The 2026 Kentucky football schedule opens at home against Youngstown State on September 5 at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Kentucky Wildcats face 12 regular-season games plus a potential SEC Championship appearance, with a high-profile home date against ranked Alabama and the annual Governor’s Cup against Louisville.
Kroger Field hosts seven home dates on the 2026 Kentucky football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in mid-October with consecutive ranked road and home tests against Oklahoma and LSU.
2026 Kentucky Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Youngstown State PenguinsKroger Field, Lexington, KY | 1:00pm ETSECN+ | ||
| Saturday | 13 Alabama Crimson TideKroger Field, Lexington, KY | 3:30pm ETABC/Disney+ | ||
| Saturday | at 8 Texas A&M AggiesKyle Field, College Station, TX | 3:30pm ETESPN or ESPN2 | ||
| Saturday | South Alabama JaguarsKroger Field, Lexington, KY | 12:45pm ETSECN | ||
| Saturday | at South Carolina GamecocksWilliams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 11 LSU TigersKroger Field, Lexington, KY | 6:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 10 Oklahoma SoonersGaylord Family OK Mem. Stadium, Norman, OK | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Vanderbilt CommodoresKroger Field, Lexington, KY | 6:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | at 20 Tennessee VolunteersNeyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN | 6:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Florida GatorsKroger Field, Lexington, KY | 6:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 25 Missouri TigersFaurot Field, Columbia, MO | 6:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Governor’s Cup | ||||
| Saturday | 24 Louisville CardinalsKroger Field, Lexington, KY | 12:00-1:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | vs SEC ChampionshipMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 4:00pm ETABC | ||
How the 2026 Kentucky Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with a mix of home and ranked games on the 2026 Kentucky football schedule. Youngstown State at home, #13 Alabama at home on ABC/Disney+, a road trip to #8 Texas A&M, and South Alabama at home. That early stretch mixes manageable dates with two ranked contests.
October brings a road trip to South Carolina, #11 LSU at home, a road game at #10 Oklahoma, Vanderbilt at home, and the listed off date. The consecutive ranked games will define the middle of the season.
November features a road trip to #20 Tennessee, Florida at home, a road game at #25 Missouri, and the Governor’s Cup against #24 Louisville at home. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible SEC Championship appearance.
Home Games at Kroger Field
Seven home dates appear on the 2026 Kentucky football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Youngstown State
- September 12 vs. #13 Alabama
- September 26 vs. South Alabama
- October 10 vs. #11 LSU
- October 24 vs. Vanderbilt
- November 14 vs. Florida
- November 28 vs. #24 Louisville (Governor’s Cup)
The Alabama, LSU and Louisville games will generate the strongest crowds in Lexington.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Kentucky football schedule.
The September 12 home game against #13 Alabama is an early SEC measuring stick. The October 10 home date against #11 LSU is a key ranked test. The November 28 Governor’s Cup against #24 Louisville always carries extra weight.
Win two of those three and the Wildcats stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 SEC Championship appearance in Atlanta.
Where to Watch Kentucky Wildcats Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 Kentucky Wildcats Football schedule:
- SECN+ (Sept. 5 vs. Youngstown State)
- ABC/Disney+ (Sept. 12 vs. Alabama)
- ESPN or ESPN2 (Sept. 19 at Texas A&M)
- SECN (Sept. 26 vs. South Alabama)
- ABC (Dec. 5 SEC Championship)
Most remaining SEC games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 5 — Season opener vs. Youngstown State, 1:00 p.m. ET, SECN+
- Sept. 12 — #13 Alabama at home, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/Disney+
- Oct. 10 — #11 LSU at home
- Nov. 28 — Governor’s Cup vs. #24 Louisville
- Dec. 5 — Potential SEC Championship in Atlanta, 4:00 p.m. ET, ABC
The 2026 Kentucky football schedule opens with a ranked home test and builds toward classic rivalries. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Kentucky open the 2026 season?
Kentucky opens the 2026 season at home against Youngstown State on Saturday, September 5 at 1:00 p.m. ET on SECN+.
How many home games do the Kentucky Wildcats have in 2026?
The Wildcats have seven home games at Kroger Field on the 2026 Kentucky football schedule: Youngstown State, #13 Alabama, South Alabama, #11 LSU, Vanderbilt, Florida, and #24 Louisville.
Who do the Kentucky Wildcats play in the Governor’s Cup?
On November 28 the Wildcats host #24 Louisville in the Governor’s Cup at Kroger Field. Time and TV are still TBA.
What channel are Kentucky games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include SECN+, ABC/Disney+, ESPN or ESPN2, SECN, and ABC. Most SEC games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
