensity against Arkansas, who is one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the SEC at just 32.5 percent. Take away driving lanes and encourage them to shoot threes.

Opposing Players to Watch

F Adou Thiero 6-8, 220 lbs

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  • 16.1 PPG (10th in SEC)
  • 6.2 RPG
  • 57.2% FG (2nd in SEC)

G DJ Wagner 6-4, 195 lbs

  • 10.2 PPG
  • 2.8 APG
  • 32.9% 3P

G Johnell Davis 6-4, 210 lbs

  • 8.9 PPG
  • 3.6 RPG
  • 37.9% FG

Kentucky Basketball vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

Time: 9:00 PM ET on February 1st, 2025
Location: Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky
TV Channel: ESPN
Online Stream: ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens will have the call on the UK Sports Radio Network.
Replay: WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings).
Rosters: UK | ARK
Stats to Know: UK | ARK
KenPom: UK | ARK
Team Sheet: UK | ARK

Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook has Kentucky favored by 11.5 points with an over/under of 158.5 points. That spread is a bit surprising with Kentucky potentially not having Lamont Butler and/or Andrew Carr, but the Hogs have struggled this season. EvanMiya gives Kentucky an 86.3% of winning, while ESPN is at 81.8%. BartTorvik and KenPom say 86% and 84%, respectively. However, these percentages are likely factoring in Lamont Butler and Andrew Carr, but there’s a real chance neither suits up on Saturday due to injury. In that case, the percentages would likely drop to somewhere in the 65-75% range.

Predictions: The analytics all expect Kentucky to win by double digits. EvanMiya (83-71) and BartTorvik (86-74) have the Cats winning by 12 points. KenPom has them winning by 11 points (84-73) and Haslametrics by 10 (84-74). Personally, I think Kentucky will be bothered some by Arkansas’ athleticism but they eventually pull away and win 83-74.

Send us your Kentucky vs. Arkansas score predictions in the comments section!

And Go CATS!

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Men's Basketball

Otega Oweh Is “All In” On NBA Draft Process

While Otega Oweh is “all in” on the NBA Draft process, his ultimate fate at Kentucky still hangs in the balance.

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Otega Oweh is "all in" on the NBA Draft.
Chet White | UK Athletics

While Kentucky’s incoming roster of freshman, transfers, and returners may seem complete to many, a once crucial piece has been taken for granted by folks eager to get the season started: Otega Oweh.

One of the primary driver’s of much of last year’s success, Oweh found his footing as a source of energy for his teammates, and found the ball in his hands more often than not when the team desperately needed a bucket.

Now, he’s testing the NBA Draft waters, and, according to Oweh himself, he’s “all in.”

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A Pro Goal

“I have one more year of eligibility, but my goal is to play in the NBA,” he said. “So I’m not doing this process one foot in, one foot out.”

This potentially worrying tidbit came out of a segment with the Portland Trail Blazers media following a session with the team. Oweh was also asked about the rumor that he’d return to Kentucky if he wasn’t granted a first round selection in the draft, to which he said, “I wouldn’t say it’s completely false.”

“I believe I’m a first round guy, so I’m just gonna go through all these workouts, give it my all, then when it’s all said and done, I’ll see where I’m at and I’ll make that decision.”

“That decision” will mean a lot for Kentucky’s incoming roster whichever way it goes. If Oweh returns, the team will likely be in final, or near-final, form; barring any crazy shake-ups, we’d be looking at a finalized roster and rotation sooner rather than later.

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If he doesn’t? Well, it’d be hard to imagine that the team would be left as-is – a late foray into the transfer portal on Mark Pope’s part would almost be imminent. And he couldn’t land just any player; he’d be replacing a potential SEC player of the year favorite, given a return. The stakes are at an all-time high.

It doesn’t help that the wait isn’t close to being over, either. Oweh has until June 15 to make his final decision, assuming he doesn’t sign an agent before then. With the BBN at his back, Kentucky’s would-be senior star is facing down what may be the most important decision of his career thus far… and all fans can do in the meantime is hurry up and wait.

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Men's Basketball

Kentucky Commit Jasper Johnson Excels at Iverson Classic

Jasper Johnson showed out at the Iverson Classic, shining light on his own potential and bringing more excitement to the ‘Cats incoming class.

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Chet White | UK Athletics

Amidst the excitement of Kentucky’s exceptional incoming transfer class, many have forgotten about (arguably) Mark Pope’s most exciting freshman: Jasper Johnson.

While Johnson, ranked 18th among freshman by ESPN, is a Kentucky kid at heart, his recruitment was easily the most widespread and heavily contested of any of the first-year Wildcats on the 2025-26 team. For a while, he was heavily favored to land with Nate Oats in Alabama, before the Pope regime swooped in behind the scenes and, clearly, pulled every necessary string. He officially announced his commitment to the ‘Cats in September of last year.

Now, Johnson is traveling across the country for various all-star-level competitions leading up to his first year of collegiate play. The latest in that string came in the form of the Iverson Classic, put on and named by the NBA legend Allen Iverson – as he has been just about everywhere else, the Kentucky commit made a real splash.

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Walking Highlight Reel

In the game, which took place last weekend, Johnson tallied 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists, stuffing the stat sheet in an all-around performance with highlights across the board. In addition to a couple of effortless slams and automatic triples, a video of Iverson and Johnson meeting at mid-court prior to the match took off across Overtime Elite’s social media, followed by a portion of his tape.

Johnson is only just scratching the surface of his ability as a player and, given the high likelihood that he’ll come off the bench during his first season in Lexington, it only speaks to the team’s incredible depth and high ceiling.

However and whenever he plays, the freshman guard will surely make an immediate impact. With November and the beginning of the season still six months down the line, however, ‘Cats fans will have to rely on videos like the one above to hold them over before they get to see their own battling for the blue and white in Rupp Arena.

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Men's Basketball

Jayden Quaintance Speaks On Why He Chose Kentucky: “I felt like Kentucky was the perfect spot”

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Jayden Quaintance
UK Athletics

At just 17 years old, Jayden Quaintance has already made his presence known in the college basketball landscape.

After suffering an ACL injury toward the end of his freshman season at Arizona State, the 6-foot-10 forward is headed to Kentucky with something to prove.

“I felt like Kentucky was that perfect spot,” Quaintance said recently on the Aaron Torres Sports Podcast. “I feel like I have a lot more confidence, you know, knowing where my baseline is. It’s really only up from here.”

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Despite the setback, he confirmed he expects to be on the floor when the Wildcats tip off their season against Louisville on Nov. 11.

Quaintance’s decision to commit to Kentucky — not once, but twice — has been one of the more compelling storylines of the Wildcats’ offseason.

Originally part of John Calipari’s final recruiting class in Lexington, the North Carolina native entered the transfer portal following Calipari’s departure, only to return under new head coach Mark Pope, who made clear that he saw Quaintance as more than just a traditional big man.

“It felt like they really wanted me here,” Quaintance said of Pope and his staff. “The sales pitch was kind of more getting to show off what I could do a little bit more offensively, you know, have a real chance to win next year. I feel like that was also a big part of it.”

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That promise of versatility has been central to Quaintance’s decision-making. Known in high school for his rim protection and physical tools, he’s eager to prove there’s much more to his game.

“I feel like I didn’t really scratch the surface of all that I can do,” he said of his time at Arizona State. “I didn’t feel like I got to show off how good I am as a passer, how good I am in transition, how good I am actually handling the ball.”

Now in Lexington, Quaintance joins a retooled Kentucky roster with a fresh identity and plenty of opportunity. His youth may stand out on paper, but his approach and awareness suggest a player far beyond his years — and NBA scouts have taken notice.

Quaintance remains a projected top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His combination of size, mobility and upside fits the modern pro game, and his age only adds to his appeal.

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With a projected full return by September and a system ready to showcase his complete skill set, Quaintance’s next chapter is taking shape in the Bluegrass.

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