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Top-Ranked Purdue Boilermakers Face No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats in Marquee Preseason Clash
24 Oct
Summary
- Purdue Boilermakers, ranked #1, face off against #9 Kentucky Wildcats in highly anticipated preseason game
- Both teams made Sweet 16 runs in 2024 NCAA Tournament, looking to go deeper this season
- Purdue bolstered roster with transfers, now have shortest odds to win 2025 National Championship

On Friday, October 24th, 2025, college basketball fans will be treated to a marquee preseason matchup as the top-ranked Purdue Boilermakers visit the #9 Kentucky Wildcats. Both teams are coming off Sweet 16 appearances in the 2024 NCAA Tournament and have their sights set on deep postseason runs this upcoming season.
The Boilermakers, led by standout guard Fletcher Loyer, are expected to be one of the nation's elite teams in 2025-26 after bolstering their roster with key transfers. Purdue landed former South Dakota State center Oscar Cluff and ex-North Florida wing Liam Murphy, giving them the shortest odds to win the 2025 National Championship.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats are also poised for a big year under head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky fell in the 2024 Sweet 16 to Tennessee but is determined to make a much deeper tournament run this time around. The 'Cats have the fifth-shortest odds to claim the 2026 title.
This exhibition clash at Rupp Arena in Lexington should provide an early glimpse of two national title contenders. Fans will want to tune in to the SEC Network or stream the game live on the ESPN app to catch the action.




