Kentucky had added five non-conference games to 2025-26 schedule.
The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team has bolstered its 2025–26 non-conference schedule with five additional games, enhancing the Wildcats’ preparation for the upcoming season. These additions complement a previously announced slate featuring high-profile matchups against teams like Michigan State, Gonzaga, and Indiana. The newly confirmed games include home contests against Loyola University Maryland, Tennessee Tech, North Carolina Central, Bellarmine, and a return game against Indiana.A Sea Of Blue+1A Sea Of Blue+1A Sea Of Blue
Dec. 13, 2025 – Indiana Hoosiers (Home)
The most anticipated addition is the return of the rivalry game against Indiana, scheduled for December 13, 2025, at Rupp Arena in Lexington. This marks the first meeting between the two programs since the 2011–12 season, renewing one of college basketball’s most storied rivalries. The four-game series, agreed upon by both universities, will alternate between Lexington, Indianapolis, and Bloomington through the 2028–29 season .A Sea Of Blue+1UK Athletics+1
Nov. 21, 2025 – Loyola University Maryland (Home)
Kentucky will host Loyola University Maryland on November 21, 2025, at Rupp Arena. This game marks the first meeting between the two programs. Loyola competes in the Patriot League and has participated in the NCAA Tournament multiple times, most recently in 2021.
Nov. 26, 2025 – Tennessee Tech (Home)
On November 26, 2025, Kentucky will face Tennessee Tech at Rupp Arena. The Golden Eagles are led by head coach John Pelphrey, a former Kentucky player and Hall of Famer. This matchup offers a unique narrative, with Pelphrey returning to face his alma mater.UK Athletics+11UK Athletics+11A Sea Of Blue+11A Sea Of Blue
Dec. 9, 2025 – North Carolina Central (Home)
North Carolina Central will visit Lexington on December 9, 2025, marking the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Eagles, based in Durham, North Carolina, transitioned to Division I in 2011 and have made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. This game provides Kentucky with an opportunity to face a program with a rich history and competitive spirit .A Sea Of Blue+1On3+1On3
Dec. 23, 2025 – Bellarmine (Home)
Kentucky will host Bellarmine University on December 23, 2025, at Rupp Arena. Bellarmine, a former Division II powerhouse, transitioned to Division I in recent years and now competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference. This game serves as a continuation of Kentucky’s tradition of facing regional opponents and provides an opportunity to support the growth of basketball programs at all levels .A Sea Of Blue
In addition to these five newly added games, Kentucky’s non-conference schedule includes several high-profile matchups:
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Oct. 24, 2025 – Purdue (Exhibition): Kentucky will host Purdue in an exhibition game at Rupp Arena. This matchup is permitted under new NCAA rules allowing Division I programs to schedule preseason exhibitions. Purdue enters the game as a projected top-five team, bolstered by the return of All-American guard Braden Smith, a frontrunner for National Player of the Year .On3+5A Sea Of Blue+5On3+5
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Nov. 18, 2025 – Michigan State (Champions Classic): Kentucky will face Michigan State at Madison Square Garden in New York as part of the Champions Classic. This annual event features top programs and serves as a marquee matchup early in the season.UK Athletics
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Dec. 5, 2025 – Gonzaga (Neutral Site): Kentucky will take on Gonzaga in Nashville, Tennessee, at Bridgestone Arena. This marks the fourth consecutive season the teams will meet, continuing a competitive series between two of college basketball’s premier programs .UK Athletics
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Dec. 20, 2025 – St. John’s (CBS Sports Classic): Kentucky will face St. John’s at State Farm Arena in Atlanta as part of the CBS Sports Classic. This event showcases high-profile matchups and provides national exposure for participating programs.On3+2UK Athletics+2A Sea Of Blue+2
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TBD – SEC/ACC Challenge: Kentucky is set to participate in the SEC/ACC Challenge, with the opponent and date to be determined. This annual event features matchups between teams from the Southeastern Conference and the Atlantic Coast Conference, offering competitive games and exposure for both conferences.UK Athletics+2On3+2A Sea Of Blue+2
With the addition of these five non-conference games, Kentucky’s 2025–26 schedule is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in the country. The Wildcats will face a mix of traditional powerhouses, regional rivals, and emerging programs, providing a comprehensive test ahead of Southeastern Conference play. These matchups not only enhance the team’s competitive preparation but also offer fans a diverse and exciting slate of games to look forward to.
