Kentucky’s men’s basketball program has locked in its 2026‑27 schedule, a slate that blends a high‑profile preseason showdown with a series of tune‑up games against mid‑major opponents.
The NCAA’s recent rule change permits up to three exhibition contests and expands the regular season to 32 games, giving teams like Kentucky more flexibility in planning their non‑conference slate.
The Wildcats will open their preseason with the annual Big Blue Madness event on October 2 in Rupp Arena, before traveling to host UCF on October 28, Little Rock on October 16 and Texas Tech on October 23.
UCF’s Rising Profile
UCF entered the 2025‑26 season with a 21‑12 record and a 9‑9 mark in the Big 12, earning a 10‑seed in the NCAA Tournament before falling to UCLA in the first round.
Early Torvik ratings place the Knights at No. 51 nationally, even after losing their top five scorers, and the program’s transfer class is ranked No. 58 by 247Sports, headlined by Dior Johnson.
Coach Johnny Dawkins, now in his 11th year at UCF, will rely on newcomers Arturo Dean and five‑star recruit John Bol, while point guard Dior Johnson is expected to drive the offense.
Kentucky’s preseason lineup features a blend of elite recruits — Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, Milan Momcilovic and Mark Mitchell — alongside returning veterans Malachi Moreno and Kam Williams, giving the Wildcats a deep and versatile roster.
The excitement will culminate at Big Blue Madness, where fans can get their first look at the new faces and the team’s chemistry heading into the November 3 season opener against Manhattan.