Ole Miss Looks to Rebound Against Kentucky in Pivotal SEC Matchup
LEXINGTON, Ky., January 24, 2026 – The Ole Miss Rebels travel to face the Kentucky Wildcats in a Saturday morning SEC showdown at Rupp Arena. Both teams are looking to solidify their postseason resumes, with Kentucky aiming to protect its home court and Ole Miss seeking a resume-defining road victory after a tough home loss earlier in the week.
Game Details & Conference Standings
The game is scheduled for an 11:00 AM CT tip-off and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. This will be the only regular-season meeting between the programs this year. Entering the contest, Kentucky holds a 13-6 overall record and is 4-2 in SEC play, sitting in a tie for fourth place. Ole Miss is 11-8 overall and 3-3 in the conference, tied for eighth.
| Team | Overall Record | SEC Record | NET Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Wildcats | 13-6 | 4-2 | #28 |
| Ole Miss Rebels | 11-8 | 3-3 | #79 |
Team Trajectories & Stakes
Kentucky is building momentum after a critical road win at Tennessee last week and a home victory over Texas. Analysts project the Wildcats as a potential No. 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but their resume lacks high-quality wins. A loss to Ole Miss, currently a Quad 3 opponent, would be a significant setback.
Ole Miss saw a three-game SEC winning streak snapped in a disappointing 78-66 home loss to Auburn on Tuesday. Coach Chris Beard called it a “wasted opportunity” and criticized his team’s lack of physicality and competitive fire. The Rebels now face a quick turnaround and a major challenge on the road to avoid falling back to .500 in league play.
Historical Dominance & Recent Shift
Kentucky holds a commanding 31-5 all-time series advantage over Ole Miss. However, the Rebels have shown signs of life in the rivalry recently, winning two of the last ten meetings. Most notably, Ole Miss won the most recent matchup, a 98-84 victory in Oxford on February 4, 2025. The Rebels’ all-time record in Lexington is a daunting 0-19.
Bracketology & Postseason Implications
Current bracketology projections have Kentucky firmly in the NCAA Tournament field, with most models slotting them between a No. 6 and No. 8 seed. Their NET ranking of 28 and strength of schedule are key assets. Conversely, Ole Miss sits on the outside looking in for the NCAA Tournament, with a NET ranking of 79 placing them squarely on the bubble for the NIT. A win at Rupp Arena would be a massive boost to their postseason hopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Ole Miss vs. Kentucky game?
The game tips off at 11:00 AM Central Time (12:00 PM Eastern Time) on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
What channel is the game on?
The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
What is Kentucky’s record against Ole Miss?
Kentucky dominates the all-time series with a 31-5 record. However, Ole Miss won the last meeting in 2025.
Is Ole Miss projected to make the NCAA Tournament?
As of January 24, Ole Miss is not projected to make the NCAA Tournament field. They are considered a bubble team for the NIT.