Arkansas is making headlines by starting the season in the AP Top 25 despite returning only one scholarship player from last year’s team that finished below a .500 record. This remarkable turnaround can be credited to the strategic efforts of new coach John Calipari, who has extensively revamped the roster through a mix of transfers and incoming freshmen.

The Razorbacks have secured three recruits ranked within the top 30 nationally and were proactive in utilizing the transfer portal to bolster their lineup. Arkansas kicks off the season as the 16th ranked team in the nation, marking the highest preseason placement for any program that failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament last year. Coach Calipari has emphasized the need for patience, reminding his players during the Southeastern Conference media days that he doesn’t possess any shortcuts to success. “We’re currently undefeated, but I urge the guys to calm down. I can’t perform miracles overnight,” Calipari said, acknowledging the time it typically takes to establish a winning culture.

After the departure of coach Eric Musselman to Southern California, forward Trevon Brazile remains as the only returning scholarship player from last season’s 16-17 roster, contributing an average of 8.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Fortunately for the Razorbacks, the influx of new talent includes several players with significant accomplishments. Notable newcomers include D.J. Wagner, Adou Thiero, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Kareem Watkins, all of whom followed Calipari from Kentucky. Additionally, they have welcomed Jonas Aidoo, who previously played at Tennessee, and Johnell Davis, an impactful player from Florida Atlantic.

Davis was a starter on the 2023 Final Four team from FAU, averaging 18.2 points per game. Aidoo, an Associated Press first-team all-SEC selection, contributed 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season. The freshman class is packed with talent, including Boogie Fland, Karter Knox, and Billy Richmond, all of whom had initially committed to play for Calipari at Kentucky.

Arkansas is not alone in its roster transformation; many colleges are adapting rapidly during the offseason. The rules surrounding player transfers now allow quick roster changes, resulting in six teams within this year’s preseason AP Top 25 that did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament last season. Teams showing the potential for improvement include:

**No. 17 Indiana**: After a 19-14 season during which they declined an NIT invitation, Indiana has aggressively entered the transfer portal. Key additions include Oumar Ballo from Arizona, Kanaan Carlyle from Stanford, Myles Rice from Washington State, and Luke Goode from Illinois. Ballo, a standout 7-footer, has received first-team all-Pac-12 honors for the past two seasons. With three double-digit scorers returning, including Malik Reneau (15.4 points), the Hoosiers aim for a strong season.

**No. 20 Cincinnati**: The Bearcats are back with their top three scorers from a squad that finished 22-15 and reached the NIT quarterfinals. Returning players include Dan Skillings Jr. (12.9 points), Simas Lukosius (11.8), and Day Day Thomas (10.4). Cincinnati has also added Dillon Mitchell from Texas, who averaged nearly 10 points per game last season.

**No. 22 UCLA**: After reaching the Final Four in 2021 and succumbing to Sweet 16 knockouts in the following seasons, UCLA struggled last year and finished 16-17. However, they return four starters, including leading scorer Dylan Andrews (12.9 ppg) and leading rebounder Lazar Stefanovic (6.1). The addition of six transfers, including Tyler Bilodeau and Skyy Clark, aims to reinvigorate the program.

**No. 24 Mississippi**: In Chris Beard’s first season, Ole Miss achieved a 20-12 record. Looking for their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019, they return three top scorers and have bolstered their roster with transfers, including Sean Pedulla from Virginia Tech, who averaged 16.4 points last year.

**No. 25 Rutgers**: The Scarlet Knights welcome highly regarded freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, along with returning key players from last season’s 15-17 lineup. Guard Jeremiah Williams and center Clifford Omoruyi, known for his shot-blocking prowess, are also back in action.

**St. John’s**: Although not in the Top 25, St. John’s received significant support in unranked votes. They return only one double-digit scorer from a 20-13 team but have made impactful transfers, including Kadary Richmond from Seton Hall and Deivon Smith from Utah. St. John’s is focused on securing their first NCAA bid since 2019.

With the season set to unfold, the excitement surrounding the power of roster revitalization remains palpable, and many teams are keen on making their mark.