Now that the John Calipari era is in full swing in Fayetteville, Arkansas basketball will have one of the toughest schedules they’ve had in recent program history.
From national champion contenders to rematches of last year’s playoff run, Arkansas is gearing up for a tough and competitive season. Here is a ranking of the most challenging games that the Razorbacks will face this 2025-2026 season.
1. Texas Tech (Dec. 13 in Dallas)
It is no secret that Arkansas basketball will be out for blood during this game. This rematch from last year’s Sweet Sixteen, where the Razorbacks had a big second-half lead and then lost in overtime, is going to be nothing less than entertaining.
Texas Tech and Grant McCasland are expected to be very strong again this year, with key returning players and good performance in the Big 12. They will play at a neutral site in Dallas, but it could give the Red Raiders a home-state advantage.
2. Duke (Nov. 27 in Chicago)
This Thanksgiving matchup is definitely already written down on my calendar. A non-conference game between a true blue blood program after beating the Blue Devils in Bud Walton just two years ago. The exposure and stakes of this game will make it a must-watch. The Razorbacks have performed well against Duke in recent matchups, but will all the pressure and eyes on them change that?
3. Kentucky (Jan. 31 at home)
This matchup will always be exciting to watch because of Calipari’s history with Kentucky, but this time they’re coming to Bud Walton and seeing what coach Cal has built over the past year. The energy and the crowd will make this a tough road game for Mark Pope and his Wildcats, but Arkansas can’t get comfortable in these big moments. Kentucky is known for performing well under pressure, so as long as the Razorbacks can control that and outperform them, the Hogs will be good.
4. Houston (Dec. 20 at Madison Square Garden)
This game is definitely a must-watch of the season. With the prestige and pressure of performing in Madison Square Garden and competing against a strong Houston team that just came off a deep playoff run with a National Championship in their sight, the Cougars are coming back hungrier than ever. This game will be a test for Arkansas basketball early on before conference play, so the Razorbacks really need to come prepared and ready to play some tough hoops.
5. Auburn (Jan. 10 on road, Feb. 14 at home)
Auburn is coming off a very successful season and has been performing extremely well in the SEC in recent years. Meeting them at Auburn on the road will definitely be a challenge, and SEC games on the road will never be easy with hostile environments and pressure from the crowd, but if Arkansas can focus on their game and be sharp in both matchups, the Razorbacks will be good.