FAYETTEVILLE — For the first time in 14 years, Arkansas men’s basketball will begin a season inside The Associated Press Top 25.
The Razorbacks will open the 2021-22 season, the third under Eric Musselman, ranked No. 16 in the poll, which was released Monday.
It is the program’s third appearance in the preseason poll since 2000 and its best preseason position since 2000-01, when Arkansas was No. 15.
Following a run to the Elite Eight in the spring, the Razorbacks came in at No. 6 in the final coaches’ poll. Arkansas was No. 10 in the final AP poll, which was released ahead of the NCAA Tournament.
Arkansas’ season opener is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 9 against Mercer in Bud Walton Arena. A television designation has not been announced, but tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
Other SEC teams and potential opponents in the poll are Kentucky (10), Illinois (11), Alabama (14), Tennessee (18) and Auburn (22).
Arkansas’ preseason AP poll ranking since 1980
1980-81 — No. 20
1981-82 — No. 18
1982-83 — No. 17
1983-84 — No. 14
1984-85 — No. 16
1989-90 — No. 9
1990-91 — No. 2
1991-92 — No. 3
1993-94 — No. 3
1994-95 — No. 1
1995-96 — No. 16
1996-97 — No. 13
1998-99 — No. 19
2000-01 — No. 15
2007-08 — No. 19
2021-22 — No. 16