Kentucky’s Mark Pope jokingly blamed Louisville for the early rivalry game date in the 2025-26 season. The Wildcats will face off against Louisville on November 11, 2025, at the KFC Yum! Center, marking the earliest meeting between the two in-state rivals in history.
Pope lightheartedly pointed fingers at Louisville during his press conference, saying, “So, blame Louisville for that, okay. I actually don’t know how we got to the date. More important people are dealing with those issues than me. But I’m sure it’s Louisville’s fault.” This humorous jab added a lighthearted touch to the announcement.
The game promises to be a thrilling matchup, setting the stage for an exciting season. With the intense rivalry between Kentucky and Louisville, fans are eagerly anticipating the November encounter.

