We knew the SEC was going to get tougher. One more conference game, one less cupcake. But looking at the 2026 slate? This is an absolute gauntlet:
Sept. 5 Youngstown State
Sept. 12 Alabama
Sept. 19 @ Texas A&M
Sept. 26 South Alabama
Oct. 3 @ South Carolina
Oct.10 LSU
Oct. 17 @ Oklahoma
Oct. 24 Vanderbilt
Nov. 7 @ Tennessee
Nov. 14 Florida
Nov. 21 @ Missouri
Nov. 28 Louisville
That is Kentucky football's 2026 schedule, and it is an absolute gauntlet. Alabama in week two, heading to Kyle Field the very next week? You get a small breather with South Alabama, but right back to the grindstone with a trip to Columbia, hosting Lane Kiffin the next week, and then heading to Norman the very next.