Hogs to host Louisville in SEC/ACC Challenge basketball showdown

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There will be a big-time college basketball matchup this fall as Arkansas hosts Louisville Cardinals in the third annual SEC/ACC Challenge.

The game, reported by CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, adds another chapter to a quietly intense rivalry, with both programs aiming to make a statement early in the 2025-26 season.

Arkansas vs. Louisville: A Tied Rivalry Reignites

When the Razorbacks and Cardinals tip off at Bud Walton Arena, it will mark their ninth all-time meeting, with the series split evenly at 4-4.

Their last game came at the 2022 Maui Invitational, a game Arkansas dominated with an 80-54 victory.

Notably, Louisville was then coached by Kenny Payne, who has since joined Arkansas as an assistant, adding extra intrigue to this year’s match-up.

Louisville, under first-year head coach Pat Kelsey, finished last season with an impressive 27-8 record, going 18-2 in ACC play and earning its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2019.

Although the Cardinals’ run ended with a first-round loss to Creighton, the turnaround under Kelsey has re-energized the program.

“We’re building something special in Louisville. Our guys have bought in, and the city is hungry for success,.” Kelsey told the press after last season,

Calipari’s Familiar Foe

For new Arkansas head coach John Calipari, the Louisville Cardinals are a familiar opponent. During his tenure at Kentucky, Calipari faced Louisville 27 times, amassing a 19-8 record.

“Louisville brings out the best in any team,” Calipari said in a 2022 interview. “It’s never just another game.”

Calipari’s arrival in Fayetteville has generated a wave of excitement, especially with the Razorbacks’ strong recruiting haul.

Five-star guards Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas headline the class of 2025, joined by in-state standout Isaiah Sealy and Lithuanian power forward Karim Rtail. In the transfer portal, Arkansas landed senior big men Nick Pringle and Malique Ewin, adding critical experience and depth.

A Loaded Non-Conference Slate

Arkansas’ non-conference schedule is shaping up to be one of the best in the country.

The Razorbacks are also set to host Baylor and face Duke in Chicago on Thanksgiving Day, followed by a high-profile game against the Houston Cougars at Barclays Center.

According to sources at HawgSports, additional neutral-site games may be in the works, making the 2025-26 campaign a true test for Calipari’s squad.

Central Arkansas will also travel to Fayetteville, continuing a tradition of in-state matchups.

Meanwhile, the SEC schedule offers another highlight when Kentucky will make a lone trip to Fayetteville, with no return game in Lexington this season. That means Bud Walton Arena will host two of college basketball’s biggest brands in a single season.

What’s at Stake

For Arkansas, the SEC/ACC Challenge offers a chance to remain perfect in the conference matchup.

The Razorbacks are 2-0, having defeated Duke in Fayetteville and Miami on the road.

“We want to prove we can compete with anyone, anywhere,” sophomore guard Layden Blocker told HawgSports. “Games like this are why you come to Arkansas.”

Louisville, on the other hand, is eager to show that last season’s turnaround is just the beginning. The Cardinals’ experienced core and energetic defense will be tested by the Razorbacks’ newly constructed roster and the raucous Fayetteville crowd.

Looking Ahead

The SEC/ACC Challenge continues to raise the stakes in non-conference play and has quickly become a must-see event for college basketball fans.

For Arkansas and Louisville, this is more than a single game—it’s a preview of two programs on the rise, led by coaches with something to prove.

Fans can stay updated on the latest Razorback news by tuning into HawgSports Live, Arkansas’ top-rated podcast. For behind-the-scenes recruiting news and game analysis, it’s a must-listen.

As November approaches, folks around Fayetteville are talking about basketball in June with the baseball team in the College World Series.