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The full 2026 Kentucky football schedule is posted below, with dates, opponents, and TV broadcast info updated as it becomes available. Head coach Will Stein opens his first season in Lexington with seven home games at Kroger Field, including a Week 2 matchup against Alabama and a Week 6 home game against LSU.
- Conference: SEC.
- 2026 opener: Saturday, September 5 vs Youngstown State Penguins.
- Home games: 7 at Kroger Field.
- How to watch: ABC, ESPN, and SEC Network (stream on ESPN+).
2026 Kentucky Wildcats Football
Will Stein takes over as Kentucky’s head coach heading into 2026, inheriting a program with recent bowl game experience and a full SEC schedule ahead. The Wildcats open the regular season September 5 against Youngstown State, then face back-to-back tests in Weeks 2 and 3 – Alabama at home and Texas A&M on the road – that will set the tone early.
Kentucky holds a bye on October 31 before finishing the regular season with games against Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, and Louisville. A win total of six or more would secure bowl eligibility for the second time under new staff leadership.
For the latest roster moves and program news, visit the Kentucky Wildcats Football official athletics site.
2026 Kentucky Football Schedule
| Wk | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sat, Sep 5 | vs Youngstown State Penguins | 1:00 PM | SEC Network+ |
| 2 | Sat, Sep 12 | vs Alabama Crimson Tide | 3:30 PM | ABC |
| 3 | Sat, Sep 19 | @ Texas A&M Aggies | 3:30 PM | ESPN/ESPN2 |
| 4 | Sat, Sep 26 | vs South Alabama Jaguars | 12:45 PM | SEC Network |
| 5 | Sat, Oct 3 | @ South Carolina Gamecocks | Flex | TBA |
| 6 | Sat, Oct 10 | vs LSU Tigers | Night | TBA |
| 7 | Sat, Oct 17 | @ Oklahoma Sooners | Flex | TBA |
| 8 | Sat, Oct 24 | vs Vanderbilt Commodores | Night | TBA |
| Open Date – Bye Week (Sat, Oct 31) | ||||
| 10 | Sat, Nov 7 | @ Tennessee Volunteers | Night | TBA |
| 11 | Sat, Nov 14 | vs Florida Gators | Night | TBA |
| 12 | Sat, Nov 21 | @ Missouri Tigers | Night | TBA |
| 13 | Sat, Nov 28 | vs Louisville Cardinals | Early | TBA |
All times Eastern. Window games show their ESPN TV window (Early, Afternoon, Night, or Flex); exact kickoff times and networks are confirmed about six days before each game. Updated June 11, 2026.
Times and TV assignments listed as TBD will be updated when the SEC releases its broadcast schedule, typically in late summer.
More 2026 College Football Resources
Kentucky plays in one of college football’s toughest conferences. For the full picture of the league’s schedule, view the SEC Football Schedule with all 14 team slates and matchup dates in one place.
If the Wildcats build toward a strong season, see where the postseason picture leads with the complete 2026-27 College Football Playoff schedule and format breakdown.
2026 Kentucky Football FAQ
Who is Kentucky’s head coach in 2026?
Will Stein is the Kentucky Wildcats head football coach in 2026, his first season leading the program.
How many home games does Kentucky have in 2026?
Kentucky plays seven home games in 2026 at Kroger Field in Lexington, hosting Youngstown State, Alabama, South Alabama, LSU, Vanderbilt, Florida, and Louisville.
When is Kentucky’s bye week in 2026?
Kentucky’s bye week falls on October 31, 2026 – Week 9 of the regular season.
When will Kentucky’s game times and TV channels be announced?
The SEC releases kickoff times and TV assignments on a rolling basis, typically several weeks before each game. Times for most 2026 games are listed as TBD and will be updated here when confirmed.
Who does Kentucky play in the Governor’s Cup in 2026?
Kentucky closes the 2026 regular season against in-state rival Louisville on November 28 in the annual Governor’s Cup matchup.
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Resource Hub
Kentucky Wildcats
Everything you need for the 2026 college football season.
|
| → 2026 College Football Schedule Full FBS slate with kickoff times and TV networks. |
| → 2026-27 College Football Playoff Bracket The 12-team bracket, dates, and projected matchups. |
| → 2026-27 Bowl Game Schedule Every bowl game, date, and matchup in one place. |
| → SEC Football Standings Live SEC standings, records, and results. |
