The SEC appears poised to stick with its current eight-game conference schedule for at least one more season, with Kentucky’s 2026 slate offering a strong hint of the league’s intentions.
UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart told Kentucky Sports Radio
that a decision on the SEC’s long-term scheduling format could come in August, but the Wildcats’ finalized non-conference lineup suggests no move to a nine-game conference schedule next fall.Kevin Kelley of FB Schedules reports that Kentucky will host
Kent State on Sept. 12, 2026, at Kroger Field. “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 says. “The Wildcats will pay the Golden Flashes a $1.6 million guarantee for the game, per the contract copy.”
Kentucky will also host Youngstown State (Sept. 5), South Alabama (Sept. 26), and in-state rival Louisville (Nov. 28) as part of its four non-conference matchups. That schedule means the Wildcats will open the year with two straight non-league games before starting SEC play in Week 3 at the earliest.
Kentucky currently has a 7-0 record all-time against Kent State, most recently winning 47-14 in 2012. Former UK tight end and assistant coach C.J. Conrad currently serves as Kent State’s tight ends coach.
