One of the most electric games on this season’s college basketball calendar is locked in: Arkansas will host Kentucky in Fayetteville in a high-stakes clash featuring former Wildcats head coach John Calipari squaring off against his old program.
The matchup brings together two Sweet 16 teams and a coaching storyline that has fueled headlines since last spring. Calipari’s exit from Lexington and arrival in Fayetteville have intensified what was already a competitive SEC rivalry, and this season’s lone meeting between the programs will carry even more weight.
Fans Fume as Kentucky and Arkansas Set to Meet Only Once, With John Calipari Facing Former Team
When the SEC revealed that Kentucky and Arkansas would face off just once this year, it triggered immediate backlash from fans across both programs.
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
“How did they mess it up two years in a row,” one user wrote, clearly baffled that the SEC repeated the same scheduling decision.
“Why can’t these two get two games,” another asked, echoing a question many have been raising across social media.
“Most heated rivalry in the SEC gets only one game smh,” a fan posted, pointing to how intense and competitive the matchup has become.
“The SEC is actually so stupid,” one comment read, with the user not holding back on how they felt about the league’s approach.
Another fan called it a “gigantic mistake by the SEC in not letting these two teams play twice,” frustrated that other rivalries often get home-and-home series.
Once again a gigantic mistake by the SEC in not letting these two teams play twice!!!
Unbelievable stupidity!!🤦♂️
— truth (@TruthJo55939593) June 10, 2025
“Ngl, I was looking forward to visiting Rupp again,” an Arkansas fan said, disappointed that they will not get a road trip to Lexington this season.
“Something Arkansas and Kentucky fans can agree on: let’s play this game twice,” someone else added — a rare moment of agreement between two passionate fan bases.
Last season, Arkansas defeated Kentucky 89–79 at Rupp Arena in Calipari’s highly anticipated return. This time, the game shifts to Bud Walton Arena, leaving Big Blue Nation without a home rematch.
Kentucky fans had been hoping for a two-game regular-season series, particularly to see first-year head coach Mark Pope get a chance at Calipari on his home court. However, according to Jon Rothstein, the schedule will feature just one regular-season meeting between the two schools. For now, revenge will have to come on the road.
Keep Reading: SEC Success for John Calipari’s Arkansas Predicted as Four Top Returnees Expected to Make the Difference
Calipari’s departure from Kentucky marked the end of a 15-year era that included a national championship, multiple Final Four appearances, and a pipeline of NBA talent. But in recent years, Kentucky’s postseason struggles and growing dissatisfaction among the fan base created tension.
In April, the university and Calipari mutually agreed to part ways. Arkansas secured him as its next head coach within days, offering long-term stability and program control. The move instantly changed the dynamic between the programs, adding a personal edge to every future meeting.
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