In what’s shaping up to be an early litmus test for one of college basketball’s most reloaded rosters, the Kentucky Wildcats will host Purdue in a high-profile preseason exhibition on October 24 at Rupp Arena. Though the game won’t count toward either team’s official record, it may carry weight far beyond the box score.
The matchup was made possible by newly adopted NCAA rules that now allow Division I programs to schedule preseason exhibitions against fellow D-I opponents. For Kentucky, it’s a golden opportunity to challenge themselves against a battle-tested Purdue team fresh off back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances.
Star power on display
Purdue brings back All-American guard Braden Smith, who’s coming off one of the most impressive statistical seasons in NCAA history. Smith joined Ja Morant as just the second player ever to record at least 500 points, 300 assists, and 150 rebounds in a single campaign. His 300+ assists in 2024–25 set a new benchmark in the Big Ten and underscored his role as the engine behind Matt Painter’s elite offense.
Painter himself is no stranger to big stages. Now in his 21st season at Purdue, he owns 496 career wins and has led the Boilermakers to 16 NCAA Tournaments, including eight Sweet 16 runs — the seventh-most among active head coaches.
Kentucky reloads, eyes return to prominence
For Kentucky, this exhibition serves as a dress rehearsal for a season full of expectation. Mark Pope’s squad returns three key pieces from last year’s Sweet 16 run — the program’s first since 2019 — in Collin Chandler, Brandon Garrison, and Trent Noah. Otega Oweh and Jaland Lowe are both going through the NBA combine process.
Chandler caught fire late last season, hitting 52.2% of his threes over the final six games, all against NCAA Tournament teams. Garrison, a steady interior force, provided efficient scoring and rebounding in limited minutes, while Noah’s breakout came in a memorable upset of No. 5 Tennessee.
They’re joined by one of the most potent transfer hauls in the country. Denzel Aberdeen (Florida), Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama), Jaland Lowe (Pitt), Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State), and Kam Williams (Tulane) bring a mix of winning experience, elite defense, and scoring punch.
Add in two decorated freshmen in Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno — both Nike Hoop Summit alums and future pros — and the Wildcats will enter 2025–26 with depth, versatility, and athleticism at every position.
October’s main event
Though it won’t show up in the standings, this matchup offers fans an early taste of what could be a Final Four-level showdown. Kentucky’s new-look roster will be tested by a Purdue team that knows its identity and plays with precision.
It’s also a chance for Rupp Arena to buzz again in late October — not for Midnight Madness, but for real basketball. For Pope, it’s the perfect barometer. For Big Blue Nation, it’s a sneak peek at what could be a special season.
Game time and TV details will be announced at a later date.