Kentucky and Arkansas to meet once this season in SEC play at Arkansas

Kentucky and Arkansas will meet once in SEC play during the 2025-26 season and it will be in Fayetteville at Bud Walton Arena, CBS’ Jon Rothstein reported on Tuesday.

In the first meeting between new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and new Arkansas (and former Kentucky) head coach John Calipari last season, the Razorbacks went into Rupp Arena and upset the then No. 12 ranked Wildcats 89-79.

Sources: Kentucky and Arkansas will play once during SEC play during the 2025-26 season and it will be in Fayetteville at Bud Walton Arena.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 10, 2025

In that Arkansas win, former Wildcats Adou Thiero, DJ Wagner and Zvonimir Ivisic combined for 52 of the Razorbacks’ 89 points. Former Kentucky commits Billy Richmond and Karter Knox also combined for 14 points.

The first seasons of the Mark Pope and John Calipari eras at their respective schools were both up-and-down, featuring some high highs and low lows. However, both Kentucky and Arkansas‘ season’s ended in the Sweet Sixteen, providing a promising outlook for the future of both programs.

The Wildcats tore through Troy and Illinois to make their first appearance in the Sweet Sixteen since 2019, and the Razorbacks upset both Kansas and St. John’s to make their fourth appearance in the Sweet Sixteen since 2021.

This upcoming season however will see major roster turnover from both teams, as both teams have had to replace seven (contributing) players. Here’s a look at the newest editions of the 2025-26 Kentucky Wildcats and Arkansas Razorbacks.

Kentucky

Departing players: G Koby Brea, G Lamont Butler, F Andrew Carr, G Kerr Kriisa (transferred to Cincinnati), G Travis Perry (transferred to Ole Miss), G Jaxson Robinson, C Amari Williams
Returning players: G Collin Chandler, F Brandon Garrison, F Trent Noah, G Otega Oweh
Incoming players: G Denzel Aberdeen (transferred from Florida), F Mouhamed Dioubate (transferred from Alabama), F Braydon Hawthorne, F Andrija Jelavic, G Jasper Johnson, G Jaland Lowe (transferred from Pittsburgh), C Malachi Moreno, F Jayden Quaintance (transferred from Arizona State), C Reece Potter (transferred from Miami OH), F Kam Williams (transferred from Tulane)

Arkansas

Departing players: F Jonas Aidoo, G Casmir Chavis (transferred to UT-Arlington), G Johnell Davis, G Boogie Fland (transferred to Florida), C Zvonimir Ivisic (transferred to Illinois), G Melo Sanchez, F Adou Thiero (declared for NBA Draft)
Returning players: F Trevon Brazile, F Karter Knox, F Billy Richmond, G DJ Wagner
Incoming players: G Darius Acuff, F Malique Ewin (transferred from Florida State), F Nick Pringle (transferred from South Carolina), F Karim Rtail, G Isaiah Sealy, G Meleek Thomas

Although it’s confirmed that the two programs will meet just once in Fayetteville, the date of the game has yet to be revealed.