LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — The Kentucky Wildcats will open their 2025-26 men’s basketball season on Tuesday, Nov. 4, against the Nicholls State Colonels at Rupp Arena.

Both teams enter the contest with 0-0 records, looking to start the new campaign with a victory. For Kentucky, the game is the first opportunity to move past a season-ending 78-65 loss to Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament on March 28, 2025. The Wildcats will look to establish their new roster in front of their home crowd.

Nicholls State, the visiting team from the Southland Conference, also seeks a fresh start after a 58-55 loss to Lamar on March 11, 2025, concluded its previous season. The Colonels face a daunting opening schedule, with this game at Kentucky followed by a road trip to Eastern Illinois on Nov. 7.

The matchup pits one of college basketball’s most storied programs against a mid-major opponent beginning a challenging non-conference slate. Following the season opener, Kentucky will host Valparaiso on Nov. 7 before a marquee road game against rival Louisville on Nov. 11.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EDT at Rupp Arena.