Arkansas host Memphis in men’s basketball preseason exhibition
The Arkansas Razorbacks host the Memphis Tigers in a preseason men’s basketball exhibition at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, wholehogsports.com reported. The matchup features a tied 11-11 all-time series and marks Memphis’s first trip to Bud Walton Arena since January 2, 2003.
What to Expect at Bud Walton Arena
Wednesday marks the second preseason exhibition for both programs. Arkansas enters the contest following a 76-72 victory over Gonzaga at home on Saturday. Meanwhile, Memphis earned a 75-58 win against Mississippi State in Starkville, Mississippi, on Friday, wholehogsports.com reported.
John Calipari leads the Razorbacks in his third season with a 50-23 record at Arkansas and a 905-286 career record across 35 seasons. Penny Hardaway guides the Tigers in his ninth season, holding a 175-87 overall record at his alma mater.
The historical series between the two schools stands even at 11 wins apiece. Arkansas defeated Memphis 99-75 in an exhibition played on Oct. 27, 2025, at the FedEx Forum. Their last regular-season meeting occurred on Nov. 23, 2023, in Paradise Island, Bahamas, where Memphis secured an 84-79 victory.
Memphis and Arkansas Rebuild Rosters with New Players
Both teams feature drastically different personnel compared to previous seasons. Memphis enters the year with an entirely new roster after finishing 13-19 last season, marking the only time they have finished with fewer than 20 wins during Hardaway’s tenure at his alma mater. Arkansas returns only one player from last year’s rotation in Billy Richmond, having signed 10 newcomers that include eight freshmen. According to RotoWire data cited by wholehogsports.com, the Razorbacks field the youngest team in the power conferences and the fifth-youngest in Division I men’s basketball.
Health remains a storyline for the Razorbacks following their physical matchup against Gonzaga. Arkansas forwards Cooper Bowser and Miikka Muurinen, along with guard Jordan Smith, were helped off the court during the second half on Saturday. Muurinen and Smith managed to return to the floor, while Bowser did not. All three are expected to play against Memphis.
The projected starting lineups highlight the youth movement. Arkansas is expected to start Jordan Smith, Jeremiah Wilkinson, Billy Richmond, Miikka Muurinen, and Cooper Bowser. Memphis counters with Jayden Reid, Namanja Popovic, Luke Almodovar, Rihards Vavers, and Tylik Weeks.
How to Watch and Listen Live
Fans unable to attend the game in Fayetteville can watch the live stream on SEC Network+ and ESPN+, accessible via WatchESPN.com and the ESPN app with a valid subscriber login. Brett Dolan will handle play-by-play duties alongside Manuale Watkins providing analysis.
Radio coverage is available through the Razorback Sports Network on local FM and AM affiliates, as well as the Varsity Network app. Chuck Barrett will provide play-by-play alongside analyst Matt Zimmerman, though local radio blackouts may apply.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
Wednesday’s exhibition serves as the final tune-up before both squads tip off their regular-season schedules. Arkansas opens the regular season against Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 in Fayetteville, a first-ever meeting between the programs. The Razorbacks enter the year ranked No. 12 in the AP Top 25 and No. 20 on KenPom.
Memphis opens its regular season against No. 18 Iowa State on Nov. 2 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Tigers open unranked in the AP poll and sit at No. 85 on KenPom.