The first pieces of the inaugural schedule under Kentucky men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope were revealed by the Southeastern Conference on Monday. The Wildcats are set to face all 15 league opponents at least once, with marquee home-and-home matchups against Alabama, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt.
Schedule Overview
The league office introduced the 2024-25 home-and-away designations for the conference schedule, featuring an 18-game slate with the inclusion of newcomers Oklahoma and Texas. Kentucky will host nine games at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center and play an equal number of away games.
This season, the Wildcats will engage in home-and-home series with Alabama, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt, renewing historic rivalries and extending two of the longest-played series in the nation. Additionally, Kentucky will face Alabama twice in the regular season for the first time since 2021-22.
Home and Away Matchups
Kentucky’s league home schedule will feature matchups against Alabama, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, LSU, South Carolina, and Texas A&M. On the road, the Wildcats will take on Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Specific details regarding times, dates, and television coverage will be announced at a later date.
Enhanced SEC Landscape
The SEC welcomes Texas and Oklahoma to its ranks for the 2024-25 season, enhancing an already formidable league. With 43 NCAA Tournament selections over the last six tournaments and consistent Elite Eight appearances, the SEC continues to solidify its reputation as a powerhouse conference. Additionally, the league boasts the highest number of NBA Draft selections over the past six drafts.
Key Matchups
Kentucky’s home-and-home matchups feature three intriguing contests:
- Alabama: The Wildcats will face the Crimson Tide twice, following Alabama’s historic Final Four run in 2024. Kentucky leads the all-time series 117-41.
- Tennessee: With a rich history, Kentucky has faced Tennessee more than any other program, holding a 161-78 all-time record. The two teams split the series last season.
- Vanderbilt: Kentucky maintains a dominant record against Vanderbilt, leading the series 157-49. The Wildcats won both meetings in 2023-24 and hold a 16-2 advantage in the last 18 matchups.
- Arkansas: Cal’s first time back. What else needs to be said??
Kentucky’s Conference Opponents
Alabama
Arkansas
Auburn
Florida
LSU
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas A&M
Vanderbilt
at Alabama
at Georgia
at Ole Miss
at Mississippi State
at Missouri
at Oklahoma
at Tennessee
at Texas
at Vanderbilt
