BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — As the Mark Pope era takes shape for Kentucky men's basketball, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has unveiled the Wildcats' conference opponents for the 2024-25 season.
Kentucky will face all 15 SEC foes at least once, including home-and-home matchups against Alabama, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. With the additions of Oklahoma and Texas, the Wildcats will have an 18-game conference slate, nine of which will take place at Rupp Arena with the other nine on the road.
Multiple games against the Volunteers and Commodores extend two of the country's longest-played series. The Wildcats have faced Tennessee more than any other opponent in program history and lead the all-time series 161-78 after the teams split last season's games. Kentucky also leads the all-time series against Vanderbilt 157-49, including winning 16 of the last 18 matchups.
The two games against the Crimson Tide, who are coming off their first Final Four appearance in program history, will mark the first time since 2021-22 Kentucky has faced Alabama twice in a regular season. The Wildcats lead the all-time series 117-41, winning last season's matchup 117-95 at Rupp Arena.
Also among the highlights is a visit from Arkansas, which will mark the return of longtime head coach John Calipari. Along with the aforementioned opponents, Kentucky will also welcome Auburn, Florida, LSU, South Carolina and Texas A&M to Rupp Arena.
Dates and times will be announced at a later date, along with a full schedule.
Here's the Wildcats' full SEC slate for 2024-25:
- Home: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, LSU, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt
- Away: Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vanderbilt