You’re waking up in Northwest Arkansas, the air has that specific crispness that only hits near the Ozarks, and the first thing on your mind is whether you need to be wearing cardinal red. It’s a ritual. Whether you’re heading to Dickson Street or just hunkering down on the couch with some wings, the question of is there a razorback game today dictates the entire mood of the state.
Honestly, the answer depends entirely on the calendar, but for today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the focus shifts away from the gridiron and toward the hardwood and the gymnastics floor.
Football season is in the rearview mirror, but the winter grind is in full swing. If you were looking for Sam Pittman and the boys, you're a few months early for spring ball and a few months late for the bowl cycle. But the Bud Walton Arena energy? That’s very much alive.
The Current State of the Arkansas Schedule
Right now, we are deep into the SEC gauntlet for basketball. If you’re asking is there a razorback game today, you're likely looking for John Calipari’s squad or perhaps the Diamond Hogs who are just starting to stretch their arms out in the bullpen.
For today, January 17, the Men's Basketball team is the main event. They are facing a critical conference matchup. Coach Cal has this team playing a high-octane style that’s a bit different from the Musselman era, focusing heavily on floor spacing and elite transition play. The game is scheduled for an afternoon tip-off, which means the pre-game festivities in Fayetteville are already starting to ramp up.
It’s not just about the men, though. The "Gymbacks" are also in the heat of their season. If you haven’t been to a gymnastics meet at Barnhill Arena, you’re missing out on one of the most underrated atmospheres in college sports. Jordyn Wieber has turned that program into a powerhouse that regularly challenges the traditional giants of the SEC.
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Why the "Is There a Razorback Game Today" Search is Constant
Arkansas is unique. We don't have pro teams. No NFL, no NBA, no MLB. The Razorbacks are the pro team. This creates a 365-day news cycle where fans are constantly checking schedules.
- The Multi-Sport Overlap: In January, you have the tail end of football recruiting (the "Portal Kombat" season), the heart of basketball, and the anticipation of baseball.
- The SEC Network Effect: Because games move between ESPN, ESPN2, and the SEC Network, fans can’t just assume a 7:00 PM start time anymore.
- The Weather Factor: Early season baseball and softball often deal with cancellations, making the "is there a game" search a necessity for local fans.
Navigating the 2026 Winter Schedule
If you're trying to plan your weekend around the Hogs, you have to look at the different venues. Bud Walton Arena—the Basketball Palace of Mid-America—is the heartbeat of the winter. For today's game, the gates open 90 minutes before tip.
Parking is always a nightmare. Seriously. If you don’t have a donor pass for the lots right next to the Bud, you’re better off parking near the gardens or taking the shuttle from the fan lots.
Watching from Home
Not everyone can make it to Fayetteville. If you’re wondering where to watch today’s action, check your local listings for the SEC Network. Most games are also streamed via the ESPN app, provided you have a cable login or a service like FuboTV or Hulu + Live TV.
Radio coverage is still huge here. Chuck Barrett’s voice is the soundtrack of Arkansas sports. If you’re driving through the Delta or up in the hills where cell service is spotty, tuning into the Razorback Sports Network on the FM dial is the only way to go.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Razorback Schedules
A lot of folks think that if it’s not Saturday, there’s no game. That’s a football mindset. In the SEC, basketball games happen on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Mid-week baseball starts in February and usually happens on Tuesday afternoons.
Also, don't sleep on the women's programs. Arkansas Women’s Basketball and Soccer have seen massive attendance spikes recently. They often play on Sundays and Thursdays, filling the gaps when the men’s teams are traveling.
The Transfer Portal Impact
You might be asking about a game because you saw a highlight of a player you didn't recognize. In 2026, the roster you see in November might look different by January due to injuries and the general fluidity of college sports. Keeping up with the roster is almost as hard as keeping up with the schedule.
Key Matchups to Watch This Month
Beyond today, the schedule is packed. The SEC is deeper than it’s ever been. With Oklahoma and Texas fully integrated into the conference, the travel schedules have changed, and the rivalries have intensified.
- Kentucky at Arkansas: This is the one everyone circles. Ever since the coaching changes of the mid-2020s, this game has a different "vibe." It's loud, it's hostile, and it's essential viewing.
- The Mid-Week Grind: Watch out for those trap games against teams like Missouri or Mississippi State.
Planning Your Visit to Fayetteville
If the answer to is there a razorback game today is "Yes, and it's at home," you need a plan.
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First, eat early. Hammontree’s or Wright’s BBQ will be packed three hours before any game starts. Second, check the clear bag policy. It catches someone every single time. They are strict. If your bag is bigger than a clutch, leave it in the truck.
Third, dress for the walk. Fayetteville is hilly. You might park "close" but still end up walking a half-mile uphill to get to the stadium gates. Wear comfortable shoes, even if you’re trying to look sharp in your gameday gear.
Actionable Steps for the True Fan
Stop guessing and start tracking. The best way to never ask this question again is to sync the official Arkansas Razorbacks calendar to your Google or Apple Calendar. The university provides an .ics file on their official site that updates automatically for time changes or TV shifts.
Also, download the Razorback Gameday App. It has live stats, traffic updates around the stadium, and even light show integration for player intros. If you're going to be a fan in 2026, you might as well use the tools available.
Check the weather one last time before you head out. In the Ozarks, it can be 50 degrees at tip-off and snowing by the time the final buzzer sounds. Layering is your best friend. Cardinal red hoodies under a heavier jacket is the standard uniform for a reason.
Go Hogs.