On October 28, 2026, the University of Arkansas men’s basketball team will open its preseason with a home exhibition against Memphis at Bud Walton Arena. The game represents the second consecutive year the two programs have met in a preseason showcase, underscoring a growing rivalry that extends beyond the regular season.
Roster Reinforcements and Coaching Continuity
Arkansas coach John Calipari and Memphis coach Penny Hardaway, each in the ninth year of their respective tenures, have leveraged the transfer portal to reshape their squads. Memphis retained key contributors William Whorton and Julius Thedford from last season while adding fresh talent such as Tylik Weeks and Jayden Reid. Both coaches emphasized depth and experience as they prepare for a demanding schedule.
The Razorbacks’ 2026‑27 nonconference slate includes a blend of home contests and neutral‑site battles. In addition to the Memphis exhibition, Arkansas will host Gonzaga, Robert Morris, Central Arkansas and Oral Roberts during the early portion of the season. The team is also slated for marquee road tests at Madison Square Garden against Indiana on November 17 and at a Detroit venue against Michigan State on November 26. A December 1 matchup at the Dean Smith Center against North Carolina highlights the SEC‑ACC Challenge.
Beyond the exhibition, Arkansas enters its ninth season under Hardaway with a 13‑19 record from the previous year and a missed postseason. The program’s full schedule, now confirmed with 13 games, reflects an aggressive approach to testing the team against elite competition. Fans can expect a rigorous road trip that includes stops in Phoenix, Arizona, and Washington, D.C., as the Razorbacks aim to build momentum heading into conference play.