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.

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

The 2025-26 meeting between Kentucky and Louisville will take place much earlier on the schedule than past games in the basketball rivalry.