Arkansas Razorbacks’ Challenging Schedule
The Arkansas Razorbacks are set to face a tough non-conference schedule as they embark on the new college basketball season. Head coach Jon Calipari remarked on the demanding lineup at the SEC Basketball Tipoff event in Birmingham, Alabama. Calipari humorously noted that he might have been “on crack” when finalizing the challenging list of games.
Coach Calipari’s Remarks on the Schedule
Calipari explained that part of his role is to prepare his team for tough games. The Razorbacks’ schedule includes opening matches against Virginia and Michigan State, followed by games in Phoenix against Arizona and against Indiana in New York. Calipari’s comments highlighted the difficulty his team will face early in the season.
Season Opener and Early Matches
While it may seem like the team plunges into tough matchups from the start, the Razorbacks actually begin their season against Arkansas Pine-Bluff on November 3. Their first challenging game is against Virginia in Washington, D.C. Additional significant games on neutral grounds include contests against Indiana and Michigan State.
Road Games and SEC Prospects
Arkansas will have their only true road game against North Carolina on December 1 in Chapel Hill. Following this, they do not face another until SEC play starts in January. The Razorbacks have been picked to finish third in the SEC preseason media poll, with Florida and Texas above them.
Calipari’s Tenure and Team Changes
Entering his third year as head coach, Calipari has taken the Razorbacks to the Sweet 16 in his first two seasons. This year, the team must adapt following the loss of last season’s standout player, Darius Acuff Jr., who was drafted seventh overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2026 NBA Draft.