Kentucky’s men’s basketball program has locked in a high‑profile non‑conference opponent for the 2026‑27 season, confirming a home game against Wichita State that will be the first regular‑season meeting between the two schools in years. The matchup is slated for Thanksgiving week and will take place at Rupp Arena, the iconic venue that has witnessed some of the Wildcats’ most memorable moments.
A revived rivalry
The announcement revives a series that last intersected in the NCAA Tournament in 2014, when the 8‑seed Shockers pulled off a historic upset over the undefeated 1‑seed Wildcats. That game, featuring Julius Randle and the Harrison twins, remains a touchstone for both programs. Four years later, Kentucky again met Wichita State in the tournament, this time prevailing as a 2‑seed against a 10‑seed Shockers team that starred De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk and Bam Adebayo.
Wichita State’s current coach, Paul Mills, has been at the helm for four seasons, guiding the program through a steady climb. His tenure includes records of 15‑19, 19‑15 and 24‑12, reflecting a team that is competitive yet has not yet secured an NCAA Tournament berth, though it has made recent appearances in the NIT.
The Wildcats’ non‑conference slate also includes contests against a diverse array of opponents such as Little Rock, Manhattan, James Madison, Kansas, Northern Arizona, Grambling State, Indiana, Virginia, Appalachian State, Bryant, Louisville, North Carolina, Sacred Heart and Gardner‑Webb. The schedule is designed to test the team early and provide compelling matchups for fans across the country.
While the full date and ticket information have not yet been released, the game is expected to draw a large crowd, given the historical significance and the draw of playing at Rupp Arena. For Kentucky, the addition of Wichita State adds another layer of excitement to a season that already features high‑profile games against traditional powerhouses like Kansas and North Carolina.