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Memphis football vs Arkansas game moving from 2026 season because of 9-game SEC schedule
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- Memphis football vs Arkansas game moving from 2026 season because of 9-game SEC schedule
Memphis football's 2026 game against Arkansas is getting a new date.
The game is moving to 2030, Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek said on Sept. 4 . That allows the Razorbacks to comply with the SEC's nine game conference schedule that will start in 2026.
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Arkansas had four non-conference games scheduled and had to get rid of one. The Razorbacks will host North Alabama and Tulsa and will travel to Utah in 2026.
"We know our fans were excited for next season's trip to Fayettville," Memphis athletic director Ed Scott said in a statement. "But with the SEC's new scheduling model, that game is now set for 2030. Our goal remains to play all three games in the series with Arkansas. We're working to secure an opponent that aligns with the goals of Memphis football and provides a first-class experience for our fans."
Memphis now has a spot to fill on its 2026 schedule. The Tigers will play at Boise State and will host Arkansas State and UT-Martin in 2026.
Arkansas and Memphis signed a two-for-one deal where the Razorbacks will play at Memphis in 2025 (Sept. 20), while the Tigers were scheduled to play at Arkansas in 2026 and 2028.
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Why SEC football schedule change is forcing adjustments
The SEC announced in August that it would institute nine-game conference schedules starting in 2026. That meant SEC schools — which had been playing eight game conference schedules — had to revamp their future schedules to make sure they only had three non-conference games.
Arkansas had to get rid of one of its 2026 games. In the future, the SEC's move to nine games could make it more difficult for Memphis to schedule SEC opponents. SEC teams are required to play at least one non-conference game against a power conference opponent.
The Tigers have a home-and-home scheduled with Mississippi State in 2028 and 2029. That's the only power conference opponent on the future schedule besides Arkansas.
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Memphis football future non-conference schedules
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2026: Arkansas State, at Boise State , UT Martin (one open slot)
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2027: at Arkansas State, Southern Miss, at Middle Tennessee (one open slot)
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2028: at Arkansas, Mississippi State, Arkansas State (one open slot)
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2029: at Arkansas State, at Mississippi State (two open slots)
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2030: Boise State, at Southern Miss, at Arkansas (one open slot)
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2031: at Boise State (three open slots)
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football vs Arkansas 2026 game moved over SEC 9-game schedule
