Arkansas isn’t waiting long to face Arizona again.
The two programs have verbally agreed to a multi-year series, with the opening act set for Dec. 19 in Phoenix.
The game will be played at Mortgage Matchup Center, the home of the Phoenix Suns, as part of the Naismith Hall of Fame Series. SMU and UNLV will follow in the nightcap.
It’s a matchup that carries some extra weight. Just a few months ago in San Jose, Arizona knocked out Arkansas in the Sweet 16 by a score of 109-88.
The Wildcats then advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. That lopsided margin gives the Razorbacks plenty of motivation heading into the 2026-27 season.
The overall history between the two programs still favors Arkansas. The Hogs hold a 6-3 advantage in the all-time series, though this’ll be just the 10th meeting between the two schools.
Series extends through Tucson with possible fourth game
The Phoenix matchup is only the first leg of what could be a four-game run. Arizona will make the trip to Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville during the 2027-28 season.
The following year, the Hogs head to McKale Center in Tucson.
There’s also an option for a fourth game in 2029-30 at a neutral site that’s geographically closer to Arkansas, though those details haven’t been worked out yet.
It’s a well-constructed series that gives fans on both sides multiple chances to see this rivalry grow.
Playing near Arizona’s home base this December while securing two future home-court advantages is a solid scheduling formula for the Razorbacks.
This game also isn’t the only notable non-conference date on Arkansas’ calendar.
The Hogs are scheduled to face Michigan State in Detroit on Thanksgiving, which is the second game in a separate multi-game series with the Spartans.
Both rosters are going to look different this December
Don’t expect either team to look much like it did in that Sweet 16 blowout.
Arkansas is nearly starting from scratch.
John Calipari’s Hogs are set to return just one key contributor from last season’s rotation in Billy Richmond.
That said, the Razorbacks hold the No. 2-ranked recruiting class in the country, featuring four five-star freshmen: Jordan Smith, JJ Andrews, Abdou Toure and Miikka Muurinen.
The Hogs also added former Georgia guard Jeremiah Wilkinson and former Furman center Cooper Bowser through the transfer portal.
Arizona isn’t rolling out the same lineup either.
Tommy Lloyd returns big man Motiejus Krivas and forward Ivan Kharchenkov from last year’s Final Four team.
Redshirt freshmen Bryce James, the son of LeBron James, and Mabil Mawut are back but likely won’t be counted on heavily.
The Wildcats brought in five-star guard Caleb Holt and four-star wing Cameron Holmes in the recruiting class, and added four transfer portal players including former North Carolina guard Derek Dixon and former Washington point guard JJ Mandaquit.
