A stellar nonconference schedule helped set the tone for an historic season for Arizona in 2025-26, so why mess with success?
The Wildcats have agreed to a 3-game series with Arkansas, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, that is scheduled to begin Dec. 19 in Phoenix. The Wildcats would then visit Arkansas during the 2027-28 season with a return game at McKale Center in 2028-29. An option for a fourth game, at a neutral site closer to Arkansas in 2029-30, is also possible.
Arizona beat Arkansas
109-88 in the Sweet 16 in San Jose in March en route to its first Final Four appearance in 25 seasons. The Razorbacks would be the latest opponent for face the UA in Phoenix, where Tommy Lloyd hopes to play an annual neutral site game.
The Wildcats beat Alabama in 2023, lost to UCLA in 2024 and beat San Diego State last December.
The Arkansas game adds to an already stacked nonconference slate that begins Nov. 2 with a matchup against UCLA in Las Vegas. The Wildcats host UConn on Nov. 18, face St. John’s at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 5 and have a trip to Auburn to complete a home-and-home series.
The UA also plays in the Maui Invitational from Nov. 23-25 where it will play three teams from the field of BYU, Clemson, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Providence, VCU and Washington.
