WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State is set to make its first trip to Rupp Arena as the Shockers finalize a one-time road game against Kentucky during the 2026-27 season, per sources.
The matchup was first reported Thursday by college basketball analyst Rocco Miller. A date has not been announced, though late November appears to be a possibility.
The game will mark the first regular-season meeting between Wichita State and Kentucky. The programs have faced each other twice, with both matchups coming in the NCAA Tournament.
Kentucky ended Wichita State’s undefeated season with a 78-76 victory in the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats also defeated the Shockers 65-62 in the second round of the 2017 tournament.
The Kentucky game adds another high-profile matchup to Wichita State’s nonconference schedule under fourth-year coach Paul Mills. The Shockers are also scheduled to face USC on Nov. 8 at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline, Nevada.
Wichita State athletic director Kevin Saal has strong ties to Kentucky after spending 12 years in the Wildcats’ athletic department from 2007-19. Saal eventually served as executive associate athletic director before later becoming athletic director at Murray State and joining Wichita State in 2022.
The matchup also fits Wichita State’s stated goal of strengthening its nonconference schedule with opportunities against top-level opponents as the Shockers pursue an at-large NCAA Tournament bid.
Wichita State is coming off a 24-win season and an appearance in the American Conference tournament championship game.
Kentucky finished 22-14 last season under coach Mark Pope, who will enter his third season leading his alma mater. The Wildcats are expected to enter the season nationally ranked despite significant roster turnover, with 7-foot sophomore Malachi Moreno among the key returners.
Kentucky also added several notable transfers, including Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic, Washington point guard Zoom Diallo and Furman guard Alex Wilkins.