The University of Arkansas basketball program is gearing up for a demanding preseason, headlined by a scheduled exhibition against Gonzaga on October 24 at the Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
A Schedule Packed with Powerhouses
In addition to the Gonzaga clash, the Razorbacks will host Memphis on October 28 and are slated to meet Virginia in Washington, D.C. on November 8, Indiana at Madison Square Garden on November 17, and Michigan State on Thanksgiving, while also traveling to face Arizona on December 19.
The upcoming games mark a continuation of a series that has seen the two programs split their recent meetings, with Arkansas having prevailed 74‑68 in the 2022 Sweet 16 and Gonzaga having won 91‑81 in the 2013 Maui Invitational.
Coach Calipari Sets the Record Straight
Arkansas coach John Calipari recently corrected an earlier report that had placed the Gonzaga exhibition on June 9, moving it to the October 24 date, ensuring the team can focus on preparation rather than speculation.
Gonzaga, entering its 28th season, will field a roster that blends a strong returning core — highlighted by Braden Huff and Davis Fogle — with new transfers such as Massamba Diop and Isiah Harwell, as well as a freshman class that includes Luca Foster, Sam Funches and Izan Almonsa.
Looking Ahead
The Razorbacks’ schedule also includes participation in the SEC‑ACC Challenge against North Carolina on December 1 and a Thanksgiving showdown with Michigan State, promising a rigorous test before conference play begins.
With a blend of experienced veterans and fresh talent, Arkansas aims to translate its preseason challenges into a competitive edge as the regular season unfolds.