Good morning, BBN!
Today is the day! Big Blue Madness is finally here.
It tips off tonight at 6 p.m. ET inside Rupp Arena as Kentucky basketball officially opens the 2025-26 season under Mark Pope.
The annual showcase will stream live on SEC Network+ through the ESPN app and feature player introductions, dunk and 3-point contests, and scrimmages from both the men’s and women’s teams.
Before the event, fans can attend the BBN United Fan Fest presented by Kroger, offering autographs, photo ops, live music,
and food trucks.
Our very own Dylan Ballard will be there live, interacting with fans, UK legends, potential players/coaches, and more! Check it out:
Admission to Big Blue Madness is free, but tickets were distributed on September 26 and sold out within two minutes.
As always, recruiting will take center stage. Five-star prospects Jordan Smith Jr. and Caleb Holt, along with four-star big man Josh Irving, are expected to visit as the Wildcats look to make an impression on the 2026 class.
With a loaded roster, national attention, and recruits in attendance, this year’s Madness promises to deliver the electric Rupp Arena atmosphere that defines Kentucky basketball.
Big Blue Madness 2025
Location: Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
Start Time: 6:00 PM ET on October 11th, 2025.
Online Stream: SEC Network+ will have live coverage.
Replay: WatchESPN / SEC Network+ on demand after the event.
Expected Recruits List (will be updated):
- Jordan Smith Jr. — 5-star combo guard (Class of 2026)
- Caleb Holt — 5-star shooting guard (Class of 2026)
- Josh Irving — 4-star center (Class of 2026)
- Dawson Battie — 4-star small forward (Class of 2027)
- Reese Alston — 4-star point guard (Class of 2027)
- Boogie Cook -unranked small forward (Class of 2028)
Let’s go!
Yep.
Headlines:
Kentucky Men’s and Women’s Basketball Posters Available Saturday – UK Athletics
New posters!
Can Yankees build a title-winning team around Aaron Judge? – ESPN
Hard to believe Judge hasn’t won a World Series yet.
Mark Cuban is looking to bring Indiana back to prominence with his money.
It’s been a fun season, and I’m sure by the time you are reading this, the Aces are champs.
NFL, NFLPA reviewing concussion protocol for Giants QB Jaxson Dart – ESPN
This isn’t surprising. Watching the game, you knew he came back out way too fast.
Caitlin Clark hasn’t faced this type of adversity yet. Excited to see what she’ll do next year.
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, Loyola Chicago’s beloved chaplain, dies at 106 – NBC Sports
Man… RIP.
Bucs’ Bowles rules WRs Godwin, Evans, RB Irving out vs. 49ers – ESPN
The Bucs have been riddled with injuries all season.
This is so hilarious.
Shedeur Sanders named Browns backup QB – NBC Sports
Was there ever any real doubt?
