Kentucky adds fourth non-conference game in 2026

Kentucky fans cheer at Kroger Field during Auburn game - Dr. Michael Huang, Kentucky Sports Radio

We are still waiting to hear what the SEC will do with its scheduling model in 2026. Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart recently told KSR that a decision could arrive in August. We may have just got our answer on Tuesday.

Kevin Kelley of FB Schedules is reporting that Kentucky will play Kent State in 2026. That gives the Wildcats four non-conference opponents on the schedule. That means UK wouldn’t play more than eight conference games next fall.

“According to a copy of the contract obtained by FBschedules.com, the Kentucky Wildcats will host the Kent State Golden Flashes at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026,” Kelley writes. “The Wildcats will pay the Golden Flashes a $1.6 million guarantee for the game, per the contract copy.”

“The Wildcats and Golden Flashes are also scheduled to meet at Kroger Field during the 2028 season on Sept. 9, which we previously reported in January 2023. Kent State will receive a $1.8 million guarantee from Kentucky for that contest.”

Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning

By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.

Kentucky currently owns a 7-0 series lead over the MAC program. The programs most recently met in 2012 when UK won 47-14. Former Kentucky tight end and assistant C.J. Conrad is currently the tight ends coach at Kent State. The Golden Flashes will very likely start a new era in 2026 after head coach Kenni Burns was fired on April 11 for violations of contract.

Kentucky will also play Youngstown State (Sept. 5), South Alabama (Sept. 26), and Louisville (Nov. 28) in 2026. The Wildcats now have the first two games for the 2026 season locked in. UK’s first SEC game in 2026 will not occur until Week 3 at the earliest.

Expect another eight-game slate for the SEC for at least one more season.

Kentucky vs. Kent State series history

Date	Result	Location
Sept. 8, 1984	Kentucky 42, Kent State 0	Lexington
Sept. 20, 1986	Kentucky 37, Kent State 12	Lexington
Sept. 24, 1988	Kentucky 38, Kent State 14	Lexington
Sept. 28, 1991	Kentucky 24, Kent State 6	Lexington
Sept. 4, 1993	Kentucky 35, Kent State 0	Lexington
Sept. 8, 2007	Kentucky 56, Kent State 20	Lexington
Sept. 8, 2012	Kentucky 47, Kent State 14	Lexington