The conference championship games have just come to an end, but that hasn't dampened the SEC's enthusiasm for looking ahead to the next season. On Wednesday night, we were treated to our first glimpse of the 2025 Kentucky football schedule. Unlike the majority of the Power Four conferences, the SEC is committed to an 8-game conference schedule. These terms were established before the arrival of Texas and Oklahoma, but there is a possibility of a change after the 2025 season.

Next Year's Challenges and Opportunities

Next year's Kentucky football schedule will present the Wildcats with familiar SEC opponents, just like the 2024 slate. However, the Wildcats struggled last year, going 1-7 and failing to reach the 20-point mark. They have also lost seven consecutive SEC games at home. Mark Stoops and his coaching staff are hard at work constructing the next year's roster to prepare for a seven-game home stand at Kroger Field.In the non-conference portion, Kentucky will host two teams from the MAC. Jason Candle's Toledo football team managed to defeat Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium last fall. Eastern Michigan was just one win away from bowl eligibility. During his tenure in Lexington, Mark Stoops has achieved three victories over these programs. The Kentucky football schedule will conclude with a road trip to Louisville, a place where the Cats have not suffered a loss since 2014, which was Mark Stoops' second season.This schedule features two byes, which come early for the Wildcats. They will end the season with seven consecutive games, which will be a tough test. However, there is one positive aspect - Florida is finally making the trip north to Lexington in November.

August 30: vs. Toledo - Kroger Field (Lexington, KY)

Kentucky will open the season at home against Toledo. This will be an important game for the Wildcats as they look to start the year on a positive note. Toledo has shown some potential in recent years and will pose a challenge to Kentucky. The home field advantage at Kroger Field could give the Wildcats an edge, but they will need to be at their best to secure the victory.

September 6: vs. Ole Miss - Kroger Field (Lexington, KY)

Ole Miss will be the next opponent for Kentucky at Kroger Field. This is always a highly anticipated game between these two SEC rivals. Ole Miss has a talented team and will be looking to avenge any previous losses to Kentucky. The Wildcats will need to be focused and play their best football to come out on top in this matchup.

September 13: vs. Eastern Michigan - Kroger Field (Lexington, KY)

Eastern Michigan will be the third non-conference opponent for Kentucky at Kroger Field. This game provides an opportunity for the Wildcats to build some momentum before entering SEC play. Eastern Michigan will be looking to cause an upset, but Kentucky will be determined to maintain their home-field dominance.

September 20: OPEN

After a busy stretch of games, Kentucky will have a bye week. This will give the players and coaching staff a chance to rest and recover before facing South Carolina. It is an important time for the team to analyze their performance and make any necessary adjustments.

September 27: at South Carolina - Williams-Brice Stadium (Columbia, SC)

Kentucky will travel to South Carolina for their first SEC game of the season. This is always a tough road trip in the SEC, and South Carolina will be looking to start the season on a high note. The Wildcats will need to be prepared for a physical and competitive game if they want to come away with a victory.

October 4: at Georgia - Sanford Stadium (Athens, GA)

A trip to Georgia is never easy, especially when facing the Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Georgia is a perennial powerhouse in the SEC and will be a tough opponent for Kentucky. The Wildcats will need to bring their A-game if they want to have a chance of winning this game.

October 11: OPEN

Another bye week will give Kentucky some time to regroup and prepare for the next stretch of games. This break will allow the players to focus on their individual and team goals and come back stronger.

October 18: vs. Texas - Kroger Field (Lexington, KY)

Texas will be a significant opponent for Kentucky at Kroger Field. Texas is a highly ranked team with a talented roster, and this game will be a test for the Wildcats. Kentucky will need to play their best football to have a chance of defeating Texas and maintaining their home-field advantage.

October 25: vs. Tennessee - Kroger Field (Lexington, KY)

The rivalry between Kentucky and Tennessee is always intense, and this game at Kroger Field is no exception. Tennessee is a tough opponent, and the Wildcats will need to be focused and motivated to come out on top. This game could have a significant impact on the SEC East standings.

November 1: at Auburn - Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn, AL)

Kentucky will travel to Auburn for a crucial SEC game. Auburn is a strong team and will be looking to defend their home turf. The Wildcats will need to be prepared for a tough battle and play with confidence if they want to come away with a win.

November 8: vs. Florida - Kroger Field (Lexington, KY)

Finally, Florida will make the trip north to Lexington in November. This is a highly anticipated game for Kentucky fans, as it is a chance to avenge any previous losses to the Gators. Florida is a talented team, but Kentucky will be looking to use their home-field advantage to their advantage.

November 15: vs. Tennessee Tech - Kroger Field (Lexington, KY)

Tennessee Tech will be the final non-conference opponent for Kentucky at Kroger Field. This game provides an opportunity for the Wildcats to finish the regular season on a high note. Tennessee Tech will be looking to cause an upset, but Kentucky will be determined to close out the season strong.

November 22: at Vanderbilt - FirstBank Stadium (Nashville, TN)

Kentucky will end the regular season with a road trip to Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt is a tough opponent, and the Wildcats will need to be focused and disciplined to come away with a victory. This game could have implications for their postseason hopes.

November 29: at Louisville - L&N Stadium (Louisville, KY)

The final game of the season will be a road trip to Louisville. Kentucky has not lost to Louisville since 2014, and they will be looking to continue this streak. Louisville is a talented team, but the Wildcats will be confident going into this game.Want more? Take a closer look at every SEC football team's schedule in 2025.Want more coverage of the Cats? Join KSR+KSR has been delivering UK Sports news in the most ridiculous manner for almost two decades. Now, you can get even more coverage of the Cats with KSR+. In the middle of a busy summer of recruiting for the basketball and football programs, now is the perfect time to join our online community. Subscribe now for premium articles, in-depth scouting reports, inside intel, bonus recruiting coverage, and access to KSBoard, our message board featuring thousands of Kentucky fans around the globe. Come join the club.