Big East School Emerges as Threat to End DJ Wagner's Razorback Ride

Syracuse and Memphis reportedly offer lucrative NIL deals to lure the veteran guard away from Arkansas.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:54pm

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DJ Wagner, the third-generation Calipari-Wagner player, is reportedly considering entering the transfer portal after three seasons at Arkansas. The 6-foot-4 guard has been a reliable veteran presence off the bench for the Razorbacks, but with the arrival of several highly-touted freshmen, he may seek a bigger role elsewhere. Syracuse and Memphis, his father's former program, are said to be offering him over $1.5 million in NIL deals to join their teams as a starting point guard.

Why it matters

Wagner's potential departure would be a significant loss for Arkansas, as he has provided steady production and veteran leadership off the bench. Finding a player of his caliber who is willing to accept a reserve role may prove difficult for the Razorbacks. Meanwhile, landing Wagner would be a major coup for either Syracuse or Memphis, as they look to rebuild their programs and provide a proven floor general to lead the way.

The details

Wagner, the nation's former No. 1 overall recruit, has averaged 7.4 points, 2.4 assists and 0.9 steals in 23.6 minutes per game over his three seasons at Arkansas. He began the year as a starter but shifted into a backup role behind the talismanic Darius Acuff Jr. With the arrival of several highly-touted freshmen, including five-star Jordan Smith Jr., Wagner may seek a bigger role elsewhere.

  • Wagner just wrapped up his third season at Arkansas.
  • He is entering his fourth and final year of college eligibility.

The players

DJ Wagner

A 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard who is the third McDonald's All-American in his family to come out of Camden High in New Jersey. He is the grandson of former NCAA and NBA champion Milt Wagner, who played for John Calipari at Memphis.

John Calipari

The Hall of Fame head coach at Kentucky, who has deep connections to the Wagner family dating back to recruiting Milt Wagner and Dajuan Wagner to Memphis in the early 2000s.

Penny Hardaway

The head coach at Memphis, where Milt Wagner and Dajuan Wagner starred. Landing DJ Wagner would be a major boost for Hardaway's program.

Gerry McNamara

The new head coach at Syracuse, a three-time All-Big East selection during his playing days with the Orange and a member of the 2003 national championship team.

Darius Acuff Jr.

The starting point guard at Arkansas who supplanted Wagner in the lineup this past season.

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What they’re saying

“Landing Wagner would be a major boon for embattled Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway, and a natural fit for the rising senior given his dad's legendary status at that program.”

— Source

“Wagner would also be an excellent partner in crime with Davin Doty, a first-team all-conference shooting guard rumored to follow his head coach from Siena to Syracuse.”

— Source

What’s next

Wagner will have to decide in the coming weeks whether to enter the transfer portal and explore opportunities at other schools or return to Arkansas for his final season of eligibility.

The takeaway

DJ Wagner's potential departure would be a significant loss for Arkansas, as he has provided steady production and veteran leadership off the bench. Finding a player of his caliber who is willing to accept a reserve role may prove difficult for the Razorbacks. Meanwhile, landing Wagner would be a major coup for either Syracuse or Memphis as they look to rebuild their programs.