As the start of Kentucky Football season draws nearer now just 101 days from kickoff—the Wildcats have revealed the kickoff times and TV details for their opening three games of the 2026 campaign.
Fans will get their first glimpse of the Will Stein era on September 5, when Kentucky hosts Youngstown State at Kroger Field. The game is set for 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on SECN+. This matchup is part of the SEC’s new initiative requiring each conference team to play one home game exclusively on SECN+ this season.
In Week 2, Kentucky welcomes Alabama for one of the SEC’s early marquee matchups. The Wildcats and Crimson Tide will meet at Kroger Field on September 12 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Although many fans had hoped for a night game atmosphere in Lexington, the contest will still rank among the most high-profile games nationally in the season’s opening weeks.
Kentucky then heads on the road in Week 3 to face Texas A&M at Kyle Field on September 19. That game will also start at 3:30 p.m. ET and air on either ESPN or ESPN2.
Kickoff times and TV assignments for the rest of Kentucky’s schedule are expected to be announced later this summer.
With Will Stein entering his first year as Kentucky’s head coach, excitement around the program continues to build. If the Wildcats can pull off a major upset against Alabama early on, it would instantly put Kentucky in the national spotlight and signal that Stein’s team is ready to compete with anyone.
Kentucky’s First 3 Games
Game 1: Kentucky vs. Youngstown State – Kroger Field (Lexington, KY) – Saturday, Sept. 5 – 1 p.m. ET – SECN+
Game 2: Kentucky vs. Alabama – Kroger Field (Lexington, KY) – Saturday, Sept. 12 – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Game 3: Kentucky at Texas A&M – Kyle Field (College Station, TX) – Saturday, Sept. 19 – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPN or ESPN2
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