Several Kentucky Women’s Basketball Non-Conference Opponents Revealed for 2025 Season
LEXINGTON, Ky. — As the anticipation builds for the upcoming 2025-26 college basketball season, Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball fans got a sneak peek at what’s to come with the announcement of several non-conference matchups. Head coach Kenny Brooks, entering his second year at the helm in Lexington, is piecing together a challenging and balanced slate that aims to test his young but talented roster before the rigors of SEC play begin.
Among the confirmed non-conference opponents are perennial powerhouses, regional rivals, and intriguing mid-major programs that promise to bring excitement to Memorial Coliseum and give fans an early look at how the Wildcats stack up nationally.
One of the most notable matchups announced is a home game against Louisville, renewing the fierce in-state rivalry. After last year’s narrow loss in a thriller at the KFC Yum! Center, the Wildcats will be eager to exact revenge on their home court. The Cardinals, led by head coach Jeff Walz, are expected to be a top-25 team once again, making this a marquee early-season clash with national implications.
Also on the schedule is a road trip to face the Indiana Hoosiers. Indiana, fresh off a Sweet 16 appearance in 2025, boasts one of the more experienced rosters in the Big Ten. The game will serve as a major early test for Kentucky’s backcourt, especially with incoming freshman standout Nyla Richardson projected to take on a significant role early in the season.
Another intriguing matchup includes a neutral-site game against Oklahoma in the Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase. This high-profile contest offers Kentucky a chance to play on a national stage against a team known for its uptempo offense. Coach Brooks emphasized the importance of such games in preparing for the SEC: “We want our players to be tested early. These types of games simulate the intensity and pressure we’ll face in conference play.”
The Wildcats will also host Marshall and Northern Kentucky, continuing a trend of scheduling regional programs that add depth and familiarity to the non-conference slate. These games will offer Kentucky an opportunity to refine rotations and establish chemistry among its new-look roster.
The non-conference schedule is expected to include at least 11 games in total, with a few remaining matchups yet to be officially announced. Early indications suggest that Kentucky will also participate in a multi-team event (MTE) in Florida over Thanksgiving weekend, which could include games against mid-major contenders and another power conference foe.
With several high-impact freshmen and key transfers joining returning players like Amiya Jenkins and Jordy Griggs, Kentucky appears poised to make a significant leap forward. Last season’s growing pains may translate into this season’s success, especially with a schedule designed to challenge and develop the squad from the outset.
As the full schedule is finalized in the coming weeks, fans can look forward to a non-conference slate filled with storylines, rivalries, and opportunities. If these early reveals are any indication, the 2025-26 Kentucky women’s basketball team will not only be battle-tested — they’ll be ready.
