Who would have thought that the Arkansas, out of nowhere, would become a topic of discussion? They emerged from the pits of a struggling season as a lethal team with a 17-11 record just ahead of March, just when they needed it. What just weeks ago looked like a lost team still working to find its footing, John Calipari’s Razorbacks have revived championship hopes with a recent resurgence. It’s a warning sign for the rest of the Southeastern Conference that no team is out of the fight when John Calipari is at the helm. But how did he do that?

John Calipari came to Arkansas with some great expectations. Behind a top-10 recruiting class and a couple of splashy transfers, the year was supposed to be one to remember. But not everything goes as planned, right? Despite an undefeated December, Arkansas lost five straight games in January, plummeting to the bottom of the SEC standings and jeopardizing their NCAA Tournament hopes before the season’s end. For a while, it seemed that the team would never find its footing.

But here is the crazy part: the Razorbacks were never completely out of it. Despite a string of losses, Arkansas had impressive periods of play. Eventually, Arkansas showed it could win big games with decisive victories over nationally ranked teams Michigan and Kentucky, then a thrilling overtime win over Texas—a statement win, the kind of win that proved the Razorbacks had the talent to win big at the highest levels of competition given the opportunity.

Even pundits were getting excited about what this team could do in March. On The Field of 68: After Dark, analyst Jeff Goodman said, “These guys right now are feeling pretty good about themselves. If they can keep this thing going, why isn’t this a team that could run off a couple more in the regular season and then do some damage in the SEC tournament? Why not?” And truly, who could blame him for the glass-half-full mentality? Arkansas had won five of their last eight games. The losses? Auburn, Alabama, Texas A&M. Those aren’t exactly bad losses by any means, so the moral is yet to take another hit.

The Razorbacks haven’t simply shown glimpses of their potential, they’ve proven it with results. Arkansas is 40th in the BPI and has established a solid resume to reach the NCAA Tournament. The Hogs have posted wins over Michigan and Kentucky, and they don’t have any “bad” losses. The Razorbacks’ NET ranking of 40 is encouraging, and their four Quad 1 wins to go along with two Quad 2 victories show they can compete with the elite teams. In March Madness, that is what you want: no blemishes on your resume. But is everything smooth for Calipari’s boys?

Crucial Matchups ahead for John Calipari

Though high on spirits, the Arkansas’ path to the NCAA Tournament is anything but guaranteed. The Razorbacks’ remaining schedule is no cakewalk. They still have to play South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, and another key matchup with Texas. These games could make or break their tournament hopes, and they will have to play well to close out the remainder of the SEC play.

For Arkansas to claw its way into championship territory, keeping an eye on the prize and focusing on these key aspects are pivotal. Winning the Crucial Matchups: Teams like South Carolina and Vanderbilt are the wins the Razorbacks have to come out of victorious. Add those wins to their resume and keep it blemish-free before SEC play ramps up again in March and selection Sunday comes rolling around and they will be in a very good spot for seeding.

But to get there, Arkansas needs to be consistent as John Calipari’s leadership will be essential in navigating the final hurdle. The Razorbacks need to play hard like it has over the past few weeks and continue putting that same intensity into every game it plays. Remaining calm and collected, he hopes to keep the Razorbacks on track with their preparation. A deep run in the SEC Tournament would likely cement their bid into the NCAA Tournament and improve their chances of making a run once in. It’s a prime opportunity for this team to prove they deserve a spot in the “Big Dance.” 

They have the momentum and a coach that doesn’t fold under pressure. Arkansas appears primed to make a run at the NCAA Tournament. “Why not?” Goodman said, “They got everything you need to make a run come March.” With Selection Sunday knocking on the door, the whole of college basketball may hear it pounding. Arkansas isn’t just looking to get in, it’s looking to go deep. The floor’s shrinking beneath the collective feet of the NCAA, and the Hogs are beyond ready to see what’s in store for them.