A surprise decision
Billy Richmond III, a 6‑foot‑5 wing who spent his sophomore year at the University of Arkansas, announced that he will not enter the 2026 NBA Draft but will instead return to campus for the 2026‑27 season. His agent later confirmed the decision after initial reports had suggested he might stay in the draft.
During his sophomore campaign he averaged 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals in 37 games, shooting a conference‑best 57.4 percent in SEC play and earning a spot on the 2026 SEC All‑Defensive Team.
Season impact
His return restores a key piece to a Razorbacks squad that reached the Sweet 16 for the second straight year, adding depth at the wing and allowing the coaching staff to blend his defensive versatility with the incoming five‑star prospects JJ Andrews and Abdou Toure.
With Jordan Smith Jr. slated to run the point and Jeremiah Wilkinson providing a scoring punch off the ball, the Razorbacks hope the returning guard will help them contend again in the SEC and beyond.