No. 23 Kentucky’s second game of the season brings a sharper test to Rupp Arena tonight, and the matchup comes with a familiar name on the other sideline.
The Wildcats face James Madison for the first time at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network, with Kevin Fitzgerald and Jon Crispin on the call.
The Dukes arrive under Preston Spradlin, now in his third season leading the program. Spradlin spent five years on John Calipari’s staff at Kentucky, and his path has crossed with a couple of current Wildcats along the way.
He coached Justin McBride last season before McBride transferred to UK in the offseason, and he also coached Jerone Morton at Morehead State. James Madison was picked second in the Sun Belt Preseason Poll, but it opened the year with an 86-77 home loss to Miami (OH).
Kentucky, meanwhile, is looking to build off a season-opening win over Manhattan, a game that started slowly before the Wildcats took control. Tonight offers a better measuring stick, and the early question is how the Cats handle a more competitive opponent.
There is also a possible boost on the injury front. Kam Williams was a full participant in Thursday’s shootaround, and sources told Jack Pilgrim he is expected to be available against James Madison after foot surgery over the summer. UK Sports Network later reported that Williams is a game-time decision as the staff weighs the effect of his return.
Outside Rupp, the scene is set for a Friday night in Lexington as Kentucky gets ready for its first real test of the young season.
In Other News...
Kentucky Heads Into Tennessee With One Big Availability Concern
The SEC Availability Report for Kentuckys trip to Tennessee has been updated, and it gives the Wildcats a clearer picture of who will and wont be available heading into a rivalry game that already carries plenty of weight. Kentucky did get one player moved up to probable, which is at least a small sign of progress as the team continues to work through a list of long-term injuries that have thinned the roster.
Tennessees report brings its own set of concerns, with multiple long-term injuries and several starters already ruled out for the season. For Kentucky, the bigger question is how much the latest availability shift changes the rotation and whether the Wildcats can absorb the absences well enough to stay competitive in a game where depth and health may matter as much as anything else. [Read more 🡒]
Kentucky Gets One More Clue About Mark Pope Before Bigger Tests
Preston Spradlins return to Lexington adds a little extra texture to a game Kentucky is expected to handle comfortably. The former Wildcats assistant now leads James Madison, a program that has established itself as one of the stronger teams in the Sun Belt, so this is not just a nostalgia visit for an old staff hand. It is also another early look at how Mark Popes group is settling in before the schedule gets tougher.
Pope has already made one notable roster decision by ending recruiting efforts with two five-star prospects after adding a new center, a sign the front office is focused on the pieces already in place. For Kentucky, the bigger picture is less about one December-like matchup and more about how the coach balances evaluation, development and the realities of a roster that may be largely set. Games like this can still offer a useful read, even if the betting line suggests the Wildcats should be in control. [Read more 🡒]
Lance Heard Is Giving Kentucky Fans One More Reason To Watch Tennessee
Lance Heard has given Kentucky fans a fresh reason to keep an eye on Tennessee, even with the rivalry game still ahead. The Wildcats offensive lineman was named one of 12 semifinalists for the 2026 Lombardi Award and is also on the Outland Trophy watch list, recognition that reflects just how steady he has been this season.
Heard has logged 461 snaps and drawn praise for both his performance and the way he has carried himself inside the program. Coach Will Stein has singled out Heards leadership and overall impact heading into Kentuckys matchup with Tennessee, adding another layer to a game that already carries plenty of weight for the Wildcats. [Read more 🡒]