LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – After back-to-back successful seasons and a program that continues to build momentum, Little Rock head coach Kelly Farrell believes the Trojans are ready for their biggest challenge yet.
That challenge will come immediately in 2026.
Little Rock unveiled a demanding schedule highlighted by regional rivalries, a pair of Power Four opponents and the program's debut season in the United Athletic Conference. Farrell said the slate reflects both the growth of the program and the expectations surrounding the team entering the fall.
"I'm really excited about the nonconference schedule that we have right now," Farrell said. "It's definitely the most difficult and challenging nonconference schedule that we've played since I've been in Little Rock."
The Trojans begin exhibition play Aug., 4 against Jackson State University before hosting East Texas A&M on Aug., 7.
The regular season officially opens Aug., 13 at home against Louisiana-Monroe before a quick turnaround road trip to Arkansas State on Aug., 16.
One of the marquee home matches comes Aug., 20 when Miami visits Little Rock. The Trojans also face difficult road tests at Tulsa on Aug., 23 and Arkansas on Aug., 30.
The 2026 meeting at Arkansas marks the beginning of a three-game series between the programs. The series opens this season in Fayetteville before shifting to Little Rock in 2027 and back to Fayetteville in 2028.
Farrell said the matchup is another important step in growing the game throughout the state.
"It's always special playing an in-state rival, especially one with the history of success that Arkansas has demonstrated over the last couple of years," Farrell said. "It's awesome to be able to host them in 2027, and I think our players are up for the challenge."
Farrell added that playing Arkansas is part of a broader effort to continue strengthening soccer in the state.
"There are five Division I programs in the state of Arkansas," Farrell said. "I think it's really important that we try to grow the sport in the state. With Arkansas being a successful Power Four program, I think it's a really good opportunity."
Farrell said facing top-level competition is intentional as Little Rock prepares for conference play and continues elevating the program nationally.
"We're playing two Power Four programs and a handful of teams that were successful in their leagues," Farrell said. "I think it's going to be a good challenge and hopefully put us in a position to be really successful once conference play comes around."
Little Rock closes nonconference play Sept., 6 against Oral Roberts before opening its first season in the UAC later that month.
Conference play begins Sept., 24 at home against Abilene Christian, followed by a road trip to Central Arkansas on Sept., 27.
The UAC schedule features a pod-style format, meaning the Trojans will face Abilene Christian, Central Arkansas and Tarleton State twice during the regular season.
"It's definitely a different setup where you have to play teams twice in a regular season," Farrell said. "But I think that poses a really interesting challenge."
Other conference matches include home contests against Tarleton State (Oct., 4), North Alabama (Oct., 15), Austin Peay (Oct., 18) and Central Arkansas (Oct., 29). Road matches include trips to West Georgia (Oct., 8), Eastern Kentucky University (Oct., 11), Tarleton State (Oct., 25) and Abilene Christian (Nov.,1).
Despite entering a new league, Farrell's goals remain unchanged.
"My expectation is that we're going to come in and compete for a UAC championship," Farrell said.
The move into the UAC could also strengthen Little Rock's recruiting footprint, particularly in Texas, where the Trojans already recruit heavily.
"I think now it's nice to be able to say, 'Hey, we're probably guaranteeing you two games back in the state of Texas,'" Farrell said. "I think our Texans will enjoy the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd and show that Texas pride."
Farrell said the recent success of the program continues to help establish Little Rock as a destination for recruits.
"Players want to be part of a winning tradition," Farrell said. "I think we're right on the cusp of bringing home a championship."
See the entire schedule
HERE.
