Louisville basketball has created one of the most exciting schedules in the 2025-26 season so far, as the Cardinals are set to face Duke twice, Kentucky, and Tennessee, and renew rivalries with Memphis and Cincinnati. Their out-of-conference schedule is going to be a tall task, but after their massive offseason, fans are excited to see Louisville play meaningful basketball games for the entire season.
Well, the Cardinals learned more exciting news about their schedule, but this game actually isn't in the regular season; it's an exhibition game on October 24. Louisville has officially announced that Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks will come into town to play the Cardinals at KFC Yum! Center.
It is unusual to see these two programs go head-to-head in the preseason, but it will be a great test to see where the team stands and whether expectations are as realistic as we all think they are. The Cardinals faithful are set to have some exciting home games in the 2025-26 season, as they will now host three massive blue-bloods: Kentucky, Duke, and now Kansas.
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Louisville basketball’s Kansas matchup makes 2025-26 home slate a dream come true
The date is set, but the time and TV station have not been announced yet. This blockbuster showdown between the Cardinals and Jayhawks answers all of Louisville basketball fans' prayers as the Cards' will now host three blue-bloods all at home.
The Cardinals will host the Kentucky Wildcats on November 11, and their showdown with the Duke Blue Devils is still to be determined, but it was announced in May that the Cardinals will face the Blue Devils twice next season.
Louisville basketball has its sights set on a National Championship next season, and the Kansas Jayhawks will be a great matchup in the preseason to help Kelsey make adjustments and see where this team stands as they enter the 2025-26 season. Kansas is expected to be a top-25 program next year after landing three players from the transfer portal who are ranked in the top 100. Their most significant addition is 5-star recruit Darryn Peterson. The 5-star is ranked as high as the No. 1 player in the 2025 class, making a massive matchup for the Cardinals' backcourt.
Louisville is expected to have the best backcourt in the nation, as it will feature two 5-star guards, Mikel Brown Jr. and Adrian Wooley, who will join their team. They also added 4-star Ryan Conwell and 4-star Isaac McKneely.
The Cardinals' faithful have been given a home schedule that they could only dream of. Louisville will now see Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky all in the same season, making this their best home schedule in a long time. The Cardinals will now host multiple 5-stars and many future NBA stars. KFC Yum! Center is set to host some massive games next season, and the Cardinals fans are all in for this upcoming schedule.
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For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.