DISPATCH
Kentucky Completes 2026–27 Schedule with Wichita State
Kentucky has added Wichita State to the 2026–27 schedule, with the Shockers visiting Rupp Arena on Friday, Nov. 27. The game completes Kentucky’s regular-season slate and will mark the programs’ first meeting outside the NCAA Tournament. Their previous encounters came in memorable March Madness games in 2014 and 2017, both Kentucky victories.
Mark Mitchell Eligibility Decision Remains on Kentucky’s Radar
A Jefferson County judge is expected to rule later this week on whether former Missouri forward Mark Mitchell and other players from the 2022 recruiting class can receive another season of NCAA eligibility. Judge Brian C. Edwards heard arguments Friday and gave both sides until Tuesday to submit additional material before issuing his decision. Mitchell has been linked to Kentucky as a possible addition if he wins eligibility and is allowed to enter the transfer portal.
Big Blue Madness Set for an Early October Return
Big Blue Madness will be held Friday, Oct. 2, at Rupp Arena, giving Kentucky fans their first public look at Mark Pope’s 2026–27 Wildcats. The unusually early date comes as college basketball adjusts to rules permitting teams to play as many as three preseason exhibition games against other schools. Kentucky already has an Oct. 16 exhibition against Little Rock on its schedule.
Archie Goodwin Celebrates His 32nd Birthday
Former Kentucky guard Archie Goodwin was born Aug. 17, 1994, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and turns 32 today. Goodwin played his lone Kentucky season in 2012–13 after arriving as an Arkansas Mr. Basketball, McDonald’s All-American and one of the nation’s most highly regarded guards.
On This Date: Wildcats Closed 2014 Bahamas Stretch with a Victory
On Aug. 17, 2014, Kentucky defeated Champagne Chalons-Reims 77–72 during the Wildcats’ preseason exhibition tour in the Bahamas. The victory followed wins over the Puerto Rico reserves and the Dominican Republic as John Calipari used the summer trip to begin molding the extraordinarily deep team that would open the ensuing season with 38 consecutive victories. Wildcat World records the contest as an exhibition played at Imperial Arena.