Arkansas to Face Virginia in Washington Sunday

No. 12 Arkansas and No. 9 Virginia meet at noon Sunday after both won their season openers.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of two basketball players contesting a ball at midcourt, crimson and navy team colors in dynamic brushwork. — No. 12 Arkansas and No. 9 Virginia meet at noon Sunday in Washington, D.C., after both teams won their season openers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Arkansas and Virginia play Sunday at noon in Washington, D.C., after Arkansas beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 106-61 and Virginia beat Drexel 89-60 in their season openers. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and the Razorback Sports Network.

Why it matters

A win could position Arkansas for a return to the Final Four for the first time in 32 years. Arkansas coach John Calipari has said the team must be more physical to compete in the game.

Both teams won their season openers by wide margins, with Arkansas winning 106-61 over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Virginia winning 89-60 over Drexel. The result of the Sunday game remains unknown.

The players

John Calipari

John Calipari is the head basketball coach at Arkansas, known for his long record of developing top recruits and reaching deep NCAA Tournament runs.

Jordan Smith Jr.

Jordan Smith Jr. is a freshman point guard at Arkansas who is part of the program's No. 1 recruiting class and grew up near Washington, D.C.

The details

The game is scheduled for noon Sunday in Washington, D.C., and will air on ESPN and the Razorback Sports Network. Freshman point guard Jordan Smith Jr., one of eight freshmen in Arkansas's No. 1 recruiting class, played high school basketball in Chantilly, Virginia, about 25 miles from the game site.

Tuesday: Arkansas and Virginia each won their season opening games.
Thursday: Jordan Smith Jr. described his mentality after the first game.
Sunday at noon: Arkansas plays Virginia in Washington, D.C.

Season Trajectory

This early-season matchup between two top-15 programs could shape Arkansas's bid to return to the Final Four for the first time since its last appearance 32 years ago. Early wins against ranked opponents can influence seeding and postseason positioning later in the year.

The result will affect early-season rankings and seeding conversations for both programs. Fans following fantasy basketball or wagering markets should note that Smith Jr.'s role as a freshman point guard could shape the matchup.

The takeaway

Early-season games against ranked opponents give teams a clear measure of where they stand before conference play begins. Watch how Arkansas handles physicality, since Calipari has said that is the key to competing Sunday.