Kentucky's two preseason exhibitions last year couldn't have been more different. After handling the No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers 78-65 at Rupp Arena, the Wildcats came out the very next game and lost 84-70 to the unranked Georgetown Hoyas. The latter contest gave fans a solid idea as to that squad's strengths and weaknesses, and this season, a similar test has been scheduled in Lexington.
According to KSR, Kentucky will host the Texas Tech Red Raiders on their home floor prior to the regualr season. Much is different during an exhibition compared to a regular matchup; minutes are wonky, rules are often changed, and some teams just aren't fully trying out there.
Georgetown, however, was. Any arguments about the Wildcats not caring as much don't make sense within that the context of their staggering struggles to come. So this time around, the Big Blue Nation will be keeping a close eye on this early matchup between two (likely) ranked teams.
How Coach Pope's Cats fare may indicate the fate that lies ahead for them on Kentucky's non-conference schedule.
Kentucky will play Texas Tech in a preseason exhibition game at Rupp Arena, sources tell KSR
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) August 14, 2026
Travis Ford’s Little Rock squad is the other confirmed matchup, with another on the cusp of being finalized
Expect another from the Big 12
READ: https://t.co/9dyspCIP4o pic.twitter.com/0TgLhUoF1D
Kentucky vs. Texas Tech Will be a Perfect Litmus Test for Fans
In addition to Tech, the Wildcats are also reportedly expected to field another preseason competitor from the Big 12, as well as Little Rock in a hopefully less daunting duel. The latter team is coached by former Cat Travis Ford, meaning we'll have an exhibition homecoming on our hands, too.
As for the Red Raiders, head coach Grant McCasland has consistently led that program to deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. Even without an NCAA title, their recent stretch of basketball may be more consistently elite than Kentucky's. That hurts to admit, but it makes this meeting all the more compelling.
Star player JT Toppin (brother of Jacob Toppin, another former Wildcat) is unexpected to compete as he continues to recover from his torn ACL, but Texas Tech will still be able throw a ton of challenging versatility at Kentucky.
The Red Raiders Will Challenge Kentucky on Multiple Levels
Pope's backcourt of Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins will have to try and find a way to defend transfer guard Cruz Davis, who averaged 20 points per contest and shot a 40% rate from three last season. Darrion Williams, out of NC State, will also present a defensive challenge.
Williams put up a similar rate from long range (40.4%), averaging 14 points and nearly five rebounds as an uber-physical wing with the ability to score high and low. Milan Momcilovic, who is already a questionable defender, will absolutely have his hands full there.
With Toppin sidelined, Kentucky's frontcourt may catch a mild break. All the same, this game will represent the level of competition that Kentucky will meet almost weekly all December. It's one to study carefully, BBN.
If the Wildcats pull it out, we'll have to hope they don't repeat history and lose in the most confusing blowout you've ever seen to Little Rock.
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