Mark Pope Embraces the Smoke With Loaded Early Schedule

Kentucky’s 2025-26 Non-Conference Gauntlet: Mark Pope Embraces the Smoke With Loaded Early Schedule

The Kentucky Wildcats are once again daring to be great.

Head coach Mark Pope made it clear when he took over in Lexington: if you’re coming to Kentucky, you’re not coming to hide. That message rings louder than ever as the program just announced five new non-conference matchups for the 2025-26 season, building upon what’s already shaping up to be one of the most challenging slates in college basketball.

“You guys will hear me say this until as long as I get to be here: If you’re coming to Kentucky, don’t come here and hide,” Pope told Kentucky Sports Radio this week. “It doesn’t make sense to come here and hide.”

The Newest Additions

The latest confirmed games only reinforce Pope’s philosophy:

• Nov. 21 – vs. Loyola University Maryland at Rupp Arena
• Nov. 26 – vs. Tennessee Tech, coached by UK Hall of Famer John Pelphrey
• Dec. 9 – vs. North Carolina Central
• Dec. 13 – vs. Indiana
• Dec. 23 – vs. Bellarmine

The Nov. 26 game carries an emotional subplot as Pelphrey returns to Rupp Arena, now leading Tennessee Tech. A star under Eddie Sutton and Rick Pitino, his homecoming adds a meaningful layer to an already intriguing game.

Big Names, Big Stages

These matchups join a power-packed lineup that already includes:

• Oct. 24 – Exhibition vs. Purdue at Rupp Arena
• Oct. 30 – Exhibition vs. Georgetown
• Nov. 11 – at Louisville
• Nov. 18 – vs. Michigan State in the Champions Classic (New York)
• Dec. 5 – vs. Gonzaga in Nashville
• Dec. 20 – vs. St. John’s in the CBS Sports Classic (Atlanta)
• TBD – SEC/ACC Challenge opponent to be announced

That’s 10 of the 13 non-conference games accounted for, with only a few slots remaining. And based on Pope’s track record and messaging, you can bet the final few opponents won’t be pushovers.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just a schedule. It’s a statement.

It’s a statement about Pope’s confidence in his second-year roster, built from four key returners and a massive influx of high-level transfers and freshmen. It’s a statement about Kentucky’s identity under Pope: fearless, forward-facing, and fully engaged in restoring the Wildcats’ place at the top of college basketball.

And it’s a statement to the fans Big Blue Nation that their program will never shy away from the spotlight.

The Bigger Picture

Kentucky’s aggressive non-conference approach comes on the heels of a year when the SEC set a new record with 14 teams in the NCAA Tournament. That level of competition continues into 2025-26, where the Wildcats will be battle-tested before conference play even begins.

Each early-season game offers a critical opportunity not just to rack up resume wins for March, but to forge an identity that can carry through to postseason play.

Final Thoughts

In year two under Mark Pope, there’s no tiptoeing around expectations. This non-conference slate is one of the toughest in the nation, and it reflects the program’s mission: Embrace the moment. Chase greatness. Never hide.

Get your popcorn ready Rupp Arena’s lights are about to shine brighter than ever.

2025-26 Kentucky Non-Conference Schedule (So Far)

• Oct. 24: vs. Purdue (Exhibition)
• Oct. 30: vs. Georgetown (Exhibition)
• Nov. 11: at Louisville
• Nov. 18: vs. Michigan State (Champions Classic)
• Nov. 21: vs. Loyola Maryland
• Nov. 26: vs. Tennessee Tech
• Dec. 5: vs. Gonzaga (Nashville)
• Dec. 9: vs. NC Central
• Dec. 13: vs. Indiana
• Dec. 20: vs. St. John’s (CBS Sports Classic)
• Dec. 23: vs. Bellarmine
• TBD: SEC/ACC Challenge Opponent

Stay tuned. This ride is just getting started.