A Revamped Non‑Conference slate
Kentucky has locked in seven additional non‑conference contests for the 2025‑26 season, bringing the total number of exhibition games to a level not seen in recent memory. The new opponents include Manhattan, James Madison, Northern Arizona, Grambling State, Bryant, Sacred Heart and Gardner‑Webb, each scheduled at various points across November and December.
The November 6 showdown with James Madison will mark a homecoming for head coach Preston Spradlin, who spent five years as an assistant under John Calipari before taking the reins at JMU. Spradlin’s tenure at James Madison culminated in a 38‑27 record and a Sun Belt Conference championship during the 2024‑25 campaign.
Adding to the story, Kentucky signed former JMU forward Justin McBride, a double‑digit scorer who averaged 15.3 points and 5.6 rebounds last season. The Wildcats will also travel to face familiar powerhouses Kansas, Indiana, Virginia and North Carolina in games that were previously announced.
A Nod to History and Future Possibilities
The December 28 contest against Gardner‑Webb serves as a rematch of the 2007 upset that saw the Wildcats rally in Rupp Arena. That game remains a touchstone for Kentucky fans, and the upcoming meeting promises another chapter in the series. Meanwhile, recent NCAA rule changes may permit the team to schedule an extra preseason exhibition, a prospect that could further shape preparation for the regular season.