Let’s give you all the information as Kentucky’s first three game times announced. Earlier this week, we went game by game through Kentucky’s 2026 opponents. It’s a very tough schedule for new coach Will Stein in his first season. In another sign that the football season was getting closer and closer, on Wednesday, the SEC announced the game times and networks for the early-season. One of the advantages of ESPN owning the media rights are the games are announced more than two weeks in advance. For the Wildcats, it’s a couple of chances for showcase matchups.
Kentucky’s First Three Game Times Announced
An Early Streaming Game
Another part of the SEC’s deal with ESPN is that one home game must be a streaming exclusive. For the Wildcats, they get theirs in the season’s first week on September 5th. Stein home opener and first game as coach starts at 1:00 pm on SEC Network+. This game was set up a few years ago when former coach Mark Stoops, Vince Marrow, and others were still at Kentucky. After all, those former members of the staff were all Youngstown natives. The Penguins went 8-5 in FCS a season ago. Stein should start his career with a win.
That’s the first contest of the year. The next two are big-time matchups as Kentucky’s first three game times are announced.
Details for the first three kickoffs are here 😼
Buy season tix at https://t.co/RyZuK0ckBB pic.twitter.com/88ITGxTMsg
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) May 27, 2026
A Tough Ticket
Stein’s first SEC game is about as big as it gets. The Wildcats get the 3:30 ABC window on September 12th as Alabama comes to Lexington. This is the third straight year Kentucky has opened SEC play at home. However, the Big Blue Nation is hoping for better results than the previous two. Back in 2024, UK was demolished by South Carolina. Last season, the Cats had a great chance to upset Ole Miss for a second straight year. Unfortunately, poor clock management doomed their upset hopes.
Alabama leads the series 39-2 with one tie. Tim Couch led the Cats to an upset back in 1997. Could Kenny Minchey help UK shock the world again? This one looks like one of the hottest tickets for a UK game in some time, as there should be a huge buzz around it.
Take Me To Texas
Kentucky hits the road the next for the first time under Stein when they invade Texas A&M. The September 19th contest is another afternoon game with a 3:30 scheduled kickoff on either ESPN or ESPN2. Of course, Mike Elko’s squad is coming off a College Football Playoff berth a season ago. Can they keep the momentum going in 2026? The Aggies have been in the SEC since 2012. However, they have not yet come to Lexington. That will finally happen in 2028. UK lost in College Station back in 2018, 20-14 in overtime.
Final Thoughts
There’s a ton of excitement around the Kentucky football program that we haven’t seen in a few years. A new coach with a new offensive philosophy brings lots of hope. With these first three games, the Wildcats have a real chance at making a statement right out of the gate. While the Youngstown State game should be a win, it’s the next two that will determine how the season goes. If the Wildcats can find a way to upset Alabama in the major national window or Texas A&M the next week, and a potential 2-1 start has the nation talking.
Thanks for checking out our look at Kentucky’s first three game times. Keep checking back here at Last Word On College Football for the latest Wildcat news leading up to the 2026 season.
Main Photo: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
