Arkansas Razorbacks Might be Without Two Key Players Against Mississippi State

Backcourt duo DJ Wagner and Karter Knox are considered doubtful for Saturday's SEC matchup in Starkville.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 8:23am

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The Arkansas Razorbacks may be without two of their key players, guards DJ Wagner and Karter Knox, when they take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs on the road this Saturday. Wagner and Knox have both struggled with their production and consistency so far this season, and their potential absences will force Arkansas to rely heavily on freshmen guards Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas to carry the load in the backcourt.

Why it matters

Arkansas has historically struggled playing at Mississippi State's Humphrey Coliseum, where they are just 7-24 all-time. The potential loss of Wagner and Knox, who were instrumental to the Razorbacks' NCAA Tournament run last season, could make it even more difficult for Arkansas to come away with a road win against the Bulldogs and keep pace in the SEC standings.

The details

Wagner and Knox have both seen significant drops in their production this season compared to last year. Wagner is averaging just over 7 points per game, down from 14 PPG last season, while Knox's numbers have remained similar to 2025 but he has not played at the same high level down the stretch. With these two likely out, Arkansas will have to rely on freshmen Acuff and Thomas to handle the backcourt duties, along with inserting sophomore Billy Richmond into the starting lineup to cover for Knox.

  • Arkansas last defeated Mississippi State at Humphrey Coliseum in February 2015.

The players

DJ Wagner

Arkansas Razorbacks guard who is considered doubtful for Saturday's game against Mississippi State due to a disappointing start to the season.

Karter Knox

Arkansas Razorbacks guard who is also considered doubtful for Saturday's game against Mississippi State after struggling to build on his strong finish to the 2025 season.

Darius Acuff

Arkansas freshman guard who will be relied upon to play a heavy minutes load in the backcourt if Wagner and Knox are unable to play.

Meleek Thomas

Arkansas freshman guard who will also see increased playing time in the backcourt if Wagner and Knox are out.

Billy Richmond

Arkansas sophomore who will likely be inserted into the starting lineup to cover for Knox's potential absence.

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What’s next

If the Razorbacks plan on notching their first win in Starkville since 2015, they will need a perfect game played by a limited rotation.

The takeaway

Arkansas' struggles at Mississippi State's home court, combined with the potential absences of key backcourt players Wagner and Knox, could make it extremely difficult for the Razorbacks to come away with a road win against the Bulldogs and keep pace in the SEC standings.