Kentucky vs. Louisville at the Yum Center is set for Tuesday, Nov. 11, the earliest the rivalry game has ever been played.

In a historic shift for one of college basketball’s most intense rivalries, the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals will face off on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville. This marks the earliest date the two programs have ever met in their storied series, which began in 1913. Previously, the earliest meetings occurred on November 26, 1983, and November 27, 1993. ([A Sea Of Blue][1], [A Sea Of Blue][2])

The decision to schedule the game so early in the season has not been publicly explained by the University of Kentucky. However, it sets the stage for a challenging start to the Wildcats’ 2025–26 campaign. Kentucky is slated to open its season on November 3 and will face Michigan State in the Champions Classic just a week after the Louisville game. Additionally, the Wildcats are expected to play a preseason exhibition against a top-10 Purdue team and possibly several mid-major opponents before these marquee matchups. ([A Sea Of Blue][2])

The rivalry between Kentucky and Louisville is deeply rooted in the state’s basketball culture. Often referred to as the “Battle for the Bluegrass,” it is considered one of the most passionate rivalries in the NCAA. The intensity is fueled by the proximity of the two schools and Kentucky’s fervent interest in college basketball. Since resuming annual play in 1983, the Wildcats lead the series 39–17. ([Wikipedia][3], [Wikipedia][4], [A Sea Of Blue][1])

The upcoming game will also feature the second meeting between head coaches Mark Pope of Kentucky and Pat Kelsey of Louisville. Both coaches are relatively new to their positions, with Pope taking over the Wildcats and Kelsey leading the Cardinals. Their fresh leadership adds another layer of intrigue to the rivalry. ([SI][5], [kentucky.com][6])

In preparation for last season’s matchup, Kentucky’s media and alumni team initiated the “Kentucky Legends Project,” where former players wrote letters to current team members, emphasizing the significance of the rivalry. These letters, from notable alumni like Kenny Walker and Darius Miller, provided inspirational messages and personal anecdotes, underscoring the deep-rooted meaning of the game for both players and fans. ([A Sea Of Blue][7])

As the Wildcats and Cardinals prepare to clash earlier than ever before, fans from both sides eagerly anticipate another chapter in this historic rivalry. The November 11 game promises to be a significant early-season test for both programs, setting the tone for the rest of their respective seasons.