The Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball team wrapped up their 2024–25 season with a 22–14 record—decent, but not exactly dominant. While the regular season brought its share of ups and downs, the team found its stride in the postseason. The Razorbacks went on an unexpected run in the NCAA Tournament, upsetting higher-seeded programs like Kansas and St. John’s to advance to the Sweet 16. Unfortunately, their momentum came to a heartbreaking end when they lost in overtime to Texas Tech. A last-second layup by Darrion Williams sealed the Red Raiders’ victory, dashing Arkansas’ hopes of a deeper run.
With that season now behind them, the program is already shifting its focus to the future. Head coach John Calipari is entering his second year in charge of the Razorbacks, eager to build upon the foundation he started laying in Year 1. After spending many successful years at Kentucky, Calipari’s challenge now is to bring the same level of consistent excellence to Fayetteville. He received a significant boost to those efforts this week as key players began confirming their plans to return.
Among the returning players are forward Trevon Brazile and freshman wing Billy Richmond III, both of whom were critical pieces of the Razorbacks’ rotation this past season. Their return alone was good news, but it got even better when junior guard D.J. Wagner also announced he would be coming back for the 2025–26 season.
Wagner’s return is a major win for Arkansas. Though he hasn’t yet reached elite status as an offensive player, his experience, athleticism, and skill set make him a valuable asset. This past season, he averaged 11.2 points and 3.6 assists per game, offering a steady presence in the backcourt. Known for his quickness, ball-handling, and ability to get to the basket, Wagner often played a key role in initiating the offense and pushing the pace.
While his shooting percentages leave room for improvement—he shot 40.1% from the field and 30.4% from three-point range—Wagner showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season. Calipari and his coaching staff are hopeful that with another offseason of work, Wagner can become a more efficient scorer and a more consistent floor general.
Wagner’s journey to Arkansas came by way of Kentucky, where he played his freshman year under Calipari before following his coach to Fayetteville via the transfer portal. His move was a significant one, bringing both talent and leadership to the Razorbacks. His decision to return now signals his continued belief in Calipari’s vision and in the potential of this Arkansas squad to compete at the highest level.
Beyond his college resume, Wagner’s basketball pedigree is impossible to ignore. He hails from Camden, New Jersey, where he starred in high school as a consensus five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American. His family legacy is just as impressive—his father, Dajuan Wagner, played four seasons in the NBA after a standout college career at Memphis, also under Calipari. His uncle, Milt Wagner, was part of Louisville’s 1986 national championship team and had a brief NBA stint of his own. With such deep roots in the game, D.J. Wagner has always been expected to carry on the family tradition—and so far, he’s done just that.
By returning for another college season, Wagner not only adds experience and stability to Arkansas’ backcourt but also gives himself more time to refine his skills and boost his stock for a potential NBA future. His name has been on the radar for some time, and with improvements in his shooting and decision-making, he could draw serious attention from pro scouts over the coming year.
Arkansas, meanwhile, is shaping up to be a more formidable team for the 2025–26 season. Retaining core contributors like Wagner, Brazile, and Richmond gives Calipari a strong nucleus to build around, while incoming recruits and potential transfer additions could elevate the Razorbacks to contender status. With the transfer portal still active and new signings on the horizon, there’s every reason to believe Arkansas will enter next season with high expectations.
The Razorbacks’ fans have reason to be excited. After a thrilling, if ultimately bittersweet, NCAA Tournament run, the program has momentum heading into the offseason. D.J. Wagner’s announcement is a signal that the team is not only keeping its key players but also keeping its competitive edge. If Wagner can take the next step in his development—and if Calipari can continue to mold this group—the future in Fayetteville looks bright.
For now, Arkansas is a team on the rise. And with Wagner back in the fold, Razorback Nation has plenty to look forward to as preparations begin for what could be a breakout year under Calipari’s leadership.
