Kentucky Unveils 2026 Football Kickoff Schedule
The University of Kentucky Wildcats have released their 2026 football kickoff schedule, outlining television partners and game times for the upcoming season.
The slate features at least four night games under the SEC lights, underscoring the conference’s growing prime‑time presence. The first contest, a home matchup against Youngstown State on September 5, will start at 1 p.m. ET and stream on the SEC Network+ platform.
A marquee early‑season showdown arrives a week later when Kentucky travels to face Alabama on September 12. That game is slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff and will be broadcast on ABC, giving the Wildcats a national audience.
The following weekend, Kentucky will head to College Station for a clash with Texas A&M on September 19. The contest is set for a 3:30 p.m. ET start and will be carried on either ESPN or ESPN2, depending on final scheduling.
Additional home games include a noon meeting with South Alabama on September 26 on the SEC Network, while three of Kentucky’s seven home games will be held at night, providing fans with a mix of early afternoon and prime‑time experiences. Some kickoff times and network assignments will be finalized later in the season.