Kentucky fans have long complained this offseason about the team's apparently weak schedule. Dick Vitale even used the term "cupcake" to describe it, putting the Wildcats at the center of non-conference conversations. In an effort to spice things up, Kentucky is reportedly finalizing (per Rocco Miller) an agreement for the Wichita State Shockers to play at Rupp Arena this year.
The Shockers, while nearly six years removed from an NCAA Tournament appearance, have a storied history against Kentucky in March Madness. Not only that, Wichita State remains a respectable program, coming fresh off a fair 24-12 (13-5) season, finishing second in the AAC.
This may not be the Gonzaga replacement that some of the Big Blue Nation may have been hoping for, but it's a whole lot better than adding another Evansville to the home slate.
NEWS: Kentucky and Wichita State are finalizing an agreement to play this season at Rupp Arena, per multiple sources.
— Rocco Miller (@RoccoMiller8) August 13, 2026
The game will be the first regular-season meeting between the Wildcats and Shockers. The two squads had epic NCAAT 2nd Round battles in 2014 & 2017.#SEC#AAC
Yes, I understand the ramifications of an Evansville reference. I'm still as angry about that loss as you are, and we all have different ways to cope.
Kentucky is Renewing an Shocking Postseason Rivalry (Literally)
While the Wildcats and Shockers have only met twice in either program's history, both duels were as high-stakes as they come. Unfortunately for the yellow and black, they came up short in both instances.
The first meeting came back in the Round of 32 in 2014. Julius Randle led an eight-seed Kentucky team into the lion's den to take on Fred VanVleet and the top-seeded Shockers. This ended up being one of a handful of legendary stops for that runner-up Cats team.
After a blow-for-blow brawl, Kentucky would narrowly escape 78-76 as Van Vleet missed a deep three to save Wichita State from the upset. Going forward, both program would continue to operate at their peak, leading to a rematch in 2017, again in the second round.
De'Aaron Fox and Bam Adebayo propelled the Wildcats to a 65-62 victory, topping Wichita State once again and setting the stage for what should be a compelling third game in Rupp this season.
The State is Set for a Compelling Rupp Arena Rematch
While Wichita State can't even the playing field, coming into Rupp with a change for long-awaited revenge should at least make things interesting this time around. Kentucky will likely be ranked for the matchup; with title aspirations for the blue and white, it's a non-conference game reminiscent of the level of success Mark Pope is trying to get back to.
Assuming the addition is made official, this one one that Kentucky fans can happily circle as a must-see. Even if it isn't a knockout addition as far as ranked competition goes, the Big Blue Nation can absolutely get up for this matchup.
You better bet the Shockers will bring their all for what could be the school's only shot at a win in Lexington, too.
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