FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas opens the 2025-26 season with the Cincinnati Bearcats in an exhibition game Friday at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the contest will be streamed on SEC Network+.
Fans can also listen to the game on HitThatLine.com and on ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville.
Exhibition a dress rehearsal for Arkansas
Arkansas comes off a 22-14 season in 2024-25 under second-year head coach John Calipari, including a Sweet 16 appearance.
The Bearcats enter their fifth season under coach Wes Miller, posting an 82-59 record but yet to reach the NCAA Tournament.
Arkansas freshman guard Darius Acuff said Wednesday he’s eager for the first chance to play in front of Razorback fans.
“I’m very excited,” Acuff said. “Fans and just playing in front of the home crowd, I feel like we’ve got the best fans already, and I haven’t even played a game. I already feel that energy.
“They just came out fighting. We know how they’re going to come. We just have to match their energy.”
Viewing information
• Who: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Cincinnati Bearcats
• When: Friday, October 24 at 7 p.m. CDT
• Where: Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, Arkansas
• TV/Stream: SEC Network Plus
• Radio: Razorback Sports Network (Learfield)
• Odds: Arkansas listed as a 7.5-point favorite
What’s at stake for Arkansas
While this is an exhibition, the game serves as a key opportunity for Arkansas to evaluate its depth, especially under Calipari in year two.
Analysts have said the Razorbacks have “enough to be dangerous” but must improve outside shooting and rim protection.
The preseason roster tracker highlighted the team’s emphasis on returning veteran contributors while adding size and defensive presence through the transfer portal.
Sophomore forward Billy Richmond said the upcoming exhibitions against Cincinnati and later at Memphis are critical tune-ups before the season opener.
“It’s getting us ready for the season,” Richmond said. “We just take it one at a time.”
Cincinnati brings momentum
Cincinnati arrives with confidence after upsetting Michigan 100-98 in Ann Arbor.
That result gives the Bearcats momentum against another Power Five opponent and a chance to test their defensive structure against Calipari’s system.
The Bearcats’ returning core, including guard Day Day Thomas and forward Aziz Bandaogo, will try to match the Razorbacks’ tempo.
Miller’s teams have historically emphasized transition defense and physical rebounding — both areas Arkansas must execute to gain control.
Why the matchup matters
The two programs have met only five times, with Cincinnati holding a 3-2 edge in the series.
This exhibition offers Arkansas a chance to begin developing chemistry and rotation balance ahead of the regular season opener Nov. 3 against Southern University.
For Calipari’s squad, the focus is less on the score and more on establishing rhythm, leadership, and continuity among a roster featuring multiple newcomers.
With Acuff, Richmond, and several transfers expected to play key roles, the exhibition gives coaches a live look at lineup combinations under game pressure.
For Cincinnati, the game provides a high-profile test before Big 12 competition begins.
The Bearcats want to build defensive consistency after finishing middle of the pack in rebounding and turnovers last season.
Key takeaways
- Arkansas gains a valuable home-court exhibition against a quality opponent to assess readiness for the upcoming season.
- Darius Acuff’s debut headlines a retooled roster focused on identity, shooting efficiency, and defensive growth under Calipari.
- Cincinnati’s confidence from an upset win at Michigan could challenge Arkansas’ focus and energy in front of a home crowd.
Looking ahead
After the Cincinnati matchup, Arkansas will travel to Memphis for a road exhibition before beginning regular-season play.
The nonconference schedule includes neutral-site games against nationally ranked opponents, providing early tests for Calipari’s second Razorback team.
The Bearcats, meanwhile, will use this game to assess progress against elite competition before entering a challenging Big 12 slate.
Both programs view the exhibition as a stepping stone toward more demanding matchups once the regular season tips off in early November.
