John Calipari's Arkansas set to "return to New York" for possible marquee matchup: Reports

John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks are reportedly going back to the Big Apple in the 2025-26 NCAA season. According to 247 Sports, Calipari told attendees at a father-daughter satellite camp over the weekend that Arkansas will return to New York City to play a marquee non-conference game.

Radio host Josh Bertaccini, who attended the said event, posted on X on Sunday that he allegedly heard Calipari's confirmation regarding Arkansas' trip to New York. He wrote that "Arkansas will go back to New York this year to play Houston," and there were no further details about the matchup.

This would be the 41st meeting between Arkansas and Houston if the matchup against the Cougars happens. Their last encounter was on Dec. 2, 2017, when Houston dominated with a 91-65 victory at H&PE Arena. Devin Davis led the Cougars with a career-high 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting.

Houston came close to ending its NCAA title drought last season, losing to Florida 65-63 in the national championship game. The Cougars crumbled down the stretch, going scoreless in the final two minutes, as the Gators pulled off the come-from-behind victory. Calipari and the Razorbacks also fell short in their NCAA title bid, losing to Texas Tech in the Sweet 16.

How John Calipari's Arkansas Razorbacks fared in their previous game in New York City

One of the highlights of John Calipari's first season at Arkansas was the Razorbacks' trip to New York City. The Hogs participated in last year's Jimmy V Classic, where they faced the Michigan Wolverines at Madison Square Garden.

Head coach John Calipari of the Arkansas Razorbacks reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 10, 2024 in New York City. Photo: Getty

The Razorbacks battled back from a 15-point deficit, beating the Wolverines 89-87 in their non-conference matchup. Boogie Fland led the scoring for Arkansas, dropping 20 points on 6-for-18 shooting. He shot 2-for-7 from beyond the arc and a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe. He also had seven assists and two steals.

Four other players scored in double figures for the Razorbacks. D.J. Wagner dropped 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting. He also had five dimes and three boards in 35 minutes of action. Fellow starters Adou Thiero and Jonas Aidoo also contributed, scoring 13 and 11 points, respectively. Trevon Brazile provided the offense off the bench with 15 points.