The Kentucky Wildcats will open their two-game exhibition season against the preseason No. 1 overall team: The Purdue Boilermakers. Game time is set for 6:00 PM ET on Friday via the SEC Network.
Even though
Friday’s matchup won’t affect the win-loss column, it’ll serve as a major measuring stick for both teams, especially for Kentucky, which enters the season with one of the youngest, most retooled rosters in college basketball.
Kentucky lost eight players from last year’s team, including six graduates with Lamont Butler, Jaxson Robinson, Koby Brea, Andrew Carr, Ansley Almonor, and Amari Williams, and two transfers, Travis Perry and Kerr Kriisa.
To fill those holes, Mark Pope went to work. Kentucky added:
Three high school recruits: Braydon Hawthorne, Jasper Johnson, and Malachi Moreno
Six transfers: Denzel Aberdeen, Mouhamed Dioubate, Jaland Lowe, Reece Potter, Jayden Quaintance, and Kam Williams
One international prospect: Croatian forward Andrija Jelavić
Four players return from last year’s squad with Collin Chandler, Otega Oweh, Brandon Garrison, and Trent Noah. Oweh and Garrison are projected starters this season, while Chandler and Noah are expected to be spark plugs off the bench.
Friday will also be the first chance fans get to see Oweh back on the court after a 10-week recovery from a turf toe injury. Meanwhile, starting point guard Jaland Lowe is sidelined after tweaking his shoulder during the Blue-White Game. He’s unlikely to play this week, so it will be interesting to see who runs the offense throughout the game in what will likely be a committee approach.
Battle of the Best
This isn’t your typical preseason tune-up as it’s a top-10 clash. Purdue enters as the nation’s No. 1 team, while Kentucky sits at No. 9. Both squads bring national championship aspirations and are loaded with talent, experience, and depth.
For Purdue, will have a more balanced attack led by Trey Kaufman-Renn, who’s shifting to power forward full-time. Kaufman-Renn’s ability to create from the high post and dominate inside makes him one of college basketball’s most complete forwards.
Behind him, point guard Braden Smith is the engine that drives the Boilermakers. Smith’s command of the offense with his pace, vision, and shot creation will make Purdue one of the most disciplined and dangerous teams in the country.
Newcomer Oscar Cluff, a physical and fluid big man, adds another dimension to Purdue’s pick-and-roll game. Freshmen CJ Cox and Gicarri Harris bring defensive energy and outside shooting, while Jack Benter and Omer Mayer add playmaking and scoring depth.
For Kentucky, it’s all about chemistry. Pope’s squad is full of new faces and offensive weapons, but how quickly they mesh, especially against a veteran-laden Purdue team, will tell a lot about where the Wildcats stand heading into the season.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Kentucky’s Rebounding vs. Purdue’s Physicality
Purdue averaged 32.4 rebounds per game last season, while Kentucky grabbed 38.5. The Wildcats’ advantage on the glass could be crucial, especially if they limit Purdue’s second-chance points. Brandon Garrison and Malachi Moreno will need to be active against Kaufman-Renn and Cluff inside. - Offensive Efficiency
Both teams shoot efficiently with Purdue hit 49% from the field and 38.5% from 3, while Kentucky shot 48.2% and 37.4% respectively. Expect a high-scoring, fast-paced game with both teams prioritizing transition opportunities. - Turnovers and Defense
Kentucky averaged 11.1 turnovers per game compared to Purdue’s 10.4, while both teams forced around 6.5 steals per contest. The Wildcats’ pressure defense under Pope will be tested by Smith’s ball control and Purdue’s structured offense. - The Point Guard Battle
If Lowe plays, his poise against Smith will be a fascinating early test. If not, look for Denzel Aberdeen and Collin Chandler to handle more of the offense.
What to Expect
Don’t let the “exhibition” label fool you, as both teams will take this one seriously. Purdue’s veteran core will look to assert itself early, while Kentucky’s depth and athleticism should shine in spurts.
Pope’s offensive system, known for spacing, quick ball movement, and creativity, will be on display for the first time against elite competition. On the other side, Matt Painter’s structured sets and emphasis on rebounding and half-court execution will challenge Kentucky’s defense and conditioning.
The Rupp Arena crowd should be electric for this one, marking the first true preview of what could be one of the most exciting Kentucky teams in recent memory.
Kentucky Basketball vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 6 PM ET
Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
TV Channel: SEC Network
Announcers: Tom Hart and Jimmy Dykes will call the action.
Online Stream: ESPN+ and the ESPN app
Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens will have the call on the UK Sports Radio Network.
Replay: WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings).
Last Matchup: December 3, 1997, Kentucky beat Purdue 89-75.
All-Time Series: Kentucky leads 6-2.
Prediction: Both teams will treat this like a statement game. Purdue’s experience gives them an edge, but Kentucky’s athleticism and depth will make it a tight one down the stretch.
Final Score: Purdue 84, Kentucky 81.
Even in a loss, the Wildcats could leave fans buzzing about what’s to come this season.
