SEC initializes game schedules for UK basketball, confirming 18-game league slate
Kentucky Men's Basketball Announces 2025-26 Non-Conference Schedule
The University of Kentucky Men's Basketball team has unveiled its non-conference schedule for the 2025-26 season, featuring a host of high-profile matchups and exciting events.
The season kicks off at home with a pair of exhibition games, taking on Purdue on October 24 and Georgetown on October 30, both at Rupp Arena.
The regular season begins in earnest on November 21, when the Wildcats host Loyola of Maryland. The following day, Kentucky faces its in-state rival Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center.
Kentucky's schedule includes three games as part of the new BBN United Tipoff Classic at Rupp Arena, taking on Nicholls, Valparaiso, and Eastern Illinois in quick succession.
The Champions Classic, held at Madison Square Garden, pits Kentucky against Michigan State on November 18. The Wildcats then face Loyola (Md.) at home on November 21.
December brings matchups against blue-blood programs Indiana (at Rupp Arena on Dec. 13) and Gonzaga (in Nashville on Dec. 5). Kentucky also hosts Ball State on Dec. 23.
The ACC/SEC Challenge sees Kentucky face North Carolina at home on December 2. The Wildcats then travel to Florida on February 14.
January begins with a home game against Mississippi State on the 10th, followed by the first league game against Alabama on the 3rd. The Wildcats have five road games in the first month of the calendar year, including trips to Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Texas, Tennessee, and Arkansas.
February sees Kentucky host Tennessee on the 7th, followed by games against Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee Tech. The team closes out the regular season at home against Florida on March 7.
Coach Mark Pope is aiming to add at least three more home games to the non-conference slate before finalising the 2025-26 schedule. Times and television designations for these additional games will be announced at a later date.
Notable events in the schedule include Kentucky coach Mark Pope facing his former coach, Rick Pitino, when the Wildcats meet St. John's on Dec. 20 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The series against Gonzaga will be played at Bridestone Arena on Dec. 5.
The Wildcats also play Missouri at home, Texas A&M away, and Michigan State in the Champions Classic. The game against North Carolina Central is scheduled for Dec. 9.
The University of Kentucky Men's Basketball team, in the 2025-26 season, will play basketball against Nicholls, Valparaiso, and Eastern Illinois as part of the BBN United Tipoff Classic at Rupp Arena. Kentucky's schedule includes a highly anticipated matchup against blue-blood program Indiana at home on December 13.
