Arkansas finally rolled out its 2026 SEC football schedule, and for any Razorbacks fan still recovering from last season’s 2–10 journey through unwanted character-building, here comes the league with a shovel and a smile.
The Hogs have been handed a nine-game SEC slate that appears scientifically engineered to test emotional stability.
The SEC officially joins the nine-game era in 2026, which means one additional chance for seriousness, sweat, and second-guessing.
Arkansas enters this new world with annual matchups against LSU, Texas and Missouri — three programs that have each, in their own way, contributed to Razorbacks whiplash.
Ryan Silverfield steps into this with the kind of optimism coaches usually display just before checking their contracts for buyout language.
To his credit, he has said all the right things about his vision, his roster, and his belief in building a foundation. But the league’s scheduling department seems determined to see how sturdy that foundation really is.
The 2026 schedule begins its SEC portion in Week 3 against Georgia, because nothing says “fresh start” like inviting one of the country’s most efficient wrecking balls to your housewarming party.
The Bulldogs just finished a 12–1 season and made the playoff, so they are not exactly easing into anything either.
Arkansas did not win an SEC game last season. Now it launches conference play against Georgia. If that sounds like a tough draw, that’s because it is.
Nine games, nine reminders of what lies ahead
After Georgia, the Razorbacks renew the Southwest Classic in Week 5 with Texas A&M. Last year’s game ended 45–42 in favor of the Aggies, so defense optional.
A&M also happened to go 11–1.
If the Razorbacks are going to climb out of the 2–10 crater, this would be a strange place to start digging — but the schedule doesn’t really provide any easier option.
Week 6 brings Tennessee to Fayetteville, a team Arkansas actually beat in 2024. That win, like a lost souvenir in a closet, remains a reminder that the Hogs can pull off something meaningful on the right day.
Tennessee still brings plenty of talent, but the Razorbacks won’t need a miracle — just consistency. And after 2–10, consistency qualifies as a long-term project.
Week 7 sends Arkansas to Vanderbilt for the first meeting since 2018, a 45–31 Commodore win that likely still irritates older fans.
If there is a game on the SEC schedule that feels more manageable for the Razorbacks, this is it. But even here, nothing is guaranteed.
The Hogs are not in a position to treat anybody lightly, including a team that often receives SEC pity points.
A bye arrives next, which gives the program a chance to revisit its priorities, treatment schedules, and general spirituality. Because after the break, Missouri comes to town for the Battle Line Rivalry.
Middle stretch stays thorny
Missouri has beaten the Razorbacks repeatedly since 2021, which is not great for bragging rights or holiday gatherings.
The Tigers are not an insurmountable opponent, but they are consistent enough to make Arkansas uncomfortable.
If Silverfield is looking for a moment that signals progress, stealing this game might be the one.
Week 10 then takes the Hogs to Auburn, a team that finished 5–7 but still managed to beat Arkansas along the way.
Auburn now has Alex Golesh running the show, and both programs will enter this matchup telling themselves they can rise in the SEC order. The reality is that only one can be right.
Week 11 brings South Carolina to Fayetteville, a program Arkansas actually leads in the all-time series.
Considering the Razorbacks’ history of collecting moral victories, this game may serve as a barometer for whether 2026 is a rebuild, a reset, or simply more of the same with different players.
Week 12 lands Arkansas in Austin for a meeting with Texas, a team that holds a commanding 58–23 advantage in the rivalry.
The Longhorns won last year’s game 52–37 as a friendly reminder of what usually happens in this series. Texas offers no shortcuts, no sympathy, and no desire to help the Hogs rehabilitate their record.
The regular season closes with LSU in Fayetteville for the Golden Boot. LSU edged Arkansas 23–22 last season.
The Razorbacks have made this rivalry close many times, but moral victories do not appear in the standings, and the SEC is not known for handing out encouragement ribbons.
Key takeaways
- Arkansas faces a steep climb from 2–10, and a nine-game SEC slate offers no shortcuts on that path.
- Annual meetings with LSU, Texas and Missouri ensure the Razorbacks will measure themselves against consistent rivals every season.
- Road trips to Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Auburn and Texas create difficult stretches that will test the program’s progress under Ryan Silverfield.
2026 Arkansas Football Schedule
| Wk | Date | Opp | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept. 5 | N. Alabama | Fayetteville | NC |
| 2 | Sept. 12 | Utah | at Utah | NC |
| 3 | Sept. 19 | Georgia | Fayetteville | SEC |
| 4 | Sept. 26 | Tulsa | Fayetteville | NC |
| 5 | Oct. 3 | Texas A&M | at Tex A&M | SEC |
| 6 | Oct. 10 | Tennessee | Fayetteville | SEC |
| 7 | Oct. 17 | Vanderbilt | at Vanderbilt | SEC |
| — | Oct. 24 | BYE | — | — |
| 8 | Oct. 31 | Missouri | Fayetteville | SEC |
| 9 | Nov. 7 | Auburn | at Auburn | SEC |
| 10 | Nov. 14 | South Carolina | Fayetteville | SEC |
| 11 | Nov. 21 | Texas | at Texas | SEC |
| 12 | Nov. 28 | LSU | Fayetteville | SEC |
Notes
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The Hogs’ season opens at home against North Alabama and includes non-conference road travel to Utah, followed by Tulsa back in Fayetteville.
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Starting in Week 3, Arkansas begins its new nine-game SEC schedule under the revamped conference format.
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The Razorbacks host three SEC foes (Georgia, Tennessee and Missouri) and travel to four (Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Auburn and Texas) throughout the league slate.
