LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The SEC released its 2025-26 men's basketball schedule, and it should be no surprise that Kentucky won't be easing into league play.
The Wildcats will open the new year — and SEC play — on Jan. 3 at Alabama. It's on brand for a schedule that will hit the gas pretty quickly.
The Wildcats open with exhibitions against Purdue and Georgetown, then jump into a nonconference slate that includes marquee matchups against Michigan State (Nov. 18 at Madison Square Garden), North Carolina (Dec. 2 at Rupp), Gonzaga (Dec. 5 in Nashville), Indiana (Dec. 13 at Rupp) and St. John's (Dec. 20 in Atlanta). The rivalry game at Louisville is back on the road this year: Nov. 11 at the KFC Yum! Center.
After the SEC opener, Kentucky will face an early road trip through LSU and Tennessee, ending the month at Arkansas, with home games against Ole Miss and Texas in between.
Kentucky will face home-and-home matchups with Vanderbilt, Tennessee and defending national champion Florida.
The Wildcats are coming off their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2019 and bring back a solid core led by All-SEC guard Otega Oweh, plus promising returners Collin Chandler, Brandon Garrison and Trent Noah.
Pope has reloaded the roster with one of the top transfer classes in the country — including national champion Denzel Aberdeen from Florida, ACC standout Jaland Lowe from Pitt and elite defender Jayden Quaintance from Arizona State.
Then come the freshmen: Kentucky Mr. Basketball Malachi Moreno, five-star guard Jasper Johnson and top European forward Andrija Jelavić headline a group that may have to grow up quickly.
The full slate — with dates, opponents, and locations — is listed below. Times and TV info will be announced later. UK is still expected to add three non-conference games.
Season ticket renewals are open now through Aug. 22.
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