Arkansas will open its highly anticipated non‑conference slate against Indiana at Madison Square Garden on November 17, a matchup that headlines the Bad Boys Mowers Series and marks the Razorbacks’ second appearance at the venue since coach John Calipari’s arrival.
The Razorbacks previously proved they can thrive in New York, having edged Michigan 89‑87 in the 2024 Jimmy V Classic, a win that also nudged their series lead over Indiana to 3‑2.
Indiana’s Transfer Overhaul
Under second‑year coach Darian DeVries, Indiana is assembling a blue‑chip transfer class that features standouts such as Markus Burton, Bryce Lindsey, Aidan Sherrell, Samet Yigitoglu, Jaeden Mustaf and Damien Harris, complemented by international signee Clemens Sokolov and rising sophomore Trent Sisley, the lone rotational returner from last season.
Arkansas’ New Faces
Arkansas is counterbalancing that talent influx with its own mix of freshmen — Jordan Smith, Abdou Toure, Miikka Muurinen and JJ Andrews — and portal additions Cooper Bowser and Jeremiah Wilkinson, while veterans Billy Richmond, Isaiah Sealy and Paulo Semedo return to provide steadiness.
The Razorbacks’ schedule also includes a Thanksgiving showdown with Michigan State in Detroit, a road test at North Carolina as part of the ACC‑SEC Challenge, a Phoenix date with Arizona, and a home game against Central Michigan before the year ends.
Looking Ahead
Both programs hope their respective roster moves will translate into early‑season momentum, with Indiana eyeing a return to the NCAA Tournament and Arkansas aiming to build on its recent success under Calipari.