A Big Blue Weekend: Denim Throwbacks, Rivalry Revenge, and a Whole Lot More
Circle the date, clear your schedule, and keep your remote close - this weekend’s got something for every kind of sports fan, and if you're riding with Big Blue Nation, it's one you’ve been waiting on for a while. From a high-stakes SEC showdown at Rupp Arena to Super Bowl Sunday and the start of the Winter Olympics, there’s no shortage of action. Let’s dive in.
Kentucky vs. Tennessee: Denim, Drama, and a Shot at the Sweep
Saturday night at Rupp Arena isn’t just another game. It’s Kentucky vs.
Tennessee - round two - and the stakes are high. Tipoff is set for 8:30 PM ET on ESPN, and if the first meeting was any indication, we’re in for a battle.
The Wildcats pulled off a stunning 17-point comeback in Knoxville a few weeks back, but the Vols haven’t lost since. Rick Barnes’ squad is riding a four-game win streak, including three Quad 1 victories - wins at Alabama and Georgia, plus a home W over Auburn.
They’re coming in hot, and they’ll be looking to return the favor in Lexington.
But this isn’t just about basketball. It’s about legacy.
Saturday marks the 30-year anniversary of the 1996 national championship team - one of the most dominant squads college basketball’s ever seen. The Cats will honor that group by breaking out the iconic denim uniforms from that title run.
And yes, they’re just as bold as you remember. Former players from that team will be in the building, including one who’s now calling the shots from the bench: head coach Mark Pope.
Pope, a member of that '96 team, will address the media ahead of the game, reflecting on the reunion, the throwback look, and what it means to wear that jersey again - only this time, from the sideline. With back-to-back wins over Arkansas and Oklahoma, Kentucky’s building momentum.
But Tennessee is a different kind of test. The Vols are physical, experienced, and motivated.
This one’s got all the makings of a classic.
Devin Booker Drops “Must Be the Denim” Sneaker in Lexington
As if the throwback vibes weren’t strong enough, Devin Booker is adding some serious heat to the weekend. The former Wildcat and current NBA star is unveiling his new Nike signature shoe - the Book Chapter 2: “Must Be the Denim” - and he’s doing it right in the heart of Big Blue Nation.
The exclusive release happens Saturday at the Central Bank Center’s Downtown Studio (410 W. Vine St., Lexington) from 2-8 PM ET. It’s first-come, first-served, and if the buzz is any indication, these kicks won’t stay on shelves long.
Booker even sent the team a special set to wear this weekend - denim-themed, of course. So from head to toe, the Cats will be rocking a look that’s equal parts nostalgia and next-gen style.
UK Women’s Basketball Falls in a Thriller
While the men gear up for Tennessee, the women’s team just wrapped up a heartbreaker at home. Kentucky fell 84-83 to Vanderbilt on Thursday night, missing out on what would’ve been their third top-10 win of the season.
The Cats led by nine late in the third and entered the fourth with a four-point cushion, but couldn’t close it out. Still, there were bright spots.
Teonni Key was dominant with 27 points and 12 boards. Amelia Hassett added 19, and Clara Strack chipped in 14 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists.
Asia Boone also reached double figures with 12.
Kentucky shot 56.4% from the field and hit 50% from deep - numbers good enough to win most nights. But this one slipped away late.
Next up: a tough road test at No. 4 Texas on Monday, 7:30 PM ET on SEC Network.
Opening Day for Kentucky Softball
Softball season is officially underway, and the Wildcats are starting their 2026 campaign out west in the San Diego State Season Kickoff. Kentucky takes on Miami (OH) and Loyola-Chicago in a Friday doubleheader, with first pitch set for 12 PM ET and game two at 5 PM ET.
Head coach Rachel Lawson, now in her 19th season, is excited about what this group can do.
“It’s a season of possibility,” Lawson said on Media Day. “We pretty much have a blank slate to do whatever it is we want to do.
This team is so much fun to watch. They’re so aggressive, they’re electric.”
Let’s see if the Cats can start strong and set the tone for what looks like a promising year.
Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan-Cortina
The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially underway, and the Opening Ceremony takes place Friday at 2 PM ET (8 PM local time in Italy), airing live on NBC and Peacock. If you miss it live, there’s an encore presentation at 8 PM ET.
Curling, hockey, and figure skating headline Friday’s schedule, and there’s plenty more to come in the days ahead. One event drawing early attention: ski mountaineering, a new addition to the Olympic program. And all eyes will be on Lindsey Vonn, who’s attempting a comeback despite battling through a torn ACL, bone bruise, and meniscus damage after a crash on January 30.
The Olympics are always a welcome winter tradition - and with the Super Bowl and college hoops already on the docket, it’s a full plate for sports fans.
NFL Honors: Stafford Takes MVP, Belichick Left Out of Hall
The NFL Honors ceremony delivered its usual dose of drama and debate. Matthew Stafford edged out rookie sensation Drake Maye for MVP - by a single vote - capping off a season that saw the Rams QB turn back the clock.
Maye’s head coach, Mike Vrabel, walked away with Coach of the Year honors after a resurgent season in New England.
Here’s a full rundown of the major award winners:
- AP Most Valuable Player - Matthew Stafford, Rams QB
- AP Coach of the Year - Mike Vrabel, Patriots
- AP Comeback Player of the Year - Christian McCaffrey, 49ers RB
- AP Offensive Player of the Year - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks WR
- AP Defensive Player of the Year - Myles Garrett, Browns DE
- AP Offensive Rookie of the Year - Tetairoa McMillan, Panthers WR
- AP Defensive Rookie of the Year - Carson Schwesinger, Browns LB
- Walter Payton Man of the Year - Bobby Wagner, Commanders LB
- Protector of the Year - Joe Thuney, Bears G
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was also announced - and yes, there was controversy. Bill Belichick didn’t make the cut.
The names that did? A who’s who of NFL greatness:
- Drew Brees
- Larry Fitzgerald
- Luke Kuechly
- Adam Vinatieri
- Roger Craig
Weekend Outlook: All Gas, No Brakes
From throwback jerseys and SEC rivalries to Super Bowl Sunday, Olympic glory, and the start of softball season, this weekend’s got it all. Whether you’re watching the Cats in denim, tuning in for the halftime show, or catching a curling match from Milan, there’s no shortage of storylines.
So grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and enjoy the ride. It’s one of those weekends where being a sports fan feels like a full-time job - and that’s exactly how we like it.
Go Cats.