He's baaaaack... John Calipari is wearing red tonight at Rupp Arena

Coach Cal has made his return to Rupp Arena ahead of schedule — before the chaos of Saturday night. Wearing an Arkansas red button-up, John Calipari held a meeting in the building he once called home with plenty of familiar faces in the audience, namely Tyler Ulis, Zvonimir Ivisic and Adou Thiero.

The Razorbacks released the minute-long clip of the former Kentucky head coach talking to his new players and staff in Lexington about the emotions that come with his homecoming and just how important this game is for Big Blue Nation. The success he had with the Wildcats, he wants to find similar in Fayetteville at his new home.

“Look, guys, I’ve been so locked into making sure you guys are right. There will be some emotion, I’ll walk in this building — we’ve got a lot of great wins and all that here, but I want to do the same thing at Arkansas,” Calipari said. “We had all these players and they — I want to do the same thing at Arkansas. Here’s my point to you guys: fearless tomorrow, that’s how I’m coaching.”

He didn’t quite say his return was Kentucky’s Super Bowl, but he came close.

“I coached here, some of you guys played here, but to play in this building is a big deal, isn’t it? To win in this building? It’s going to be packed, it’s the biggest ticket they’ve had all year. Our game,” Calipari continued. “It’s crazy and it’s the best. The courage is holding on for another three minutes until you see the light. You guys have been unbelievable.”

It’s a weird look, but you might as well get used to it.

📍 Rupp Arena pic.twitter.com/T5PBlfUY1P

— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) February 1, 2025

It is the biggest ticket Kentucky has had all year, but it ain’t because of Johnell Davis or Jonas Aidoo.

It’s Coach Cal.