For years, Big Blue Nation has lived in the 9:00 p.m. time slot. Kentucky basketball has been the program ESPN leans on when it needs a late-night ratings draw. Fans know the drill: grab a cup of coffee, find another channel because the game before is running long, fight through the commercial breaks, and wake up groggy the next morning for work. But for the first stretch of the 2025-26 season, the Wildcats will flip the script.
The SEC have released tip times for some of the most anticipated games on Kentucky’s schedule, and the early start times are a welcome surprise. Here’s what’s on tap:
- Oct. 24 – Purdue (Exhibition), 6 p.m. ET, SEC Network
- Nov. 26 – Tennessee Tech, 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network
- Dec. 5 – Gonzaga (Bridgestone Arena), 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
- Dec. 9 – NC Central, 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network
- Dec. 13 – Indiana, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Why it matters
Kentucky’s early start times aren’t just about fan comfort,they also mean fewer delays and channel-flipping nightmares. Anyone who has tuned in for a 9:00 p.m. “scheduled” game knows the frustration of ESPN showing the final minutes of another matchup, forcing fans to scramble to the app or to ESPNnews. With these earlier windows, Kentucky should avoid that hassle as they will be the game up first. Let those other fanbases enjoy that for a bit.
Purdue exhibition: A measuring stick
While technically an exhibition, the showdown with Purdue is the first real look at Mark Pope’s squad against elite competition. Facing Braden Smith and Purdue in Rupp Arena sets the tone, even if the result won’t count on the record. For Kentucky, it’s less about wins and losses and more about proving they can hold their own against a perennial powerhouse and Final Four contender.
Indiana renewed
The Dec. 13 matchup with Indiana stands out too. The rivalry that once defined college basketball in the region returns to the schedule, and both fanbases have long wanted it back. This year’s clash could rekindle the fire for future matchups, bringing national attention and emotional intensity plus a little trash talk. Maybe they will finally stop recreating the "shot".
Gonzaga looking for revenge
Last season in Seattle, Kentucky stormed back late to stun Gonzaga. Mark Few’s squad hasn’t forgotten. With the game in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, expect a heavy mix of Big Blue Nation and Gonzaga fans turning it into a postseason-like atmosphere. That is a huge thing for a team with title hopes.
The tune-ups
Games against Tennessee Tech and NC Central provide opportunities to iron out rotations, test defensive looks, and give young players valuable minutes. They may not draw national headlines, but they will shape how ready Kentucky is for marquee moments. That is exactly what these games are meant to do.
Bottom line: Early games, marquee opponents, and the return of rivalries give Kentucky’s schedule the right mix of fan-friendly tip times and high-stakes drama. At least the late tips will be less in the non-conference this year.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoyes downtime with his family and Premier League soccer.You can find him on X here.Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion