The University of Kentucky has finalized a demanding 2026‑27 non‑conference schedule that pits the Wildcats against a mix of traditional rivals and national powerhouses. The lineup includes an exhibition game against Little Rock, where former Kentucky star Travis Ford now serves as head coach, adding a nostalgic storyline for the fan base.
Later in the season, Kentucky will host Appalachian State on Dec. 5, 2026, before embarking on a road trip that features contests against Kansas, Indiana, Virginia, Louisville and North Carolina. The schedule also includes a regular‑season SEC showdown against Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt.
Storylines to watch
Preseason rankings have placed Kentucky at No. 16 in the CBS Sports poll and No. 17 in the ESPN chart, reflecting optimism about the roster. The team returns key contributors such as Milan Momcilovic, Malachi Moreno, Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins, while Ford's return to Kentucky as a head coach adds an extra layer of intrigue.