Kentucky basketball takes center stage tonight as the No. 18 Wildcats host No. 16 North Carolina in the ACC/SEC Challenge. But the buzz isn’t just about hoops—Kentucky football fans are still reeling from a whirlwind 48 hours that culminated in the hiring of Will Stein as the new head coach.
Just days after digesting a crushing 41-0 loss to Louisville, Big Blue Nation received some big news. On Monday night, Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein, a Louisville native and lifelong Kentucky fan, agreed to a five-year deal to lead Kentucky football, a move officially confirmed just hours later. Stein, son of former Kentucky player Matt Stein, brings experience and credibility from his recent success at Oregon, where he coached standout quarterbacks like Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel, and Dante Moore.
Fans may even see Stein make a surprise appearance at Rupp Arena tonight, adding extra excitement to a must-watch basketball matchup.
Key Player Updates for Tonight
The Wildcats are likely to be shorthanded for tonight’s contest. Head coach Mark Pope confirmed that Mo Dioubate (ankle) and Jaland Lowe (shoulder) are not expected to play against North Carolina. Dioubate has not practiced since his injury against Michigan State, while Lowe participated in limited, non-contact drills. Their absence puts additional pressure on players like Collin Chandler to step up against the Tar Heels.
North Carolina, meanwhile, is coming off its first loss of the season, falling to Michigan State 74-58, the same team that defeated Kentucky two weeks ago. All eyes will be on Caleb Wilson, the Tar Heels’ five-star freshman, who has consistently posted double-figure points and double-digit rebounds.
How to Watch
Tipoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN (Dave O’Brien, Jay Williams, Dick Vitale)
Local Radio: UK Sports Network (Tom Leach, Goose Givens)
Online: iHeart Radio, Sirius XM (106 or 191)
Dick Vitale returns to Rupp Arena for the first time since stepping away to focus on his cancer battle, promising a special night for fans.
Betting Odds & Predictions
Kentucky opened as an 8.5-point favorite on BetMGM, with the spread now at -5.5. KenPom gives the Cats an 80% chance to win, predicting an 84-74 victory, while ESPN’s Matchup Predictor is even more optimistic, favoring Kentucky at 86.2%.
Will Stein Time
The football program is turning a new page. After firing Mark Stoops following a 13-season tenure, Kentucky wasted little time securing Stein. The hiring process was quick—just 14.5 hours between announcing Stoops’ departure and confirming Stein as the next head coach. Stein will remain Oregon’s offensive coordinator through the College Football Playoffs, balancing dual responsibilities before fully immersing himself in Lexington.
Stein’s arrival has been met with enthusiasm from players, staff, and fans alike. In a statement, he said:
> “I’m honored and excited to become the next head coach at Kentucky. Growing up in Kentucky and sitting in the stands at UK games as a kid, I could only dream of one day leading the Wildcats. This is truly a dream come true… Now, I can’t wait to get started and make Kentucky proud.”
National Signing Day is tomorrow, and with the transfer portal opening soon, Stein has plenty on his plate—but he’s ready to hit the ground running.
Looking Ahead
Tonight’s game promises plenty of drama, both on the court and off, as Kentucky basketball and football headlines collide. Whether it’s a thrilling win over North Carolina or a sneak peek of Stein’s first steps as head coach, Big Blue Nation has plenty to celebrate.
