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The Wildcats will open their preseason with Big Blue Madness, then face UCF, Little Rock and Texas Tech before the regular season begins on November 3. New NCAA rules allow up to three exhibitions and a 32‑game schedule, positioning Kentucky for a deep run.
The Wildcats will meet the Red Raiders on October 23 in Lexington, offering an early glimpse of both teams as they prepare for the 2026‑27 season.
The Wildcats will open with a home matchup against Texas Tech, a early‑season exhibition against Little Rock, and a November 3 debut against Manhattan, before entering SEC competition in January.
Texas Tech’s men’s basketball team will meet Kentucky in a preseason exhibition at Rupp Arena, marking the first meeting since 2020 and ending a two‑year hiatus from such games.
Kentucky’s Big Blue Madness will be held on October 2 at Rupp Arena, featuring contests and a scrimmage, as the university adjusts to new NCAA preseason exhibition rules. Mark Pope’s men’s team is set to host Little Rock on October 16, while the women’s schedule remains open.
Kentucky has added Wichita State to its 2026‑27 regular‑season slate, marking the first scheduled home meeting between the programs since a series of NCAA Tournament clashes. The game, expected to fall during Thanksgiving week, will be played at Rupp Arena under the guidance of Wichita State coach Paul Mills.
The final summer practice at Rupp Arena saw Jerone Morton top the win tally with 62 victories, while fans got an unprecedented glimpse of the team’s preparation ahead of November’s season opener.
Kentucky’s head coach Mark Pope welcomed fans to a lively open practice at Rupp Arena, showcasing emerging talent and the program’s community focus.
Kentucky’s rising star Trent Noah is turning heads with his defensive metrics and rebounding prowess, while Coach Mark Pope stresses his potential despite lingering shooting concerns.
The Wildcats will navigate a revised non‑conference schedule, including the end of a Gonzaga series and new neutral‑site matchups, while eyeing a future Diamond Cup berth.