UK basketball's league schedule is almost settled, as the SEC has officially decided upon dates for an 18-game conference slate
Kentucky Wildcats Announce 2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule
The University of Kentucky has revealed its schedule for the 2025-26 men's basketball season, which promises a challenging mix of non-conference contests and a demanding Southeastern Conference (SEC) slate.
The Wildcats will tip off their season with two exhibition games at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. On October 24, they face Purdue, followed by Georgetown on October 30.
The regular season begins with the Battle at the Bluegrass, as Kentucky takes on Louisville on November 11 at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The Wildcats then return home to face Nicholls State, Valparaiso, Eastern Illinois, and Loyola (Md.) as part of the BBN United Tipoff Classic at Rupp Arena.
Highlights of the non-conference games include matchups against traditional rivals and marquee events. Kentucky will face North Carolina in the ACC/SEC Challenge on December 2, and take on Michigan State in the Champions Classic on November 18 at Madison Square Garden, New York.
Kentucky's road games in January include Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas. The team will also face St. John's on Dec. 20 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where coach Mark Pope will meet his former coach, Rick Pitino.
Indiana will visit Rupp Arena on Dec. 13, and the Wildcats will host North Carolina Central on Dec. 9. Kentucky will also play Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia, and Vanderbilt at home in February.
The Wildcats' first SEC game is at Alabama on January 3, and they will host the defending national champions for their first home SEC game on January 6 or 7. The regular season concludes on March 7, with the Wildcats playing at Florida, followed by the final home game against Ballarine on December 23.
Kentucky is aiming to add at least three more home games to the non-conference slate for the 2025-26 season, with the times and television designations for these games to be announced at a later date. The team's season-opener at home is against Loyola of Maryland on November 21.
This season is poised to be highly competitive, with the Wildcats aiming for their 9th national championship. With a passionate fan base and a strong recruiting class, Kentucky is ready to take on the challenges ahead.
[1] UK Athletics. (2023). Kentucky Wildcats 2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule. Retrieved from https://www.ukathletics.com
[2] ESPN. (2023). Kentucky Wildcats Recruiting Class. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com
[3] NCAA. (2023). SEC Men's Basketball Schedule. Retrieved from https://www.ncaa.com
[4] SEC Network. (2023). Kentucky Wildcats 2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule. Retrieved from https://www.secnetwork.com
[5] CBS Sports. (2023). Kentucky Wildcats 2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule. Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com
In the 2025-26 men's basketball season, Kentucky Wildcats will not only engage in a challenging SEC slate but also play against renowned basketball teams like Michigan State and North Carolina as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge and Champions Classic, respectively. Kentucky's match against North Carolina, a traditional rival, is scheduled for November 18 at Madison Square Garden, New York.
