Exhibition matchups and historic rivalries
John Calipari, the University of Arkansas men’s basketball coach, revealed this week that the Razorbacks will embark on a three‑game exhibition schedule ahead of the 2026‑27 season, a move made possible by the NCAA’s recent decision to permit three preseason matchups instead of the traditional two.
The exhibition slate features a showdown with Kansas, a program that the Razorbacks already know well after defeating the Jayhawks 85‑69 in a 2024‑25 preseason game in Fayetteville and later beating them 79‑72 in the NCAA tournament. Memphis is also on the list, continuing a series of high‑profile non‑conference opponents.
Beyond those exhibitions, Arkansas has lined up a demanding non‑conference slate that includes Indiana, Michigan State, North Carolina and Arizona, plus a neutral‑site contest that will be announced later. The schedule reflects Calipari’s desire to test his team against elite competition before conference play.
Calipari noted that the team tried to arrange a marquee home game at Bud Walton Arena but was unable to secure a deal with any of the prospective opponents for this season, a setback that forced the coaching staff to look elsewhere for meaningful tests.
One such test was originally slated to be a home game against Michigan State, but the matchup was relocated to Detroit on Thanksgiving, turning a potential home‑court advantage into a neutral‑site battle. The Razorbacks will now face the Spartans at a venue that promises a lively atmosphere.
Another highlight will be the game at Madison Square Garden on November 17, where Arkansas is slated to meet Indiana. The arena, operated by Madison Square Garden, offers a national stage that could further raise the profile of the Razorbacks’ early season.
Overall, Arkansas plans to play 13 non‑conference games during the regular season, a workload that will test depth and resilience. The exhibition games, combined with the broader schedule, set the stage for a potentially breakthrough year for the program under Calipari’s leadership.