The 2024 Kentucky Football Schedule is finally here, and fans are eagerly anticipating the season ahead. With a mix of exciting home games and challenging road matchups, the Wildcats will face a variety of opponents from across the country. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with all the details you need to know about UK’s upcoming season, including dates, times, and opponents.
Mark your calendars, because the Wildcats will kick off their 2024 campaign on Thursday, August 29th, when they host the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Kroger Field. This will be a great opportunity for fans to get a taste of what’s to come, as UK looks to build upon their success from the previous season.
The 2024 Kentucky Football Schedule features a number of intriguing matchups, including a highly anticipated showdown against the rival Tennessee Volunteers on October 5th. This annual rivalry game is always a must-see event, and it’s sure to draw a large crowd to Kroger Field.
2024 Kentucky Football Schedule
Exciting matchups, challenging opponents.
- Season opener: Aug 29 vs. Eastern Kentucky
- Rivalry showdown: Oct 5 vs. Tennessee
- Homecoming game: Oct 12 vs. South Carolina
- Tough road test: Oct 26 at Georgia
- Senior Day: Nov 16 vs. Vanderbilt
- Regular season finale: Nov 23 at Louisville
Mark your calendars and cheer on the Wildcats!
Season opener: Aug 29 vs. Eastern Kentucky
The Kentucky Wildcats will kick off their 2024 season with a home game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on Thursday, August 29th. This will be a great opportunity for fans to get their first glimpse of the Wildcats in action and see how they’ve improved since last season.
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Home field advantage:
The Wildcats will be playing in front of their home crowd at Kroger Field, which is always a huge advantage. The fans in Lexington are known for their passion and support, and they’re sure to create a loud and intimidating atmosphere for the Colonels.
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Chance to start the season strong:
A win in the season opener would give the Wildcats a much-needed boost of confidence as they head into a challenging schedule. It would also send a message to the rest of the SEC that Kentucky is a team to be reckoned with.
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New era under Rich Scangarello:
This will be the first game for new head coach Rich Scangarello, who was hired in December 2022. Fans will be eager to see how he implements his offensive and defensive schemes and how the team responds to his leadership.
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Preview of the upcoming season:
The season opener against Eastern Kentucky will give fans a glimpse of what to expect from the Wildcats in 2024. Will they be able to build on last season’s success and make a run at the SEC Championship? Or will they struggle to find their footing under a new head coach? The season opener will provide some early clues.
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels are a FCS team from Richmond, Kentucky. They’re coming off a 7-4 season in 2023 and are led by head coach Walt Wells. The Colonels are always a tough opponent, and they’ll be looking to pull off an upset against the Wildcats in the season opener.
Rivalry showdown: Oct 5 vs. Tennessee
The Kentucky Wildcats and Tennessee Volunteers are two of the most storied programs in the SEC, and their rivalry is one of the most heated in college football. The two teams have met on the gridiron 117 times since 1893, with Tennessee holding a slight edge in the all-time series, 82-26-9. The Wildcats will host the Volunteers at Kroger Field on October 5th, 2024, in what is sure to be a thrilling and emotional matchup.
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Historic rivalry:
The Kentucky-Tennessee rivalry is one of the oldest and most bitter in college football. The two schools are located just a few hours apart, and their fans are known for their passionate support and intense dislike of each other.
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Battle for the Governor’s Cup:
The winner of the Kentucky-Tennessee game is awarded the Governor’s Cup, a traveling trophy that was first introduced in 1962. The Wildcats currently hold the Governor’s Cup, having won the last two meetings in the series.
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High stakes:
Both Kentucky and Tennessee have high hopes for the 2024 season, and this game could have major implications for both teams. A win for the Wildcats would give them a huge boost in the SEC East standings and keep them in contention for a berth in the SEC Championship Game. A win for the Volunteers would keep them in the hunt for the SEC East title and give them a signature win on their resume.
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Unpredictability:
The Kentucky-Tennessee rivalry is known for its unpredictability. Anything can happen when these two teams meet, and the outcome is often decided by a few key plays. The 2024 matchup is sure to be another classic chapter in this historic rivalry.
The Tennessee Volunteers are coming off a 10-3 season in 2023, and they’re expected to be even better in 2024. They have a lot of talent returning on both sides of the ball, and they’re led by one of the top quarterbacks in the country, Joe Milton. The Wildcats will need to be at their best to beat the Volunteers in this rivalry showdown.
Homecoming game: Oct 12 vs. South Carolina
The Kentucky Wildcats will celebrate their annual homecoming game on October 12th, 2024, when they host the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kroger Field. Homecoming is a special time at UK, as alumni and fans from all over the country return to Lexington to celebrate the university and the football team. The Wildcats will be looking to make it a memorable homecoming for everyone in attendance by putting on a show against the Gamecocks.
The Kentucky-South Carolina rivalry is a relatively new one, but it has quickly become one of the most intense in the SEC East. The two teams have met just 10 times since 2012, but they’ve already played some classic games. The Wildcats hold a slight edge in the all-time series, 6-4, but the Gamecocks have won the last two meetings.
The 2024 homecoming game is sure to be another close and exciting matchup. Both Kentucky and South Carolina are expected to be competitive teams in 2024, and they’ll both be looking to make a statement in this rivalry game. The Wildcats will have the home crowd behind them, but the Gamecocks are always a tough opponent, especially on the road.
In addition to the football game, homecoming weekend at UK is also a time for a variety of other activities and events. There will be a parade, a pep rally, and a concert on the night before the game. There will also be plenty of tailgating and other festivities on game day. Homecoming is a great time to celebrate the Kentucky Wildcats and all that the university has to offer.
The South Carolina Gamecocks are coming off a 9-4 season in 2023, and they’re hoping to build on that success in 2024. They have a lot of talent returning on both sides of the ball, and they’re led by one of the top running backs in the country, MarShawn Lloyd. The Wildcats will need to be at their best to beat the Gamecocks in this homecoming showdown.
Tough road test: Oct 26 at Georgia
The Kentucky Wildcats will face their toughest road test of the 2024 season when they travel to Athens to take on the Georgia Bulldogs on October 26th. The Bulldogs are one of the top teams in the country, and they’re always a tough opponent at home. The Wildcats will need to be at their best if they want to pull off an upset in this game.
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Defending national champions:
The Georgia Bulldogs are the defending national champions, and they’re looking to repeat in 2024. They have a lot of talent returning on both sides of the ball, and they’re led by one of the best coaches in the country, Kirby Smart.
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Home field advantage:
The Georgia Bulldogs have one of the best home field advantages in college football. They play in Sanford Stadium, which is known for its loud and passionate crowd. The Wildcats will need to be prepared for a hostile environment in this game.
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Recent history:
The Kentucky Wildcats have struggled against the Georgia Bulldogs in recent years. They’ve lost the last five meetings in the series, and they haven’t won in Athens since 2009. The Wildcats will need to break that losing streak if they want to have a chance at winning the SEC East in 2024.
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Chance to make a statement:
A win over the Georgia Bulldogs would be a huge statement for the Kentucky Wildcats. It would show that they’re one of the top teams in the SEC and that they’re capable of competing for a conference championship. The Wildcats will be looking to make a statement in this game and prove that they’re a legitimate contender in the SEC.
The Georgia Bulldogs are coming off a 13-1 season in 2023, and they’re expected to be even better in 2024. They have a lot of talent returning on both sides of the ball, and they’re led by one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Carson Beck. The Wildcats will need to be at their best to beat the Bulldogs in this tough road test.
Senior Day: Nov 16 vs. Vanderbilt
The Kentucky Wildcats will celebrate Senior Day on November 16th, 2024, when they host the Vanderbilt Commodores at Kroger Field. Senior Day is a special day for the Wildcats, as they honor the players who have dedicated their time and effort to the program. It’s also a chance for the fans to show their appreciation for these players and to send them off in style.
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Honoring the seniors:
Senior Day is a time to honor the senior players on the Kentucky Wildcats football team. These players have dedicated four years of their lives to the program, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work and commitment. The Wildcats will hold a special ceremony before the game to honor the seniors and their families.
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Emotional day:
Senior Day is always an emotional day for the players, the coaches, and the fans. It’s a time to reflect on the past four years and all of the memories that have been made. The seniors will be playing their final game at Kroger Field, and they’ll want to make it a memorable one.
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Chance to send the seniors off with a win:
The Kentucky Wildcats will be looking to send their seniors off with a win on Senior Day. The Commodores are a tough opponent, but the Wildcats will be playing at home and they’ll have the crowd behind them. A win on Senior Day would be the perfect way to end the regular season and to send the seniors off on a high note.
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Family and friends in attendance:
Senior Day is also a time for the families and friends of the senior players to come to Lexington and celebrate their accomplishments. It’s a chance for the players to show their loved ones how much they appreciate their support. The crowd at Kroger Field will be filled with proud parents, siblings, and friends on Senior Day.
The Vanderbilt Commodores are coming off a 5-7 season in 2023, but they’re hoping to improve in 2024. They have a lot of young talent on their roster, and they’re led by one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC, AJ Swann. The Wildcats will need to be at their best to beat the Commodores on Senior Day.
Regular season finale: Nov 23 at Louisville
The Kentucky Wildcats will close out the 2024 regular season with a trip to Louisville to take on the Cardinals on November 23rd. This game is always one of the most anticipated on the Kentucky football schedule, as it’s a rivalry game and it often has major implications for both teams.
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In-state rivalry:
The Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals are the two major college football programs in the state of Kentucky, and their rivalry is one of the most intense in the state. The two teams have met 33 times since 1994, and the Wildcats hold a slight edge in the all-time series, 18-15. The game is always played in a hostile environment, and the fans are always passionate and loud.
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Battle for the Governor’s Cup:
The winner of the Kentucky-Louisville game is awarded the Governor’s Cup, a traveling trophy that was first introduced in 1994. The Wildcats currently hold the Governor’s Cup, having won the last two meetings in the series. A win in this game would give Kentucky a three-game winning streak in the rivalry and keep the Governor’s Cup in Lexington for another year.
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Chance to finish the regular season strong:
The Kentucky Wildcats will be looking to finish the regular season strong and build momentum heading into the SEC Championship Game. The Cardinals are a tough opponent, but the Wildcats will be confident if they can win this game on the road. A win in the regular season finale would give the Wildcats a lot of confidence and momentum heading into the postseason.
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Chance to spoil Louisville’s season:
The Louisville Cardinals will be looking to end their regular season on a high note and finish with a winning record. The Wildcats will be looking to spoil Louisville’s season and keep them from reaching a bowl game. This game could have major implications for both teams, and it’s sure to be a close and exciting matchup.
The Louisville Cardinals are coming off a 6-6 season in 2023, and they’re hoping to improve in 2024. They have a lot of talent returning on both sides of the ball, and they’re led by one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC, Malik Cunningham. The Wildcats will need to be at their best to beat the Cardinals in this regular season finale.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 Kentucky Football Schedule:
Question 1: When is the Kentucky Wildcats’ first game in 2024?
Answer 1: The Kentucky Wildcats’ first game in 2024 is on Thursday, August 29th, when they host the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Kroger Field.
Question 2: When is the Kentucky Wildcats’ rivalry game against the Tennessee Volunteers in 2024?
Answer 2: The Kentucky Wildcats’ rivalry game against the Tennessee Volunteers in 2024 is on Saturday, October 5th, at Kroger Field.
Question 3: When is the Kentucky Wildcats’ homecoming game in 2024?
Answer 3: The Kentucky Wildcats’ homecoming game in 2024 is on Saturday, October 12th, when they host the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kroger Field.
Question 4: When is the Kentucky Wildcats’ toughest road test in 2024?
Answer 4: The Kentucky Wildcats’ toughest road test in 2024 is on Saturday, October 26th, when they travel to Athens to take on the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
Question 5: When is the Kentucky Wildcats’ Senior Day in 2024?
Answer 5: The Kentucky Wildcats’ Senior Day in 2024 is on Saturday, November 16th, when they host the Vanderbilt Commodores at Kroger Field.
Question 6: When is the Kentucky Wildcats’ regular season finale in 2024?
Answer 6: The Kentucky Wildcats’ regular season finale in 2024 is on Saturday, November 23rd, when they travel to Louisville to take on the Cardinals.
We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the 2024 Kentucky Football Schedule. Be sure to check back for updates and more information as the season approaches.
Now that you know all about the 2024 Kentucky Football Schedule, here are a few tips for making the most of your game day experience:
Tips
Here are a few tips for making the most of your game day experience in 2024:
Tip 1: Arrive early.
Traffic and parking can be a nightmare on game day, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid any hassles. This will also give you time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the pre-game festivities.
Tip 2: Wear comfortable shoes.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking on game day, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. You don’t want to be blisters or sore feet to ruin your experience.
Tip 3: Stay hydrated.
It’s important to stay hydrated, especially on hot game days. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the game. You can also bring a refillable water bottle to the stadium.
Tip 4: Be respectful of other fans.
Even though you’re all cheering for different teams, it’s important to be respectful of other fans. Don’t engage in any trash talking or other unsportsmanlike behavior. Remember, we’re all here to enjoy the game.
Following these tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable game day experience in 2024. Now that you know all about the 2024 Kentucky Football Schedule and how to make the most of your game day experience, it’s time to start planning your trip to Lexington.
We hope you have a fantastic time cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats in 2024!
Conclusion
The 2024 Kentucky Football Schedule is packed with exciting matchups and challenging opponents. The Wildcats will face a variety of teams from across the country, including some of the top programs in the SEC. The season will culminate with a regular season finale against the Louisville Cardinals, a game that always has major implications for both teams.
The Wildcats will be looking to build on their success from the 2023 season and make a run at the SEC Championship Game. They have a lot of talent returning on both sides of the ball, and they’re led by a strong coaching staff. The 2024 season is sure to be a memorable one for Kentucky football fans.
We hope this article has given you all the information you need to know about the 2024 Kentucky Football Schedule. Be sure to mark your calendars and get your tickets early, because you won’t want to miss any of the action.
Go Wildcats!