It is that time of year in Fayetteville where every conversation at the local coffee shop eventually circles back to the same question: Who will Arkansas play next? If you are a die-hard Razorbacks fan, your calendar is probably already a mess of highlighted dates and scribbled-in tip-off times.
Right now, we are deep in the grind of the 2025-26 SEC basketball season. The Hogs are navigating a brutal conference slate that feels like a gauntlet every single week.
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Who Will Arkansas Play Next in Basketball?
The Razorbacks are heading back to Bud Walton Arena for a showdown that has everyone in Northwest Arkansas talking. Arkansas will play South Carolina next on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The game is set for an 8:00 PM CST tip-off, and you can catch it on the SEC Network.
Honestly, playing at home—"Pack the Palace" style—is exactly what this team needs after a tough stretch on the road. Bud Walton is still one of the most intimidating places to play in the country, and the atmosphere for a mid-week SEC clash is always electric.
But don't get too comfortable. The schedule doesn't let up. After the Gamecocks leave town, the Hogs have to pack their bags immediately.
- January 17, 2026: Arkansas travels to Athens to face the Georgia Bulldogs at Stegeman Coliseum. That’s a 3:00 PM CST game.
- January 20, 2026: They return home to host the Vanderbilt Commodores at 8:00 PM CST.
- January 24, 2026: The Battle for the Golden Boot (the hardwood version) happens against LSU in Fayetteville at 7:30 PM CST.
- January 27, 2026: A trip to Norman to face the Oklahoma Sooners at 6:00 PM CST.
It's basically a marathon. You've got no room for error in the SEC this year, especially with how the rankings have been shifting. Every home game is a must-win if the Hogs want to keep their tournament hopes alive.
The 2026 Football Revolution: What to Expect
While basketball is the focus today, you can't talk about Arkansas sports without looking ahead to the fall. 2026 isn't just another season. It is the beginning of the Ryan Silverfield era.
The 2026 football schedule is already out, and it is a doozy. For the first time ever, the SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule. That means more big-name opponents and fewer "cupcake" weeks.
The season kicks off on September 5, 2026, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium against North Alabama. It’s the first-ever meeting between these two programs. A week later, on September 12, the Hogs head to Salt Lake City to play Utah. That is going to be a massive test early on, especially in that altitude.
The SEC opener is a monster. Georgia comes to Fayetteville on September 19. It’s been years since the Bulldogs played in the Ozarks, and that game is already circled on every calendar in the state.
The 2026 SEC Football Slate
The conference schedule is a mix of tradition and new-age rivalries.
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- October 3: At Texas A&M (The Southwest Classic).
- October 10: Tennessee (Home).
- October 17: At Vanderbilt (First trip to Nashville since 2011).
- October 31: Missouri (The Battle Line Rivalry moves to Halloween!).
- November 7: At Auburn.
- November 14: South Carolina (Home).
- November 21: At Texas (The return of an old Southwest Conference grudge).
- November 28: LSU (The Golden Boot is back in its rightful spot as the season finale).
Basically, the back half of that schedule is a nightmare. Ending with a trip to Austin followed by a home game against LSU? That’s about as SEC as it gets.
Why This Schedule Matters So Much
Look, we all know the deal. In the SEC, your "next opponent" is usually a top-25 team or a rival that wants to ruin your season. The 2026 schedule reflects a massive shift in how the conference operates. With Texas and Oklahoma fully integrated, the path to a bowl game or the NCAA tournament is narrower than ever.
The move of the Missouri game to October 31 is particularly interesting. For years, we've been used to that being the "Black Friday" game. Moving it allows the LSU rivalry to regain its status as the regular-season finale. It feels right. It feels like Arkansas football is getting back to its roots while embracing the chaos of the new SEC.
For basketball, the focus remains on protecting the home court. Bud Walton Arena is the equalizer. Whether it's South Carolina this Wednesday or Vanderbilt next week, the Hogs need that home crowd to be as loud as humanly possible.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow the Hogs through this stretch, here is what you need to do:
- Check Ticket Availability: Mid-week games like the South Carolina matchup often have last-minute re-sale tickets available on official Razorback apps.
- Update Your Calendar: The football schedule moves fast—especially with the new nine-game SEC format. Note that the Missouri game is no longer the season finale in 2026.
- Watch the Standings: Keep a close eye on the SEC basketball standings after the January 14 game; the middle of the pack is incredibly crowded right now.
- Gear Up for the Silverfield Era: Keep an eye on the spring game dates which should be announced soon, as that will be the first look at the new-look football team under Coach Silverfield.
The Razorbacks are in a period of transition and high-stakes competition. Whether on the court or the field, the answer to who will Arkansas play next is always a reminder that in this league, there are no easy nights.