Kansas, the No. 7 seed in the West Region, will square off against Arkansas, the No. 10 seed, in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 20, at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. Tipoff between the Jayhawks and Razorbacks is set for 6:10 p.m. Central, with the game airing on CBS.

With the showdown between Kansas and Arkansas quickly approaching, JayhawkSlant.com caught up with Jackson Collier from HawgBeat.com to get his view on Thursday night's game.

I know the expectations were probably through the roof with Coach John Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas. What did the media and fans expect when the season started and how have those expectations played out? Are the fans happy with the results so far?

I’d say it was probably a mixed bag, honestly. Most people knew the immediate impact would be in recruiting, but I also don’t think anyone was expecting to compete for national championships right away.

What resulted was a solid season overall, through a winding and tumultuous path, and an NCAA Tournament berth. Given that it’s year one and the amount of injuries Calipari had to deal with, I think fans as a whole think it’s been a success. Many were skeptical of the nine-man roster, and that did end up kind of biting them in the rear with injuries and was self-inflicted, but everything outside of that was pretty positive. Fans wanted to get back to the NCAA Tournament after missing it last year and to compete in the SEC. They got that (after an 0-5 start, of course).

Both Kansas and Arkansas won a game in their respective conference tournaments before losing. What’s the mood of this Arkansas team heading into the Thursday night showdown against Kansas? Have you talked to any players or Coach Calipari?

I haven’t personally talked to anyone, but Calipari gave a press conference after the selection show and the reaction and watch party was filmed. The morale was in a good place, it seemed, though those two forums, and I’d say in general that’s the case with the fanbase, as well.

The late success to end the season, especially finishing 5-2 without Boogie Fland or Adou Thiero, has fans optimistic and excited for the NCAA Tournament. I think they got even more of a boost with the news that Fland was cleared and returning to basketball activities.

Against Ole Miss, even with a short rotation the team fought and had a chance to win, and I think they’re playing with the confidence that they can compete with anyone, and the fanbase believes they can, too.

I know Arkansas is dealing with some injuries right now, so can you provide the latest on who’s in and who’s out? Who are a few of the players that Kansas fans should be aware of?

Really the major injuries of late have been Boogie Fland and Adou Thiero. Fland should be back for the matchup against Kansas, while Thiero won’t be.

As far as players to be familiar with, it’s a similar cast of characters from the first matchup. DJ Wagner has initiated the offense, Fland is back, though probably in a reduced role from the exhibition, and Zvonimir Ivisic and Trevon Brazile will help space the floor.

There is a trio of players playing at a high level that either didn’t play against Kansas in the exhibition or are not the same player as they were then, though.

Johnell Davis has shot the ball at a much higher clip, been more aggressive, and become a legitimate defender who has a knack for jumping passing lanes. Karter Knox has grown a ton in his freshman campaign and has developed into a knockdown shooter and versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions and rebounding at a plus level. Jonas Aidoo did not play against Kansas in the exhibition, and the interior matchup between him and Hunter Dickinson should be a fun one to watch. Aidoo is finally healthy and playing the best basketball of his career the past few weeks, including multiple double-doubles.

How do you see this game playing out? I know Arkansas defeated Kansas back in October in the exhibition game, but both teams, as Coach Bill Self said on Sunday night, are different now. For example: Hunter Dickinson and Rylan Griffen didn’t play in the exhibition game. What’s your feel heading into the game?

I truly am torn on this matchup. I think both teams are immensely talented on paper and that Kansas might even have the edge on Arkansas there. I think I’d give the edge to Arkansas in the backcourt, though.

Ultimately, if Arkansas’ guards can get downhill, I think the Razorbacks end up winning the game. If Kansas can prevent that, it’ll be tough for the Razorbacks, particularly with Dickinson on the interior and the propensity to snag offensive rebounds and second-chance points, a weak area for this Razorback team.

If I *had* to choose right this second, I think I’d give the nod to Kansas by the slimmest of margins. I truly think this will be one of the better matchups from the first two rounds and a fun watch overall. I’m still maintaining the caveat that if Fland, Wagner, and Davis get to the rim and the free-throw line, the Razorbacks win.