The University of Arkansas has released its 2026‑27 men’s basketball schedule, confirming that the Razorbacks will begin and finish their SEC campaign at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville. The first league showdown is set for January 2, 2027, when Missouri visits for the opening conference game.
Across the 18‑game conference slate, Arkansas will encounter a mixture of home‑and‑home opponents, including Missouri, LSU and Alabama, while also navigating back‑to‑back home stretches and two separate back‑to‑back road trips. The regular season will culminate with a home clash against Oklahoma on March 6, 2027, before the team travels to Nashville for the SEC Tournament.
Exhibitions and Non‑Conference Highlights
Non‑conference play will feature seven verified contests, among them games against Indiana, Michigan State, North Carolina, Arizona and a summer tour of the Bahamas from July 31 to August 4, 2026. Coach John Calipari has also scheduled a preseason exhibition against Gonzaga at Bud Walton Arena, underscoring the team’s ambitious out‑of‑conference agenda.
The roster will retain several key contributors from the previous season. Junior wing Billy Richmond, who recently tested the NBA Draft waters, will return, as will redshirt freshman forward Paulo Semedo. However, senior wing Isaiah Sealy will miss a portion of the schedule after undergoing knee surgery, a setback that could affect early‑season lineups.
Under Calipari’s direction, the team has added two portal transfers — Cooper Bowser and Jeremiah Wilkinson — while welcoming a freshman class highlighted by five‑star recruits Jordan Smith, Abdou Toure, Miikka Muurinen and JJ Andrews. The blend of experienced returnees and highly touted newcomers positions Arkansas for a competitive campaign.
With a demanding slate that includes both conference battles and high‑profile non‑conference matchups, the Razorbacks are poised to test their depth and resilience. The schedule not only shapes the team’s preparation but also offers fans a clear view of the marquee dates to circle on their calendars.