The Arkansas Razorbacks are entering a new era with new head coach John Calipari at the helm. And already, it seems like the program has a target on its back with one of its fellow in-state programs.
In recent years, Kentucky, Calipari’s home for 15 seasons, has found themselves susceptible to upsets at the hands of mid-major programs in the NCAA Tournament. A prime example of this was their first-round loss to Oakland in this year’s tournament.
Well, it seems like Arkansas State head coach Bryan Hodgson is hoping that Calipari’s lack of success against mid-majors carries over to this Arkansas team.
On Tuesday, he took to social media to not only welcome Calipari to the state but also to call for a game between his team and Arkansas next season.
“@UKCoachCalipari let’s get this game on the books. Give the people what they want! Our dates are wide open! We will make the drive up! Welcome to The Natural State.”
@UKCoachCalipari let's get this game on the books. Give the people what they want! Our dates are wide open! We will make the drive! Welcome to The Natural State. #WolvesUp
— Bryan Hodgson (@CoachBHodgson) April 9, 2024
Arkansas State plays out of the Sun Belt Conference. So a game against one of the premiere SEC programs could certainly go a long way in building their strength of schedule for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The two teams are somewhat close in the state of Arkansas, with only 197 miles separating them. However, despite the close proximity, they have played just once since 1950.
It’s a bold callout for sure from Hodgson. Calipari has always been great at bringing in top-tier talent to every program he has ever been at. And that skill will likely translate quite well over to Arkansas.
Regardless, Hodgson and Arkansas State clearly want to test Calipari in his first year at Arkansas. So it will be interesting to see whether or not Coach Cal will accept his offer.
