Arkansas sports are basically in that chaotic, beautiful sweet spot right now. We're deep into the grind of SEC basketball, gymnastics is just starting to heat up, and the "Diamond Hogs" are already looming in the back of everyone's mind even though opening day is still a few weeks out. If you're wondering who does Arkansas play this weekend, the answer depends on whether you're looking for a rowdy road trip to Athens or a Sunday afternoon at Barnhill Arena.
The big-ticket item is definitely on the hardwood. John Calipari has the men's team hitting the road for a massive clash against the Georgia Bulldogs. Honestly, this game feels like one of those mid-January "identity tests" that defines the rest of the season.
The Main Event: Arkansas Men’s Basketball at Georgia
Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 17, 2026. The Hogs are heading to Stegeman Coliseum in Athens to face a Georgia team that has been surprisingly tough at home lately.
Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM CT. You can catch the broadcast on the ESPN networks—likely ESPN or ESPN2, though you'll want to check your local listings because the SEC often flexes these times based on rankings.
This isn't just another game. Arkansas is coming off a massive 108-74 blowout win against South Carolina earlier this week at Bud Walton Arena. They looked like a well-oiled machine in that one. But life on the road in the SEC is a different beast. Georgia is currently sitting on a decent winning streak and is undefeated on their home court this season. If the Hogs want to keep pace in the conference standings, they’ve basically got to figure out how to win in a hostile environment where the "mutt" chants are going to be deafening.
Key Matchup Details
- Opponent: Georgia Bulldogs
- Date: Saturday, Jan 17
- Time: 1:00 PM CT
- Venue: Stegeman Coliseum, Athens, GA
- TV: ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU
Don’t Forget the Gymbacks
While the guys are in Georgia, the No. 10 ranked Arkansas gymnastics team is staying home. They’ve got a Sunday matinee that usually draws a huge family crowd.
The Gymbacks are hosting the Auburn Tigers on Sunday, January 18. This one starts at 4:45 PM CT at Bud Walton Arena (they often move over from Barnhill for the big SEC meets). Gymnastics in the SEC is legitimately top-tier; we're talking Olympic-level talent in every rotation. Arkansas started the season ranked in the top 10 for a reason, and seeing Joscelyn Roberson and the rest of the crew on the floor exercise is worth the ticket price alone.
What Happened to Football?
If you're still looking for a football game, you're a few months late or way too early. The 2025 season wrapped up with that tough loss to Missouri back in November.
However, looking ahead to the 2026 Arkansas football schedule, things are actually looking pretty spicy. We already know the Hogs will open the season on September 5 against North Alabama. They've also got a weirdly intriguing road trip to Utah on September 12. But for this weekend? The pads are in storage. Recruiting is the only "game" happening on the gridiron right now.
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A Quick Look at the Women’s Hoop Schedule
The Razorback women’s basketball team is actually on a bit of a break this weekend. They played Missouri on Thursday (January 15) and don't take the court again until next Thursday, January 22, when they host Georgia.
It’s a bit of a breather for a team that has had a rough start to the conference slate, losing to South Carolina and Tennessee recently. They’ll likely spend this weekend in the film room trying to tighten up the defense before the Lady Bulldogs come to town.
Why This Georgia Game Matters So Much
Let’s get back to the men’s basketball game because, frankly, it’s the most important thing happening for Hog fans right now.
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Arkansas is currently sitting at 12-4 overall (3-1 in the SEC). Georgia is 12-1. On paper, Georgia looks like the "better" team record-wise, but Arkansas has played a much tougher strength of schedule. The analytics over at KenPom and Bart Torvik still favor the Hogs, but those computers don't have to deal with 10,000 screaming Georgians.
If Arkansas wins this, they establish themselves as a legitimate top-four contender in the SEC. If they lose, they’re just another talented team that can’t win away from Fayetteville. Coach Cal has been preaching "road toughness" since November. Saturday is when we see if the message actually stuck.
Pro-Tip for Fans
If you're planning on streaming the game, make sure you have the ESPN app updated. The SEC Network overflow often kicks in during that 1:00 PM window if the previous game runs long—and in college basketball, those last two minutes always take thirty.
Actionable Insights for the Weekend
- Set your DVR early: The Saturday tip-off is 1:00 PM CT. Don't be the person who checks the score at 3:00 PM only to realize it's already over.
- Support the Gymbacks: If you're in Northwest Arkansas, the Sunday meet against Auburn at 4:45 PM is a great way to wind down the weekend.
- Check the Baseball Calendar: We are less than a month away from the Shriners Children's College Showdown in Arlington (Feb 13). Now is the time to book those hotels if you’re planning to follow the Diamond Hogs to Texas.
The "Hog Call" is going to be loud this weekend, even if it's coming through a TV screen from Athens. Whether it's basketball or gymnastics, there's plenty of cardinal and white to go around.