2026-27 Kentucky Basketball schedule released

The 2026-27 Kentucky Basketball schedule has been officially released. Kentucky will begin the season with three preseason exhibition games at Rupp Arena. After Big Blue Madness on October 2nd, they will face Little Rock on October 16th, followed by a home game against Texas Tech on October 23rd. The regular season kicks off on November 3rd with a game against Manhattan Jaspers inside Rupp Arena, marking the third year of Mark Pope's tenure.

In the early part of November, Kentucky will take on James Madison Dukes on November 6th, and Kansas Jayhawks in the 2026 Champions Classic at the United Center in Chicago on November 10th. Another major test awaits on November 20th when they host Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Wildcats return home to face Wichita State on November 27th, recalling previous NCAA Tournament matchups against Wichita State in 2014 and 2017.

December will bring a series of challenging games, starting with a road trip to play a potential top-10 Virginia Cavaliers team on December 12th, followed by hosting Louisville Cardinals on December 12th, the annual Bluegrass rivalry game. The CBS Sports Classic tips off on December 19th at Madison Square Garden, where Kentucky will face North Carolina Tar Heels, with new head coach Mike Malone.

SEC play commences on January 2nd against Oklahoma Sooners in Norman, followed by a home opener against Ole Miss Rebels on January 9th. The Wildcats conclude regular-season play on March 6th in Gainesville against likely preseason No. 1 team Florida Gators. SEC Tournament play will run from March 10-14 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, leading up to the 2027 NCAA Tournament. Kentucky hopes this will be a special season for a preseason top-15 Wildcats squad.