Mark Pope is starting his second season in Lexington, and Big Blue Nation has plenty of reason to be excited.
Rupp Arena Ready for Round Two of the Mark Pope Era
His first season showed real promise, and Pope and his staff worked tirelessly in the offseason to transform the roster into an elite contender. While the SEC grind will test them later, the non-conference slate will give fans plenty of chances to see them in action, including several big power-conference showdowns.
Early Tune-Ups and Rivalry Fire
Tuesday, November 4 vs. Nicholls
The Wildcats take the first day of gameplay off but open on Tuesday night. Kentucky loves Tuesday home games at Rupp Arena, and this one should be a comfortable way to start the season.
Friday, November 7 vs. Valparaiso
A Missouri Valley opponent visits Lexington, but this Valpo team is projected near the bottom of their league. Expect Kentucky to dominate early and coast to victory.
Tuesday, November 11 at Louisville
This rivalry needs no introduction. Kentucky has won 40 of the 57 meetings since 1913, including the last three. Last year’s 93-85 win at Rupp was electric, but this year’s battle in Louisville could be tighter with the Cardinals boasting a more talented roster.
Showdowns on the Big Stage
Friday, November 14 vs. Eastern Illinois
Eastern Illinois will enjoy the moment, but Kentucky should cruise behind its superior depth and athleticism.
Tuesday, November 18 vs. Michigan State (New York City)
A Champions Classic matchup between two national powers. Michigan State leads the all-time series 6-5 and won the last meeting in 2022, an overtime thriller. Expect another physical, high-stakes battle at Madison Square Garden.
Friday, November 21 vs. Loyola Maryland
A pre-Thanksgiving tune-up at Rupp gives the Wildcats another chance to build momentum before tougher games arrive.
Wednesday, November 26 vs. Tennessee Tech
A rare Wednesday home date and another opportunity for Kentucky’s bench to get extended minutes.
Blue Bloods, Bulldogs, and Big Moments
Tuesday, December 2 at North Carolina
Kentucky heads to Chapel Hill in a clash of college basketball royalty. The Wildcats have taken the last two meetings and lead the series 12-9 since 2000.
Friday, December 5 vs. Gonzaga (Nashville)
Mark Pope meets Mark Few in what’s quickly becoming a must-watch series. Kentucky rallied from 16 down to stun Gonzaga 90-89 in overtime last season. This neutral-site showdown could be another classic.
Tuesday, December 9 vs. North Carolina Central
A brief breather in the schedule, giving Pope a chance to fine-tune rotations ahead of another big rivalry matchup.
Saturday, December 13 vs. Indiana
An old border war was renewed. Kentucky and Indiana haven’t met since 2016, when the Hoosiers ended Kentucky’s season in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats lead the all-time series 31-25. Expect fireworks when these two historic programs reunite.
Saturday, December 20 vs. St. John’s (Atlanta)
Rick Pitino faces his former team in a spotlight matchup at State Farm Arena. St. John’s looks dangerous again, but Kentucky holds an 11-5 series edge. Their last meeting came in 2011, a blowout win for the Wildcats.
Tuesday, December 23 vs. Bellarmine
A local matchup to wrap up the non-conference slate and send fans into Christmas with a win.
Home Comfort and Championship Aspirations
Kentucky’s 2025-26 non-conference schedule balances fan-favorite rivalries with marquee matchups on neutral floors. The Wildcats will spend most of November and December at Rupp Arena, with the lone true road test coming at Louisville. Mark Pope’s squad won’t lack for challenges, or chances to prove they belong back among college basketball’s elite.