Michigan State, Arkansas to Face Off on Thanksgiving in Detroit

Coaches Izzo and Calipari confirm the neutral-site matchup at Little Caesars Arena

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping views of a college basketball game, with vibrant colors of green, blue, and red conveying the energy and intensity of the anticipated matchup.The anticipated Thanksgiving Day matchup between Michigan State and Arkansas will showcase the strategic chess match between legendary coaches Tom Izzo and John Calipari.Today in Detroit

Michigan State basketball and Arkansas will play each other on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit, according to statements from head coaches Tom Izzo and John Calipari. The game will be a neutral-site matchup at Little Caesars Arena and will be nationally televised on CBS.

Why it matters

This high-profile Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit will provide national exposure for both programs and their Hall of Fame coaches. The game is part of Michigan State's challenging non-conference schedule as they look to build on their recent NCAA Tournament success.

The details

The Michigan State-Arkansas game was originally scheduled to be played in Fayetteville next season, but the two programs have agreed to move the game to Detroit on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th. The game will tip off shortly after the Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving Day game, providing a doubleheader of marquee college basketball and NFL action in the city.

  • The game is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026.
  • Michigan State and Arkansas previously played on November 8, 2025, with the Spartans winning 69-66 at home.

The players

Tom Izzo

The Hall of Fame head coach of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team.

John Calipari

The Hall of Fame head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We have been one of the most watched college basketball teams and want to build on that!”

— John Calipari, Arkansas Head Coach

“That'll be a big game. I think it's scheduled right after the Lions game. ... I think the tipoff is gonna be right after the game, an hour later or something. So it'll be a pretty big happening in Detroit.”

— Tom Izzo, Michigan State Head Coach

What’s next

The two schools are still working to finalize the contract for the game, but both coaches have publicly confirmed the matchup will take place.

The takeaway

This high-profile Thanksgiving Day clash between two of college basketball's premier programs and Hall of Fame coaches will provide a marquee neutral-site event for fans in Detroit and a nationally televised showcase for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.