UK basketball welcomes Nicholls State, Eastern Illinois, and Valparaiso for the BBN United Tipoff Classic in their upcoming matches.
Kentucky Men's Basketball Unveils Exciting 2025-26 Schedule
The University of Kentucky men's basketball team has released its schedule for the 2025-26 season, promising a challenging and exciting campaign filled with high-profile SEC clashes and notable rivalry games.
Season Opener and Non-Conference Games
The season kicks off at home against Nicholls State on November 4, followed by games against Valparaiso on November 7 and Eastern Illinois on November 14 in the BBN United Tipoff Classic. The Wildcats then travel to Louisville for a much-anticipated in-state rivalry game on November 11.
Another significant non-conference matchup sees Kentucky facing Michigan State in the Champions Classic on November 18 at Madison Square Garden.
SEC Schedule Highlights
The opening SEC game will take place on January 3, with Kentucky traveling to Alabama, marking the return of Mo Dioubate to Tuscaloosa. The Wildcats will also face Tennessee in a home and away series, with games scheduled for January 17 (at Tennessee) and February 7 (home).
A notable SEC encounter is the match against former coach John Calipari's team, Arkansas, in Fayetteville on January 31. The home games in January include Missouri (early January), Mississippi State (January 10), Texas (January 20 or 21), and Ole Miss (January 24).
The regular season will conclude at home against Florida on March 7, who are the reigning National Champions and former team of current Kentucky player Denzel Aberdeen.
Familiar Foes and New Challenges
The Wildcats will face St. John's on December 20 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where coach Mark Pope will go up against his former coach Rick Pitino. Kentucky has never faced Nicholls State or Eastern Illinois before, making these games fresh challenges.
The series against North Carolina Central will be played at Rupp Arena on December 9, while Kentucky will host Bellarmine on December 23. The schedule also includes road encounters at Florida (February 14), Auburn (February 21), and South Carolina (February 24 or 25).
BBN United Tipoff Classic
Kentucky will participate in the BBN United Tipoff Classic at Rupp Arena, playing against Nicholls State, Valparaiso, and Eastern Illinois.
Exhibition Games
Before the season begins, Kentucky will play exhibition games against Purdue on October 24 and Georgetown on October 30 at Rupp Arena.
The BBN United, the official fan club of UK Athletics, is expected to be a significant part of the season, with many games taking place at Rupp Arena. This schedule promises a thrilling season for Kentucky basketball fans, filled with tough matchups, storied rivalries, and new challenges.
The 2025-26 schedule for Kentucky Men's Basketball includes a home game against Nicholls State, marking the first time the team will face this opponent. (from Season Opener and Non-Conference Games)
The schedule also features a highly anticipated SEC game against Arkansas, where former coach John Calipari's team will be the opponents. (from SEC Schedule Highlights)
