Kentucky Wildcats Face Tough Road Test Against Florida Gators

KSR Pregame Show to Preview SEC Showdown

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, winners of 8 of their last 9 games, are on the road to take on the 5th-ranked Florida Gators in a key SEC matchup. The Gators are 13.5-point favorites at home, but Kentucky has been surging lately and looks to pull off the upset. The KSR Pregame Show with Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, and Drew Franklin will preview the game live from 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET.

Why it matters

This game is a crucial SEC contest between two ranked teams fighting for position in the conference standings. Kentucky is looking to continue its recent hot streak and prove it can win on the road against a top-tier opponent, while Florida is aiming to defend its home court and solidify its status as one of the best teams in the country.

The details

Kentucky has turned its season around after a rough start, winning 8 of its last 9 games to climb back into the national rankings. The Wildcats will face a tough challenge against a Florida team that is 5th in the country according to KenPom's ratings. The Gators are 13.5-point favorites at home, but Kentucky has shown it can win tough road games in conference play.

  • The KSR Pregame Show will air live from 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Tipoff for the Kentucky vs. Florida game is set for 3:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Kentucky Wildcats

The men's basketball team from the University of Kentucky, a perennial NCAA Tournament contender and one of the most successful programs in college basketball history.

Florida Gators

The men's basketball team from the University of Florida, currently ranked 14th in the country and one of the top teams in the SEC.

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What they’re saying

“Winners of eight of nine games, Kentucky is on the road looking for another victory in the SEC. However, today's challenge may be the toughest, playing first-place Florida in Gainesville.”

— Drew Franklin, Author (on3.com)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a big step forward in the SEC standings and improve their chances of earning a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This matchup between two ranked SEC rivals should provide an exciting and high-stakes basketball game, with Kentucky looking to pull off the upset on the road and Florida aiming to defend its home court and solidify its status as one of the top teams in the country.