Tennessee vs Arkansas Prediction 1/3/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Tennessee Volunteers and the Arkansas Razorbacks meet Saturday in college basketball action from the Bud Walton Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Tennessee Volunteers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks prediction.

Tennessee Volunteers Recap

The Tennessee Volunteers come into this game looking to add on to their 105-54 win over South Carolina State last time out to sit at 10-3 on the year. After this game, Tennessee will head home for a game against Texas.

Volunteers Win 3 In A Row

Ja’Kobi Gillespie leads the Vols in scoring and assists with 17.8 PPG and 5.8 APG while Nate Ament has 15.4 PPG with 6.9 RPG to lead the Vols in rebounding along with 2.6 APG. J.P. Estrella has 10.5 PPG with 5 RPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Tennessee up to this point in the year. Jaylen Carey has 9.3 PPG with 6.9 RPG of his own and Felix Okpara has 7.7 PPG with 5.2 RPG as well this season. As a team, Tennessee is averaging 83.9 PPG on 49.1% shooting from the field, 34.6% from three and 66.9% from the foul line this season.

Arkansas Razorbacks Recap

The Arkansas Razorbacks come into this game looking to add on to their 103-74 win over James Madison last time out to sit at 10-3 this season. After this game, Arkansas will head on the road for a game against Ole Miss.

Razorbacks Looking To Build Momentum

Darius Acuff Jr. leads Arkansas in scoring and assists with 18.9 PPG and 6.2 APG in addition to 3.3 RPG while Meleek Thomas has 14.2 PPG with 3.8 RPG and 3.2 APG this season. Trevon Brazile has 14.2 PPG with a team-high 7 RPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Arkansas so far this season as Arkansas’ top rebounder. Karter Knox has 9.2 PPG with 5.2 RPG and Billy Richmond III has 9 PPG with 3.7 RPG and Malique Ewin has 8.5 PPG with 4.3 RPG. D.J. Wagner has 8.4 PPG with 2.8 APG as well this season. As a team, Arkansas is averaging 89.5 PPG on 48.7% shooting from the field, 38.3% from three and 75.4% from the foul line this season.

Tennessee Volunteers @ Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Trends: January 3, 2026

Why the Arkansas Razorbacks will win

• Arkansas has won each of its last 14 games as an AP-ranked team at Bud Walton Arena.
• Tennessee has lost three of its last four January games as an AP-ranked team.
• Arkansas has won the first half in each of its last 12 games as an AP-ranked team at Bud Walton Arena.

Why the Tennessee Volunteers will win

• Tennessee has won each of its last eight Saturday day games.
• Arkansas has lost five of its last six January games as an AP-ranked team.
• Tennessee has won the first half in each of its last four games.

Total Points Facts

• Twenty of Tennessee’s last 21 day games have produced a total of 157 or fewer points.
• Each of the last eight games between Tennessee and Arkansas have produced a total of 155 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Arkansas ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.5).
• Arkansas is one of only three teams to reach the Sweet 16 in each of its last four NCAA Tournament appearances.
• Tennessee ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (60.3%).
• Tennessee is one of only four teams to reach the Elite 8 in each of its last two NCAA Tournament appearances.

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Prediction

I’m on Arkansas here. I think the Hogs at home are legit and I think Tennessee is a little bit overrated based on name brand and I don’t feel like this Tennessee team is as good as past Volunteer teams have been. Look for Arkansas to win this game and get the cover here. Give me Arkansas.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Arkansas -2.5