DALLAS — Arkansas will meet Texas Tech in a high-profile non-conference game on Dec. 13 at American Airlines Center, reviving a series that has historically produced close finishes.
The matchup is branded the “Revocruit Rematch,” referencing last season’s NCAA Sweet 16 contest that the Red Raiders won to end the Razorbacks’ run.
Hogs coach John Calipari said the neutral-site opportunity offers his team valuable experience.
“We are excited to return to Dallas,” Calipari said. “Our experience last year in the American Airlines Center was first class and our fans and alums in the Metroplex helped make it great too. This game will help prepare both teams for another NCAA Tournament run.”
Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland echoed the sentiment, noting the historical depth of the series.
“This is a historic series that dates back to the 1940s and always proves to be a great game,” McCasland said. “I’m excited to play in front of our fanbase at American Airlines Center and to renew the rivalry.”
Historic Series Remains Tight
The Razorbacks trail the all-time series 40–41, with many contests decided by narrow margins. The last four games between the two programs have been settled by a combined 14 points, including Arkansas’ 68-66 victory in the 2021 NCAA Tournament and Tech’s 70-65 win in last year’s Sweet 16.
Arkansas reached that Sweet 16 by upsetting St. John’s and Kansas before falling to the Red Raiders. The Razorbacks finished 24-12 overall in 2024-25, Calipari’s first season in Fayetteville.
The Red Raiders, meanwhile, reached the Elite Eight and solidified themselves as one of the nation’s toughest defensive teams under McCasland. Both programs view the December contest as a continuation of that postseason-level competition.
Razorbacks’ Non-conference Schedule Builds Strength
The Dallas matchup continues a challenging nonconference schedule for Arkansas. The Razorbacks open with Michigan State on Nov. 8, then face Duke on Nov. 27 and Louisville on Dec. 3. A Dec. 20 meeting with Houston in Houston follows the Texas Tech game, adding another NCAA contender to the slate.
Texas Tech, coming off a 29-8 campaign, also faces a demanding early schedule. The Red Raiders are expected to contend in the Big 12 and return several starters from last season’s regional finalist.
The December meeting provides both teams with a chance to sharpen their rosters in a neutral-site environment before turning full focus to conference play.
Dallas Setting Brings Recruiting and Alumni Ties
For Arkansas, the American Airlines Center has provided memorable moments. The Razorbacks defeated Baylor there in 2021 and competed against Texas Tech in 2024. The neutral-site location also allows both schools to connect with alumni bases in North Texas, a region rich in basketball recruiting ties.
Tip-off is scheduled for 11 a.m. Central. ESPN is expected to broadcast the game, though final network confirmation is pending.
The presence of both fan bases in Dallas is expected to create an atmosphere similar to postseason play, reinforcing why both coaches value the matchup.
Early-Season Game With March Implications
Both coaches emphasized that the December contest is more than just another nonconference game. With NCAA Tournament resumes often influenced by early tests, the Razorbacks and Red Raiders see the meeting as a valuable benchmark.
Arkansas, adjusting to Calipari’s system and a reworked roster, will look to measure its progress against a veteran Texas Tech team. The Red Raiders, meanwhile, view the contest as a chance to extend their series edge and maintain national momentum.
The Revocruit Rematch may not carry the stakes of March, but its outcome could influence seeding and perception by the NCAA selection committee.
Key Takeaways
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Rivalry renewed: Arkansas and Texas Tech meet Dec. 13 in Dallas, revisiting a Sweet 16 clash that ended the Razorbacks’ 2024-25 season.
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Coaches aligned: John Calipari and Grant McCasland both view the neutral-site matchup as prime NCAA Tournament preparation.
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Tight history: The all-time series stands 41–40 in favor of Texas Tech, with recent games decided by razor-thin margins.