Kentucky Basketball Faces Defending Champs Florida

Wildcats look to continue hot streak against top SEC rival

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team will face off against the defending national champion Florida Gators in a key SEC matchup today. Kentucky has won 8 of its last 9 games and is looking to continue its strong run of form, while Florida has won 4 straight and sits near the top of the SEC standings. The game will air nationally on ABC, with Kentucky entering as a 12.5-point underdog.

Why it matters

This game pits two of the top teams in the SEC against each other, with major implications for the conference standings and NCAA Tournament seeding. Kentucky is looking to prove it can compete with the defending champions, while Florida aims to solidify its status as an elite program.

The details

Kentucky is led by head coach Mark Pope, who has guided the team to a 17-7 record so far this season. The Wildcats are coming off a week-long break, which Pope believes has allowed his players to recover physically and mentally. Florida, meanwhile, has won 4 straight games and boasts an 18-6 overall record. The teams met just once last season, with Kentucky outlasting Florida 106-100 at Rupp Arena.

  • The game is scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. ET today, February 14, 2026.
  • Kentucky last played on February 7, 2026.

The players

Mark Pope

Head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team.

Florida Gators

The defending national champion men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Our guys have had a chance to recover and recuperate a little bit, I think, emotionally and physically, and give us some time to catch our breath, which is why these bye weeks are so important. I think we're probably a little bit healthier than we've been, and a little bit more energized. So we're excited to get to the next three weeks.”

— Mark Pope, Head Coach, Kentucky Wildcats (courier-journal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game between two of the SEC's top teams will be a crucial test for Kentucky as it looks to prove it can compete with the defending national champions. The Wildcats' recent bye week could give them a much-needed boost, but they will still be significant underdogs against the surging Gators.