Kentucky’s non-conference schedule has been one of the biggest talking points of the offseason, especially after Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale criticized the Wildcats for what he described as a soft slate of games. With one opening still available on the schedule, head coach Mark Pope appears to be working on a matchup that could quickly change that conversation.
According to reports from Matt Jones, Kentucky is in discussions to face West Virginia on Black Friday at a neutral-site game in Nashville. An earlier possibility involving Illinois reportedly fell through, leaving the Mountaineers as the leading candidate. While CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander has described the matchup as a “50-50” possibility, the potential game has already generated excitement.
If the deal is completed, it would mark the return of one of Kentucky’s most overlooked basketball rivalries.
Although Kentucky owns a commanding 16-5 advantage in the all-time series, the meetings between the Wildcats and Mountaineers have often carried significant weight. Their matchups have included NCAA Tournament battles, memorable finishes, and emotional moments that left lasting impressions on both fan bases.
The last meeting came during the 2018 SEC/Big 12 Challenge, when Kentucky erased a second-half deficit to defeat No. 15 West Virginia, 83-76. Kevin Knox delivered one of the best performances of his Kentucky career, pouring in 34 points to lead the Wildcats to victory.
Before that, the two programs met in consecutive NCAA Tournaments. Kentucky defeated West Virginia in both the 2011 and 2015 tournaments, but many fans still remember the heartbreaking 2010 Elite Eight loss when West Virginia ended John Wall’s lone season in Lexington with a 73-66 victory. That game remains one of the defining moments in the recent history between the programs.
A renewed series would also strengthen Kentucky’s non-conference schedule by adding another Power Four opponent before SEC play begins. While West Virginia may not enter the season as a national title contender, the history between the schools would give the matchup plenty of intrigue.
For Mark Pope, adding a competitive neutral-site game against a familiar opponent would answer some of the criticism surrounding Kentucky’s schedule while giving fans another meaningful early-season showdown. If both sides can finalize the agreement, Black Friday in Nashville could become the latest chapter in a rivalry that has been dormant for far too long.
