The Cats certainly don't have an easy road in 2025 and Mark Pope wouldn't want it any other way.
With a Sweet 16 run already in his back pocket, Mark Pope is ready for year two—and the just released 2025-26 SEC schedule won’t give him a break. Kentucky will face everything from rebuilding squads to national title contenders. Here’s how the conference slate stacks up from most winnable to most difficult, based on roster talent, coaching stability, and home-court edge.