The SEC announced Tuesday the full conference schedule rotation through 2029, and Kentucky now knows its path for the next four years. And it definitely is not an easy one, but it could have been way worse than it is. Games against Arkansas and Missouri will give Kentucky a chance to show they are back to being better than a basement dweller. So overall, it is a pretty favorable draw.
The Wildcats will play Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina every season, their three annual rivals. The rest of the schedule rotates, including new regular meetings with Oklahoma and Texas.
2026 SEC schedule
- Florida
- @ South Carolina
- @ Tennessee
- Alabama
- LSU
- Vanderbilt
- @ Missouri
- @ Oklahoma
- @ Texas A&M
2027 SEC schedule
- @ Florida
- Tennessee
- Auburn
- Georgia
- Mississippi State
- @ Arkansas
- @ Ole Miss
- @ Texas
2028 SEC schedule
- Florida
- @ South Carolina
- @ Tennessee
- Missouri
- Texas A&M
- Oklahoma
- @ Alabama
- @ LSU
- @Vanderbilt
2029 SEC schedule
- @ Florida
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Arkansas
- Ole Miss
- Texas
- @ Auburn
- @ Georgia
- @ Mississippi State
Historical context
Kentucky’s track record against SEC opponents is a mixed bag. A few highlights from the all-time series:
- Florida: 18–54 (25%)
- Mississippi State: 23–24 (48%)
- Missouri: 7–5 (58%)
- Tennessee: 16–74–3 (19%)
- Vanderbilt: 49–31–3 (61%)
Newer opponents also bring intrigue. Kentucky has played Texas just twice (both a Kentucky loss), and Oklahoma only three times (1–2). And Texas A&M has never been to Lexington despite playing in the SEC since 2012, so it will be 16 years before that happens, as they have only played 1 time in history with A&M winning.
What it means
The SEC rotation underscores the challenge of surviving in the league’s new annual opponent format. Kentucky faces heavyweight stretches, Alabama in 2026 and 2028, Georgia in 2027 and 2029, but also opportunities to build momentum against programs like Missouri, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt. Those are the games Kentucky must win if they really want to climb the SEC mountain again. You have to start with being better than the mid-tier teams again. Mark Stoops will have his work cut out for him, it is still the SEC, but at least he knows who he will be playing and what he must do.
The roadmap is clear: Kentucky’s fate in the SEC will hinge on holding its ground against rivals while finding statement wins against powerhouses. Can they do it?
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