Two teams that figure to be in the thick of the SEC title race will begin their conference schedules on Saturday afternoon as the Arkansas Razorbacks play host to the Tennessee Volunteers.
Both teams have played well, but I see the Volunteers as the superior all-around squad, which is why I’m taking them to win outright in my Tennessee vs. Arkansas predictions.
Keep reading to get my full analysis of this matchup and all my free college basketball picks for Saturday, January 3.
Tennessee vs Arkansas prediction
Tennessee vs Arkansas best bet: Tennessee moneyline (+110)
The SEC may not get 14 teams in the NCAA Tournament again this year, but the conference remains extremely deep. The Tennessee Volunteers and Arkansas Razorbacks are both ranked in the top 20 at the moment, and both performed well overall in non-conference play, posting identical 10-3 records.
A month ago, the Volunteers went through a rough patch, suffering three straight upset losses. But those were sandwiched by impressive wins over the Houston Cougars and the Louisville Cardinals, and this remains one of the better all-around squads in the country.
Not only does Tennessee have two dangerous scoring options in Ja'Kobi Gillespie (17.8 ppg) and Nate Ament (15.4 ppg), but they’re among the best defensive squads in the nation, allowing opponents to score just 63.7 ppg on the year.
Arkansas certainly has the offensive firepower to keep up with the Volunteers. Freshman Darius Acuff Jr. (18.8 ppg) has been outstanding for the Razorbacks, who also boast two other double-digit scorers in guard Meleek Thomas (15.2 ppg) and forward Trevon Brazile (13.7 ppg). But they have had some defensive lapses, ranking just 59th in defensive rating according to KenPom.com.
While both teams are capable of making deep tournament runs, Tennessee has the stronger resume right now, and is more likely to make key defensive stops. I’m taking the Volunteers to win outright today.
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Tennessee vs Arkansas same-game parlay
For my SGP today, I’m going to be pairing my Tennessee pick with the Over, as we’re looking at two quality offenses and Arkansas has hit the Over in five of its last six games.
With all those points on the board, I’m going to take Ja’Kobi Gillespie to hit his personal Over at 17.5 points as well, something he’s done in two of his last three contests.
Tennessee vs Arkansas SGP
- Tennessee moneyline
- Over 158.5
- Ja'Kobi Gillespie Over 17.5 points
Our beyond the arc SGP: Acuff hits beyond the arc
Acuff has hit at least three shots from deep in three of his last five games and will likely be called on to shoot the ball plenty in a high-scoring affair this afternoon.
Tennessee vs Arkansas SGP
- Tennessee moneyline
- Over 158.5
- Ja'Kobi Gillespie Over 17.5 points
- Darius Acuff Jr. Over 2.5 threes made
Tennessee vs Arkansas odds
- Spread: Tennessee +1.5 (-104) | Arkansas -1.5 (-118)
- Moneyline: Tennessee +112 | Arkansas -134
- Over/Under: Over 157.5 (-110) | Under 157.5 (-115)
Tennessee vs Arkansas betting trend to know
Tennessee is 4-0 straight up in its last four meetings with Arkansas. Find more college basketball betting trends for Tennessee vs. Arkansas.
How to watch Tennessee vs Arkansas
| Location | Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, AR |
| Date | Saturday, January 3, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Tennessee vs Arkansas key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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