The Wildcats emerged victorious in their last two outings. Last week, they went on the road and outlasted Mississippi State by five points. Earlier this week, Kentucky took down Texas A&M at home. But the Crimson Tide might be the toughest test yet: It’s ahead of UK in both major polls.

Alabama is No. 5 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, while Kentucky clocks in at No. 9. In the Associated Press rankings, the Crimson Tide is fourth, four spots clear of the eighth-ranked Wildcats.

The teams sport the same record: 14-3 overall, 3-1 in SEC play.

It’s the first meeting with Alabama for new UK coach Mark Pope, who is 11-0 at home in 2024-25.

While the Wildcats boast a decisive advantage in the all-time series, leading 117-41, the Crimson Tide hasn’t rolled over recently. In the last six meetings, dating back to the 2020-21 campaign, each team owns three wins.