How to watch Kentucky vs. West Virginia
TV & Streaming Options:
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU.
Check your local cable or satellite listings—ESPNU is typically part of a sports or college sports package.
5 options to stream
- YouTube TV
Includes ESPNU in its core package and is easy to stream from mobile, desktop, or smart TV. - Hulu + Live TV
Offers ESPNU as part of its standard lineup, perfect for cord-cutters. - DirectTV Stream
Another streaming option that includes ESPNU with its Choice and higher plans. - FuboTV
Sports-centric and includes ESPNU—great for fans who want to follow other regional games too which is part of their Fubo Elite plan. - ESPN+ subscribers can access the game via the ESPN app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV by clicking right here directly.
Scouting the opponent: West Virginia's loaded lineup
West Virginia arrives in Clemson with one of the most dangerous lineups Kentucky has faced all year. The Mountaineers feature six regular starters hitting over .300, led by senior left fielder Kyle West (.354/.500/.628) and junior DH Sam White (.353/.420/.512).
Their offense has pop, speed, and plate discipline. They've got:
- 10+ home runs from multiple players
- Several starters with 30+ RBIs
- A team OPS north of .800 from top to bottom
In short, this group can put up crooked numbers in a hurry.
Can Kentucky keep up?
Kentucky, by contrast, has just three regulars batting above .300, with Cole Hage (.317, 12 HR) leading the way. The Bat Cats rely more on balanced contributions, aggressive base running, and timely power.
Pitching will be the key. Freshman Nate Harris (4-2, 4.72 ERA) has often handled the Game 1 duties and is expected to get the start. But his last outing—allowing 5 earned runs over 4 innings in a heartbreaking loss to Vanderbilt—raises some concerns. Kentucky gave him a 5-0 cushion early, but Vandy stormed back to win 8-7 on a walk-off homer.
Harris has shown flashes of dominance this season, but he'll need to be sharper than he was in Hoover. Against a lineup as stacked as WVU’s, any early hiccup could spell disaster.
Prediction: A slugfest, but Kentucky survives
If Kentucky gets solid innings from Harris or pivots quickly to the bullpen, the Cats can hang around long enough to let their bats catch fire. West Virginia’s offense is formidable, but their pitching isn’t lights-out either—which could open the door for UK’s offense to break out.
Final Score: Kentucky 8, West Virginia 7
Expect fireworks in a back-and-forth battle, but Kentucky’s deeper bullpen and experience in tight SEC games gives them the edge late. Win or lose, this one will be entertaining.
Stay tuned—if Kentucky wins, they’ll face the winner of Clemson vs. USC Upstate on Friday night at 6 PM. If they lose, it’s a noon elimination game on Saturday.
Let the madness begin.