Arkansas, Michigan State to Meet in Basketball on Thanksgiving Day

The two teams will face off in a holiday matchup this year.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:31pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, using the team colors of Arkansas and Michigan State to depict the dynamic action of a college basketball game.A cubist reimagining of the upcoming holiday basketball clash between the Razorbacks and Spartans.Fayetteville Today

The University of Arkansas Razorbacks and Michigan State Spartans men's basketball teams have announced they will play each other on Thanksgiving Day 2026. The game will take place in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Why it matters

This early-season matchup between two prominent college basketball programs will provide an exciting holiday event for fans and an important non-conference test for both teams as they prepare for their respective conference schedules.

The details

The Razorbacks and Spartans have agreed to play each other on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2026 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This will be the first meeting between the two programs since 2015.

  • The game is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2026.

The players

University of Arkansas Razorbacks

The men's basketball team of the University of Arkansas, a public research university located in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Michigan State Spartans

The men's basketball team of Michigan State University, a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan.

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What’s next

Ticket sales and game details will be announced by both schools in the coming months as the Thanksgiving matchup approaches.

The takeaway

This high-profile non-conference game between two NCAA basketball powerhouses will provide an exciting holiday tradition for fans and an important early-season test for both teams as they prepare for their conference schedules.