Ladies and gentlemen, it is officially gameday in the Bluegrass. Lane Kiffin and the No. 20 Ole Miss Rebels are in town, and they have one thing on their minds: revenge. Last year’s stunning loss in Oxford has been simmering for a full year, but both teams have changed significantly since that matchup. The battle between Kentucky's seventh-year senior quarterback Zach Calzada and Ole Miss's third-year sophomore Austin Simmons is taking center stage, but the key to this game will be won in the trenches and in the backfield.
The clash of styles is stark. Ole Miss will want to play at a lightning pace, using their ground game to set up quick-hitting passes and explosive deep shots. To go fast, you need positive yards on first down, and the Rebels will test Kentucky’s front seven early and often.
On the other side, Kentucky will try to grind the game to a halt. Mark Stoops’ formula for success is controlling the clock, limiting possessions, and winning with defense. If the Wildcats can keep the total points under 45, they have a real shot to hang in this game. But if the scoreboard starts creeping toward 50, their offense will struggle to keep up.
With that said, here are our official WBN staff predictions and the final odds before kickoff.
WBN staff game predictions
Our staff is split on how this one will play out.
Jordan Owens' Pick (1-0)
Kentucky always seems to play tight games with Ole Miss. This rivalry has been defined by close finishes, and I don't see this year being any different. I believe the Cats will successfully slow the pace down, and the game will move quickly with a running clock. In the end, it comes down to which defense can get a late stop. Just like last year, I think Kentucky’s defense makes the game-winning play.
Prediction: Kentucky 28, Ole Miss 24
Drew Holbrook's Pick (1-0)
This game is a massive barometer for the rest of Kentucky's season. If the Cats get blown out, it will be incredibly difficult to keep the fanbase energized. Another close home loss—the ninth straight to a Power Four opponent—will only amplify the frustration. The question for me is whether this Kentucky defense is for real. If they can get consistent pressure on Austin Simmons, it will be a closer game than most expect. Personally, I think the revenge factor for Ole Miss is going to be too much to overcome. After the offensive struggles we saw last week, I just don't believe Kentucky can score enough to win.
Prediction: Ole Miss 35, Kentucky 17
Final betting odds for Kentucky vs Ole Miss
The line for this game has seen some slight movement. According to our friends at FanDuel, Ole Miss opened as a 10.5-point favorite, but that has since ticked down to Ole Miss -9.5. The over/under is set at 50.5 points. The majority of public bets are on the Ole Miss moneyline (a straight-up win) and on the Rebels to cover the spread.
How to watch, listen, and stream
- Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM ET
- Location: Kroger Field (Lexington, KY)
- TV Channel: ABC
- Streaming: ESPN App, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV (Orange Plan)
- Radio:
- Online: Stream live at UKAthletics.com or on iHeartRadio via WLAP 630.
- Local FM/AM Stations:
- Lexington: 98.1 FM / 630 WLAP
- Louisville: 840 AM WHAS
- London: 103.9 FM WWEL
- Hazard/Pikeville: 101.1 WSGS
- Madisonville: 93.9 FM WKTG
Now we want to hear from you. What do you think, BBN? Drop your final score prediction in the comments below!
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. Psalm 121:7-8. #UpTheAlbion
Jordan Owens is a contributor to Wildcat Blue Nation and a lifelong UK fanatic who has watched every UK game since 1995. Jordan is no stranger to college athletics as a former college athlete. Jordan brings a unique mix of fandom and insight that helps make WBN the go-to source for all of your Kentucky news.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.