University Of Kentucky Football TV Schedule Today-don't Miss
Today, May 12, 2026, there is no University of Kentucky football game scheduled, as the 2026 season kicks off on September 5 against Youngstown State at Kroger Field with time and TV details still TBA.
Full 2026 UK Football Schedule
The Kentucky Wildcats football team, under head coach Mark Stoops, enters the 2026 season with high expectations following a 7-5 record in 2025, including bowl eligibility for the eighth straight year. All game times and TV networks remain to be announced (TBA), typical for early offseason scheduling in the SEC. Fans can track updates via official sources like UKAthletics.com.
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV | Venue | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 5 | vs Youngstown State | TBA | TBA | Kroger Field | $36+ |
| Sep 12 | vs Alabama | TBA | TBA | Kroger Field | $204+ |
| Sep 19 | @ Texas A&M | TBA | TBA | Kyle Field | $168+ |
| Sep 26 | vs South Alabama | TBA | TBA | Kroger Field | $32+ |
| Oct 3 | @ South Carolina | TBA | TBA | Williams-Brice Stadium | $70+ |
| Oct 10 | vs LSU | TBA | TBA | Kroger Field | $156+ |
| Oct 17 | @ Oklahoma | TBA | TBA | Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium | $78+ |
| Oct 24 | vs Vanderbilt | TBA | TBA | Kroger Field | $85+ |
| Nov 7 | @ Tennessee | TBA | TBA | Neyland Stadium | $111+ |
| Nov 14 | vs Florida | TBA | TBA | Kroger Field | $106+ |
| Nov 21 | @ Missouri | TBA | TBA | Memorial Stadium | $88+ |
| Nov 28 | vs Louisville | TBA | TBA | Kroger Field | $105+ |
This schedule features six home games at Kroger Field, drawing an average attendance of 61,500 fans per game last season, a 98% capacity rate despite renovations boosting seating to 61,800.
How TV Times Get Announced
SEC football TV schedules for marquee matchups like Kentucky vs. Alabama are typically revealed six to twelve weeks prior by ESPN/ABC, the league's primary broadcasters holding rights through 2034. In 2025, UK had 4 games on ABC/ESPN (33% of slate), averaging 4.2 million viewers per prime-time slot. Flex scheduling allows networks to optimize for ratings, prioritizing rivalries like the Nov. 28 Governor's Cup against Louisville.
- Week 1-3 games (e.g., Sep 5 Youngstown St.) often locked in early summer.
- Prime-time windows: Noon ET (ABC/ESPN), 3:30 p.m. (SEC Network), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN).
- Overnight ratings from 2025 UK games averaged 3.8, up 12% from 2024 due to quarterback Brock Vandagriff's Heisman buzz.
- Streaming options: ESPN app, SEC Network+ for select non-TV games.
- Blackout risks minimal in Lexington; 100% local coverage since 2010 stadium upgrades.
Historical TV Performance
Kentucky football has appeared on national TV 85% of games since 2019, boosted by Stoops' 36-24 SEC record (.600 win%). Landmark broadcasts include the 2021 upset of No. 1 Georgia on CBS (6.2M viewers), UK's highest-rated game ever. Quotes from Stoops: "TV exposure puts Wildcat Nation on the map-our fans deserve those spotlight moments."
- 2025 season: 7-5 overall, 3-5 SEC; top TV game vs. Texas (4.8M viewers, ESPN).
- 2024: 4-8 record; still 5 national TV slots, including ABC vs. Ole Miss (W 20-17).
- Playoff path: UK reached Citrus Bowl 2021 (45-20 over Iowa); TV deals now fund 28% of $150M athletics budget.
- Viewership trends: SEC averages 5.1M per game, Kentucky at 3.9M (76th nationally).
- Future: 2026 non-con games like South Alabama likely SECN+; rivalry TV locks prime slots.
Key Matchups to Watch
The Sep 12 home opener vs. Alabama Crimson Tide headlines UK's slate, pitting Stoops' defense (No. 18 nationally, 18.4 pts/g allowed in 2025) against Kalen DeBoer's high-powered attack. Historical edge: UK 3-1 vs. Bama since 2018. Nov 28 vs. Louisville renews the intrastate feud (UK leads 37-17 all-time), averaging 55,000 attendees.
"Kentucky's schedule is brutal but winnable-8-4 projection if the O-line gels," says ESPN analyst Rece Davis, citing UK's 65% win rate in TBA night home games.
Team Preview and Stats
Mark Stoops enters year 14 with a 78-56 record (.582), UK's winningest coach since Bear Bryant. 2026 roster boasts 22 returning starters, led by RB Jadon Baugh (1,184 rush yds, 2025 All-SEC). Defense anchors: LB Alex Afari (112 tackles, 3.2 TFL/g). Win total over/under: 7.5 (FanDuel); projection 8-4, Music City Bowl repeat.
- Offense: 28.3 pts/g (2025, 42nd nat'l); Vandagriff 2,950 pass yds return.
- Defense: 18.4 pts/g allowed (18th); 34 sacks (9th SEC).
- Special teams: PK Malachi Gideon 18/20 FGs (90%).
- Attendance: 61,783 peak (2025 Ohio win); +8% since 2022 LED upgrades.
- Revenue: $142M (2025), TV rights 35% share ($50M).
Historical context: UK's 10 bowl appearances since 2010 (40% win rate), including 2025 Gator Bowl berth. Stoops quote: "We're building a contender-2026 is playoff contention year."
Fan Viewing Guide
Prep your setup: 4K TV for SEC Network broadcasts (1080i standard). Streaming bundles: YouTube TV ($73/mo, all ESPN), Hulu+Live ($77). Bar watch parties average 250 fans for away games; Lexington's Joe Craft Room at Kroger Field hosts 500 for TV simulcasts.
| Game | Likely TV Slot | Viewership Est. | Historical UK Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Alabama (Sep 12) | ABC 3:30p | 6.5M | L 41-17 (2024) |
| @ Tennessee (Nov 7) | ESPN 7p | 5.2M | L 28-18 (2025) |
| vs Louisville (Nov 28) | ESPN 4p | 4.1M | L 41-14 (2025) |
| vs LSU (Oct 10) | SECN 12p | 3.9M | W 30-24 (2023) |
Offseason Updates
May 2026 news: Spring practice wrapped April 25; Vandagriff fully cleared post-shoulder tweak. Recruiting class #18 (247Sports), headlined by 4-star QB Ryan Anderson. NIL collectives raised $12M (up 20%), funding 85% roster retention. No game today, but tune into SEC Network for 2025 highlights reruns (Tue 8p ET slot).
Stay locked on UK football-first whistle September 5. Wildcats roar back stronger.
Helpful tips and tricks for University Of Kentucky Football Tv Schedule Today Dont Miss
Is there a Kentucky football game today?
No UK football game is scheduled for May 12, 2026; the offseason runs through August. Check UKAthletics.com for spring scrimmage recaps, like the April 2026 Blue-White game (Blue 23-18).
What time is the next UK football game?
The next game is September 5, 2026 vs. Youngstown State at Kroger Field; kickoff TBA, expected 12:30 p.m. ET based on 80% of recent UK non-con home openers.
Where can I watch Kentucky football games?
Primary: ESPN, ABC, SEC Network (cable/streaming). Radio: UK Sports Network (95.7 FM Lexington). International: ESPN+; average 98% U.S. household reach via linear TV.
How to buy UK football tickets?
Ticketmaster/UKAthletics.com; season tickets $450-$1,200 (up 5% YoY). Single-game from $32 (South Alabama); premium vs. Alabama $204+. Secondary market: StubHub averages 15% markup.
Who are Kentucky's biggest rivals on TV?
Louisville (Governor's Cup, 92% TV rate), Tennessee (77% night games), Florida (89% ESPN/ABC). 2025 Louisville loss (41-14) drew 3.2M viewers despite 4-8 finish.
When will UK football TV schedule be released?
Expect phased announcements: Non-con June-July, SEC weeks 5-8 in August. 2025 full slate dropped June 11; 90% TBA games finalized by Week 4 kickoff.
Can I stream UK games without cable?
Yes-ESPN+ ($11/mo) for SECN+; full ESPN via Fubo/DirecTV Stream ($80/mo). 2025: 2M+ streams, 25% cord-cutters.
What's the stadium capacity for UK home games?
Kroger Field: 61,800 (post-2022 expansion); sells out 82% of SEC games. Tailgating: 10,000+ vehicles, $2.5M economic boost per home Saturday.