Six Games That Could Define Arkansas Basketball’s 2026-27 Season

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Razorbacks will begin preparation for what’s being touted as one of those special years.

Third-year coach John Calipari has assembled a roster predominantly made up of freshmen, a couple of transfers and returning fan-favorite Billy Richmond III and the expectations are sky-high.

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Seven months after Darius Acuff blossomed into a superstar with his heroics, including an SEC Tournament title, the Razorbacks are positioned yet again to make a deep run in March Madness.

But with such a talented roster, Calipari has yet again challenged his team with a non-conference slate that will test just how good they can be early on.

Arkansas Razorbacks guards Jordan Smith, Jr. and JJ Andrews celebrate following made basket in first half against The Bahamas National Team. | RazorbackMBB, X

Here are the six games that will potentially shape how Razorback fans and and college basketball media view this years squad.

Virginia, Nov. 6

The Cavaliers enter the season coming off a 30-win campaign under first-year coach Ryan Odom. He leads the exact team that his UMBC defeated in the 2018 NCAA Tournament as a No. 16 seed.

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This version of Virginia has an unlimited ceiling one year after having one of the most efficient offenses in the country by scoring 120 points per 100 possessions. However, it was the defense that held opponents to 91.4 points per 100 possessions, which was one of the best rates in the nation.

“You can schedule whoever you want, but you might not be ready for it,” Odom said at ACC Basketball Media Days . “This is a proud program. Virginia deserves to play in big games.”

Odom returns key starters such as Sam Lewis, All-ACC forward Thijs De Ridder and center Johann Grunloh. Super sophomore Chance Mallory is also back after averaging nine points, four assists, three rebounds, and two assists on 24 minutes per game last season.

Mallory is an efficient three-level shooter who can get it done on the offensive end.

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Publish date : 2026-10-09 13:29:00

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