Kentucky men’s basketball’s 2025-26 schedule is chalk full of high-profile matches before the Wildcats even get into SEC play.
One matchup in particular that has gotten plenty of attention, as always, is the season-opening duel versus Louisville with numerous “way-too-early” top 25 projections having both Kentucky and Louisville within the top 10 after stellar transfer portal windows.
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The annual contest has historically been dominated by the Wildcats, with UK holding an all-time record of 40-17 against the Cards, winning 10 of the last 12 meetings.
Both rosters have seen immense overhauls in the last two seasons with new head coaches: Mark Pope for Kentucky and Pat Kelsey for Louisville.
Kelsey had the taller task as far as rebuilds go, trying to course correct the sinking ship left behind by Kenny Payne, but Pope had no easy task either, having zero returning scholarship players after John Calipari left for Arkansas.
Despite the tough circumstances, both coaches made it back to the NCAA Tournament in their first season, with Louisville being eliminated in the first round by Creighton in a famous 8-9 tournament duel and Kentucky making it to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019.
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In last year’s in-state rivalry game, Kentucky took home the crown once again, winning 93-85 inside Rupp Arena on Dec. 14.
Now, however, with both coaches having a full offseason window to build the roster they want, both squads seem primed for a strong season and will meet, for the first time, in the season opener.
The contest, scheduled for Nov. 11 inside the KFC Yum! Center, needs no introduction into its importance for a casual basketball fan, but for those living in the Commonwealth, it means that much more.
One player in particular who knows the importance of such a game is Miami (OH) transfer Reece Potter.
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Potter grew up in Lexington, attending Lexington Catholic High School before joining the RedHawks and transferred back to his home following the departure of Travis Perry.
Speaking to KSR, Potter said the contest was perhaps the one he was looking most forward to.
“Always the big thing for Kentucky (beating Louisville),” Potter said. “That’s little brother for sure. You always got to hate on them. Growing up in Lexington, you’re a Kentucky fan.”
Potter wasn’t the first on Kentucky to throw a jab at Louisville’s way this offseason, either, with Pope himself making a jab during his offseason media opportunity when addressing the controversy of the game being moved to the season opener as opposed to its usual December.
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“I heard there might be a push, people wanted that in December, is that true?” Pope asked. “Blame Louisville for that. I don’t actually know how we got to the date, more important people are dealing with those issues, but I’m sure it’s Louisville’s fault.”
Clearly, one of college basketball’s most electric rivalries is primed for a thrilling installment as the Wildcats fight the Cardinals on Nov. 17 in Louisville.
