Arkansas fans are ready for basketball season, especially after an uneven football fall in Fayetteville. John Calipari’s debut season ended with a 22–14 record and a strong postseason run that included wins over Kansas and St. John’s before a heartbreaking overtime loss to Texas Tech.
Now in year two, excitement is high for a deeper, more balanced roster. The Razorbacks’ 2025–26 non-conference schedule offers a mix of comfortable home games, tough neutral-court tests, and one early road trip that should show how quickly this team has matured.
November 3 – Southern (Home)
The Razorbacks tip off the season at Bud Walton Arena with a manageable matchup. This opener gives Calipari’s staff a first look at their new lineup combinations and allows the team to build early rhythm before the road trip ahead.
November 8 – Michigan State (Road)
Arkansas travels to East Lansing for its first big test of the season. Michigan State has never lost to the Razorbacks, though the programs haven’t met since 2015. Facing Tom Izzo’s disciplined Spartans on their home floor will be a true early-season barometer for Arkansas’ toughness.
November 11 – Central Arkansas (Home)
The Razorbacks return home to face an in-state opponent. Expect a spirited crowd and a heavy dose of minutes for Arkansas’ second unit in this tune-up game.
November 14 – Samford (Home)
Another home matchup gives the Razorbacks a chance to keep building chemistry. Samford’s fast-paced offense could test Arkansas’ defensive rotations, but the Hogs should handle business comfortably.
November 18 – Winthrop (Home)
Winthrop is a veteran mid-major that won’t be intimidated by the Bud Walton atmosphere. Still, Arkansas’ size and athleticism should control the game from the start.
November 21 – Jackson State (Home)
Calipari’s team closes out its early homestand with a final tune-up before a grueling stretch. Expect the Razorbacks to emphasize defensive consistency before Thanksgiving week’s elite matchups.
November 27 – Duke (Neutral, Chicago)
A national spotlight game awaits in Chicago as Arkansas meets Duke in the CBS Thanksgiving Classic. The Razorbacks lead the all-time series 3–2, including a five-point win in 2023. This one could have Top 10 implications and will test Arkansas’ backcourt depth.
December 3 – Louisville (Home)
A classic SEC–ACC clash hits Fayetteville as Louisville visits Bud Walton Arena. The series is tied 4–4, and this matchup could have tournament-level energy. The Razorbacks will need to match Louisville’s athleticism and perimeter shooting to protect home court.
December 6 – Fresno State (Neutral, Little Rock)
Arkansas makes the short trip to Little Rock for another neutral-site contest. The Bulldogs have been a strong Mountain West program, but the Razorbacks’ length and tempo should prove decisive.
December 13 – Texas Tech (Neutral, Dallas)
This one will feel personal. Arkansas fell to Texas Tech in overtime last March, and the Red Raiders went on to the Elite Eight. With the all-time series sitting at 41–39 in Tech’s favor, expect a high-energy rematch with plenty of physicality.
December 16 – Queens (Home)
Back at Bud Walton Arena, Arkansas faces Queens in a lighter mid-December matchup. This will likely serve as a reset game before two more challenging contests to close out the month.
December 20 – Houston (Neutral, Newark)
The Razorbacks face another elite opponent in Newark against Houston, one of the toughest and most physical teams in the nation. The Cougars’ defense will challenge Arkansas’ guards, making this a valuable late-December test before SEC play begins.
December 29 – James Madison (Home)
The non-conference slate concludes with a tricky matchup against James Madison, a team that’s become one of the nation’s best mid-major programs. The Dukes’ pace and shooting ability will force Arkansas to stay sharp heading into league play.
Tested Early, Ready for SEC Play
Arkansas’ non-conference schedule offers a perfect mix of winnable games and elite challenges. Road and neutral-site battles with Michigan State, Duke, Texas Tech, and Houston will prepare the Razorbacks for a brutal SEC slate.
John Calipari’s second season in Fayetteville begins with promise, opportunity, and plenty of early chances to prove that the Razorbacks belong among college basketball’s best.