Did anyone in Big Blue Nation get any sleep after that nail-biter in Norman? Kentucky fans were on edge until the final buzzer. In a game that felt like a must-win for both teams, the Wildcats—and more specifically, Otega Oweh—found a way to pull out the victory. Now, there’s little time to relax as tomorrow Auburn comes to town, Bruce Pearl and the top-ranked Auburn Tigers roll into Lexington for a showdown with major implications in the SEC and nationally.
Auburn enters 26-2 (14-1 SEC), sitting atop both the conference and the country. The Tigers lead the nation with 15 Quad 1 wins, proving their dominance across the board. But none of that matters to Big Blue Nation. Kentucky expects to be at the top and thrives in the spotlight. This season, the Wildcats have notched seven top-15 wins—a school record—and tend to play their best against elite competition. However, none of those victories have come against a No. 1 team.
Kentucky’s History vs. No. 1 Teams
How have previous Kentucky teams fared against AP No. 1 opponents?
According to BigBlueHistory.net, the Wildcats hold an 8-16 all-time record against top-ranked teams. The last such matchup came in the 2023 Champions Classic, where Kentucky fell 89-84 to Kansas.
The most recent SEC clash against a No. 1 team was on February 6, 2019, when the Wildcats dominated Tennessee 86-69 in Rupp Arena.
Now, the question remains: Can Kentucky capture its ninth all-time win over a No. 1 team?
Kentucky's record against AP#1 teams pic.twitter.com/ed5ASM86H3
— Jordan Owens (@JordanOwens1199) February 27, 2025
What’s at Stake?
A victory over Auburn would be monumental for Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament resume. It could:
✅ Secure a No. 3 seed in the Big Dance
✅ Move the Wildcats closer to a first-round SEC Tournament bye
✅ Provide momentum heading into March Madness
The stage is set. Rupp Arena will be rocking. The Wildcats have a golden opportunity to take down the nation's best and prove they are healthy, battle-tested, and ready for a deep run in March.
Can Kentucky shock the nation?