HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – The James Madison men’s basketball program announced on Monday morning that it will travel to Lexington, Ky., to battle the Kentucky Wildcats as part of its 2026-27 non-conference schedule.
The matchup between JMU and Kentucky will take place at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center on Friday, Nov. 6. Tip time and TV network to be announced at a later date.
The meeting between the Dukes and Wildcats will be the first between the two programs. For JMU, it will mark the second straight year battling a Southeastern Conference opponent after falling 103-74 to eventual Sweet 16 participant Arkansas on Dec. 29, 2025.
JMU Head Coach Preston Spradlin, a native of Pikeville, Ky., spent five seasons (2009-14) at Kentucky as a graduate assistant and director of operations before departing for Morehead State.
As of Monday, the Dukes have added 11 newcomers – eight transfers and three incoming freshmen. They are joined by two returners – Preston Fowler and Paul Jones III. Fowler started 14 games and averaged 6.2 points and 4.6 rebounds, while Jones III suited up in 20 games and averaged 2.8 points per contest.
Kentucky Head Coach Mark Pope enters his third season leading his alma mater. Last year’s squad finished 22-14 and advanced to the Second Round of the 2026 Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, falling to second-seeded Iowa State 82-63. The Wildcats return five players from last year, while adding six transfers and three newcomers to the 2026-27 roster.
Today’s announcement marks the first official piece of JMU’s 2026-27 non-conference schedule. Stay tuned to JMUSports.com and social media channels for future opponent announcements throughout the summer.
— JMU Athletics —
