Arkansas soccer is set to open its 2026 campaign at home against a formidable opponent, No. 7 North Carolina, on August 20 at Razorback Field. The kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and the match will be streamed live on ESPNU, giving fans across the country a chance to watch the Razorbacks take on the Tar Heels.
Rankings and Expectations
North Carolina entered the season with a bang, posting shutout victories over Fairfield and Quinnipiac before climbing to No. 7 in the national rankings. Bella Devey, a TopDrawerSoccer Preseason Top 100 standout, was named ACC Player of the Week after netting five goals in the first two games, while head coach Damon Nahas, who took the helm in December 2024, guided the Tar Heels to their 23rd all‑time national championship last year.
The Razorbacks' first test came in a 1‑1 draw with Loyola Maryland, where midfielder Zoe Susi converted a penalty kick and improved her perfect record to 3‑3. In goal, junior Keegan Smith has cemented her reputation as one of the program’s finest, tying a shutout record and earning All‑SEC honors. Arkansas has been dominant at home, going unbeaten in 52 of its last 56 matches at Razorback Field, a streak that includes a 47‑4‑5 record since 2021.
Looking ahead, Arkansas will face five ranked opponents this season, including the No. 7 Tar Heels, No. 16 Tennessee, No. 18 Alabama, No. 24 Clemson and No. 25 Georgia. Eight of the Razorbacks’ 2026 slate appeared in the NCAA Tournament a year ago, underscoring the strength of the schedule. The 2026 recruiting class sits at No. 30 in TopDrawerSoccer’s combined rankings, with several signees ranked among the IMG Academy National Top 200.
Arkansas entered the season ranked No. 10 in the United Soccer Coaches preseason Top 25 and No. 18 in TopDrawerSoccer’s poll, marking the seventh consecutive year the team has been placed inside the top two of preseason polls. With both programs eager to make early statements, the upcoming showdown promises a clash of high‑ranked talent and deep‑rooted home‑field advantage.