LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky men's basketball's 2025-26 schedule is set.
The Wildcats announced Monday they will open the season with three home games in the new BBN United Tipoff Classic, hosting Nicholls State (Nov. 4), Valparaiso (Nov. 7) and Eastern Illinois (Nov. 14) at Rupp Arena. It will be the first-ever meetings with Nicholls and Eastern Illinois, and the third all-time against Valpo.
The multi-team event rounds out a schedule that features 21 opponents who reached last year's NCAA Tournament, including seven Sweet 16 teams, five Elite Eight programs and two games against defending national champion Florida.
UK's nonconference slate includes neutral-site matchups with Michigan State (Champions Classic, Nov. 18), Gonzaga (Nashville, Dec. 5) and St. John's (CBS Sports Classic, Dec. 20), plus home dates with North Carolina (Dec. 2) and Indiana (Dec. 13). The Wildcats will visit rival Louisville on Nov. 11.
Mark Pope's second Kentucky team returns four key contributors from last season's 24-12 squad that reached the Sweet 16, while adding one of the nation's top transfer classes and four freshmen signees.
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