EA Sports recently announced that NCAA Basketball is officially returning after a nearly two-decade hiatus with a release set for 2028. It’s the second college sports franchise that EA has brought back to life following the revival of NCAA Football, which was renamed to College Football last summer.

Since NCAA Basketball is still three years away, the 2025-26 Razorbacks won’t ever be in the game, but what would that team look like if they were? With help from ChatGPT, which required some roster and prompt corrections, here’s what it came up with for what next season’s roster could look like if they were in EA Sports’ NCAA Basketball. The observations below include player ratings, team style and more.

ChatGPT:

Starters and Key Contributors:

DJ Wagner – G | 6‑4, 195 | 2 yrs remaining

Rating: 85 OVR
2024–25 Stats: 11.1 PPG, 3.5 APG in SEC action 
Reasoning: Took over the point when Adou Thiero & Boogie Fland were injured, showcasing strong playmaking and scoring instinct. Reliable in mid-range and capable of clutch plays. Slight defensive lapses cost a few extra points.

Darius Acuff – G | 6‑2, 180 | 4 yrs remaining

Rating: 80 OVR
Ranking: ESPN No. 5 recruit for 2025
Reasoning: Elite scoring freshman expected to start from day one. Combined shooting range, playmaking, and confidence. May struggle early with decision-making and defending bigger guards.

Karter Knox – F | 6‑6, 220 | 3 yrs remaining

Rating: 84 OVR
2024–25 Stats: 8.3 PPG
Reasoning: Showed consistent scoring ability as a freshman. Excellent athleticism and transition scoring. Needs more consistency on defense and shooting.

Trevon Brazile – F | 6‑10, 210 | 1 yr remaining

Rating: 80 OVR
2024–25 Stats: ~12.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG late-season
Reasoning: Dominated down low when Thiero was out, and finished strong in SEC and NCAA Tournament. Length adds defensive versatility. Needs to maintain health and grit on the boards.

Nick Pringle – F/C | 6‑10, 225 | 1 yr remaining

Rating: 78 OVR
Reasoning: Transfer from South Carolina into starting lineup. High-effort rebounder and athletic finisher, fills depth in frontcourt. SEC experience should allow him to mesh well. 

Bench:

Malique Ewin – F/C | 6‑11, 230 | 2 yrs remaining

Rating: 78 OVR
2024–25 Stats (FSU): 14.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG
Reasoning: Skilled big from Florida State who adds spacing and scoring off the bench. Needs to bulk up for SEC physicality.

Billy Richmond – F | 6‑5, 205 | 3 yrs remaining

Rating: 77 OVR
SEC Metric: 2.1 AD/eff per game
Reasoning: High-motor wing, defensive glue guy. Needs to expand shooting to offset size challenges.

Meleek Thomas – G | 6‑4, 180 | 4 yrs remaining

Rating: 76 OVR
Recruit Status: ESPN No. 10 nationally
Reasoning: Smooth guard with shot-creating ability. Likely to shift between sixth man and starter roles. Needs strength and better on-ball defense.

Isaiah Sealy – G/F | 6‑7, 194 | 4 yrs remaining

Rating: 71 OVR
Reasoning: Freshman with intriguing length and defensive upside. Offensively raw. Role likely limited early.

Paulo Semedo – F/C | 7‑1, 220 | 4 yrs remaining

Rating: 70 OVR
Reasoning: European big with shot-blocking instincts. Project high-upside but will need refinement and physical development.

Elmir Dzafic – C | 7‑0, 265 | 4 yrs remaining

Rating: 69 OVR
News: Committed June 2025
Reasoning: Adds size and rim protection depth. Likely situational use; needs agility and stamina.

Karim Rtail – F | 6‑9, 210 | 4 yrs remaining

Rating: 68 OVR
Reasoning: Project role player showing effort and size. Will need seasoning at collegiate level.

Ayden Kelley – G | 5‑10, 170 | 3 yrs remaining

Rating: 65 OVR
Reasoning: Likely receives walk-on or occasional minutes. Quick guard, but will struggle with physical SEC play.

Jaden Karuletwa – F | 6‑5, 185 | 3 yrs remaining

Rating: 67 OVR
Reasoning: Depth forward with limited usage to date. Contributing mainly in practices.

Amere Brown – G | 5‑10, 160 | 4 yrs remaining

Rating: 64 OVR
Reasoning: Recruiting depth guard expected to redshirt or provide practice support.

Team Ratings & Play Style

Team Profile:

  • Tempo: High-paced, strong in transition (ranked top 60 nationally in pace last season)

  • Defense: Strong rim protection with Brazile, Pringle, and Dzafic anchoring the paint

  • Strengths: Athletic wings, high-IQ guards, elite length and size up front

  • Weaknesses: Shooting consistency, young bench, inexperienced depth

HAWGSPORTS LIVE PODCAST: Be sure to check out the latest episodes of HawgSports Live on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast or wherever you prefer to listen. This link will take you directly to the HawgSports Live channel on your favorite platform. Get the latest scoop on the Razorbacks with host Trey Biddy, recruiting analyst Danny West and other special guests. HawgSports Live is Arkansas’ highest-rated podcast with 4.9 stars to go with nearly 1,000 ratings on Apple Podcast. Be sure to follow the show and take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and a review if you enjoy the show. Thanks for listening!