The matchup between the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals is one of the best rivalries in college basketball. Louisville has had its fair share of struggles over the last handful of years, but Pat Kelsey has brought the Cards back to national relevance.

Kentucky-Louisville is back on the menu once again for the 2025-26 season, but, this time, it's to kick off the season.

The annual rivalry game between Louisville and Kentucky basketball will be played much earlier than in years past. Here's what to know.