Arkansas Football Sets the Stage for the Ryan Silverfield Era with Key 2026 Dates
The page has officially turned in Fayetteville, and the Ryan Silverfield era is about to begin for Arkansas football. With the Razorbacks coming off a tough 2-10 season and a midyear coaching change, 2026 is shaping up as a fresh start-and now we know exactly when that journey begins.
Arkansas announced that spring practice will kick off on Sunday, March 15, giving Silverfield his first on-field look at his new team. The spring slate will wrap up with the annual spring game on Saturday, April 25, held at Donald W.
Reynolds Razorback Stadium. It’ll be the first official spring game since 2024, after last year’s event was scrapped due to weather.
That alone adds a little extra energy to what’s always a highly anticipated date on the Razorback calendar.
But the spring is just the beginning. Arkansas also revealed several themed game days for the upcoming fall, and they’re not just about football-they’re about community, tradition, and re-establishing the Razorbacks' identity under a new regime.
Mark Your Calendars: 2026 Razorback Football Highlights
The SEC opener on Sept. 19 brings Georgia to town, and the school is planning a "stadium stripe out" at Razorback Stadium. That means alternating red and white sections in the crowd-a visual show of unity and pride as Arkansas tries to make a statement early in conference play.
The following week, Sept. 26 against Tulsa, is designated as Family Weekend. It’s a chance to bring loved ones into the fold, and it’ll also serve as a moment to honor the newest inductees into the Razorbacks’ Hall of Honor.
On Oct. 10, when Tennessee visits Fayetteville, it’ll be Razorback Foundation Appreciation Day-an opportunity to recognize the supporters who help make the program go behind the scenes.
Then comes a new twist on an old rivalry. The Battle Line Rivalry with Missouri has a new home on the calendar: **Halloween night, Oct.
31**. It also doubles as Homecoming, giving fans even more reason to pack the stands and bring the noise.
In mid-November, Arkansas will host South Carolina on Nov. 14, a game that doubles as Military Appreciation Day and a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Expect plenty of patriotic flair and tributes throughout the day.
Finally, the regular season wraps up with a classic: Arkansas vs. LSU on Nov. 28, back in its traditional slot. The Battle for the Golden Boot returns to Fayetteville, and with it comes Senior Day, a moment to honor the veterans of the program before they suit up at home one last time.
The Road Ahead: 2026 Arkansas Football Schedule
Here’s how the full 2026 schedule shakes out:
- Sept. 5 - vs. North Alabama
- Sept. 12 - at Utah
- Sept. 19 - vs.
GEORGIA - Stadium Stripe Out / SEC Opener
- Sept. 26 - vs.
Tulsa - Family Weekend / Hall of Honor Recognition
- Oct. 3 - at TEXAS A&M
- Oct. 10 - vs. TENNESSEE - Razorback Foundation Appreciation Day
- Oct. 17 - at VANDERBILT
- **Oct.
24** - Bye Week
- Oct. 31 - vs.
MISSOURI - Homecoming / Battle Line Rivalry
- Nov. 7 - at AUBURN
- Nov. 14 - vs. SOUTH CAROLINA - Military Appreciation / USA 250 Celebration
- Nov. 21 - at TEXAS
- Nov. 28 - vs.
LSU - Battle for the Golden Boot / Senior Day
A New Chapter Begins
Silverfield, named the Razorbacks’ 35th head coach, inherits a program that’s looking for a reset after Sam Pittman’s six-year run ended with a 32-34 record. The pieces are now in place for Year One under new leadership, and the calendar is full of moments that could shape the next chapter of Arkansas football.
From spring practice to rivalry games and everything in between, the Hogs are gearing up for a season that’s about more than just wins and losses-it’s about reestablishing a culture, building momentum, and giving Razorback fans something to rally around again.