Kentucky’s 2025-26 Non-Conference Schedule Shaping Up as One of Nation’s Best
Kentucky’s non-conference schedule for the 2025-26 season is quickly taking shape—and it’s loaded with high-profile matchups that could make it one of the strongest slates in college basketball. With only a few spots left to finalize, the Wildcats have reportedly added a multi-team event (MTE) to their schedule.
According to college basketball insider Rocco Miller, Kentucky will host the MTE at Rupp Arena, featuring games against Valparaiso and Eastern Illinois. While the event is expected to take place in early November—as has been the case in recent seasons—specific dates have yet to be confirmed.
Miller also shared a graphic indicating that Kentucky will play Southern University as part of its non-conference lineup, though that game has not yet been officially announced. If confirmed, it would round out a non-conference schedule that is already stacked with top-tier opponents.
Among Kentucky’s confirmed marquee matchups:
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Louisville (away)
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Michigan State (neutral site)
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North Carolina (home or away TBD)
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Gonzaga (neutral site)
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Indiana
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St. John’s (neutral site)
With the exception of Indiana, all of these programs are currently featured in ESPN’s early Top 25 rankings, setting the stage for a rigorous early-season test for head coach Mark Pope and his squad.
Kentucky will also face preseason exhibition games against Purdue (October 24) and Georgetown (October 30), giving fans an early glimpse of how the team stacks up against elite competition.
From coast-to-coast showdowns to hostile road environments, Coach Pope clearly had one goal in mind: challenge his team early and often. With SEC play always proving to be a grind, Kentucky’s front-loaded schedule should have the Wildcats battle-tested by the time conference action begins.
You can find the full list of officially confirmed non-conference games for the 2025-26 season [here].
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