Razorbacks tip off new season Monday night against Southern at home

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas opens the men’s basketball season Monday night when they host the Southern Jaguars at Bud Walton Arena.

Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. with television coverage on SEC Network. On radio you can listen here on HitThatLine.com or on the radio at ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.

The game marks the official start of the John Calipari era in Fayetteville as Arkansas looks to build momentum early against a veteran Southern team.

Southern, out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, returns several key players from last year’s 19-10 squad. Meanwhile, Arkansas aims to blend its transfers and returning core after a strong preseason showing.

Calipari’s Razorbacks swept their two exhibition games, defeating Cincinnati 89-61 and Memphis 99-75. Monday’s contest gives the team its first official chance to perform under regular season pressure in front of a home crowd.

Broadcast and streaming information

The game will air live on SEC Network with a 6 p.m. tip. Radio broadcasts will be available across Arkansas, and listen here on HitThatLine.com or on the radio at ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home..

Streaming fans should be aware that YouTube TV subscribers currently cannot access SEC Network due to an ongoing contract dispute.

Fans can still watch through alternate providers that carry the channel or listen via radio networks.

Bud Walton Arena, which seats more than 19,000 fans, is expected to be near capacity for the opener.

Parking and entry guidelines will follow standard game-day procedures, and fans are encouraged to arrive early.

Southern’s background and mindset

Southern enters under third-year head coach Kevin Johnson, who has guided the Jaguars to consistent success in the SWAC. Last season, they finished 19-10 overall and captured the league’s regular season title.

The Jaguars are known for disciplined defense and a balanced offense, which could present an early test for Arkansas. Johnson’s squad will look to slow tempo and attack in transition when possible.

Arkansas forward Nick Pringle said the Razorbacks are approaching the matchup with focus and respect.

“They won their conference last year,” Pringle said. “They’re supposed to win this year. So every one is going to count for us this year. That’s the type of team that would shock you. We want to take this as any game.”

Pringle added that complacency is something the team has discussed repeatedly. “Complacency is one of the words that I use a lot, just with the group of guys we have,” he said.

Arkansas’ approach under Calipari

In his second season at Arkansas, Calipari has emphasized defense, tempo, and maturity. The Razorbacks finished 22-14 last year and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen before falling to Texas Tech.

Preseason exhibitions offered a glimpse of what Arkansas hopes to showcase — depth, size, and unselfish play. Calipari’s rotations featured both veterans and newcomers, with several transfers contributing early.

Pringle said Calipari has balanced encouragement with accountability.

“Coach is very honest with us, so he tells us when we’re doing good and he tells us when we’re lacking or doing bad,” Pringle said. “It’s been both, really, and that’s how it should be, especially this early in the season.”

He added that Calipari’s expectations were clear from the start.

“From our performances, especially the first one, he was very excited about what we put out. He challenged us a bit.”

What to watch Monday night

The opener will reveal how Arkansas executes against a well-coached, experienced opponent. Three key questions surround the matchup.

First, how quickly will the Razorbacks find consistency under Calipari’s system? The new pieces must blend with returning leaders to create a cohesive lineup.

Second, can Southern carry its SWAC success onto a Power Five stage? The Jaguars’ defensive intensity could test Arkansas’ spacing and shot selection.

Third, how will the Razorbacks respond to their first real game action of the season? Early turnovers and shot discipline could decide momentum in the first half.

Pringle said the team is eager to show progress. “We want to showcase to our fans what we want to do for this first game and throughout the season,” he said.

Game logistics and outlook

Both teams enter 0-0, but each brings contrasting styles. Arkansas will look to push pace and dominate in the paint.

Southern aims to control tempo and limit second-chance points.

The Razorbacks hope a strong start at home will set the foundation for the coming non-conference schedule before SEC play begins later this winter.

Southern, coming off a championship year, seeks to add another statement win to its program history.

Key Takeaways:

• Arkansas hosts Southern on Monday at 6 p.m. CST at Bud Walton Arena with coverage on SEC Network.

• Southern, last year’s SWAC champion, brings a disciplined approach under coach Kevin Johnson.

• Forward Nick Pringle emphasized avoiding complacency as Arkansas begins its first full season under John Calipari.