Big Blue Dispatch
Daily Update • October 23, 2026
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Good morning, Big Blue Nation! Friday, October 23.
I'm back in the Commonwealth this week and will be out at Keeneland tomorrow. It's a short newsletter today, but I'll be back on Saturday with our usual "Know Your Enemy" edition ahead of the Vandy game.
On the hardwood, UK plays the second of its three exhibition games tonight against Texas Tech. On3 details Mark Pope's preview of the matchup, highlighting why facing Grant Mccasland's squad serves as a prime preseason test.
On the football front, the context for tomorrow is clear: UK hasn't won at home against Vanderbilt since 2020 and has dropped three of the last four in the series. A Sea of Blue breaks down how Will Stein is making sure the team understands that history and treating the Commodores with zero complacency.
Finally, in case you missed the action on Wednesday night, Your Sports Edge reports that No. 4 UK volleyball suffered a disappointing reverse-sweep loss to Tennessee, fading down the stretch as the Lady Vols pulled off the comeback in Lexington.
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Go Cats! 🐾
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
It feels like the college basketball season is really sneaking up on us. The weather is starting to turn a little bit and we are right in the thick of the college football season.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Another elite prospect will visit Kentucky this weekend for the Vanderbilt game. Rivals has the latest.
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A Sea of Blue
As Kentucky Football gets set to host the Vanderbilt Commodores , both teams have released their latest injury reports. For Kentucky, linebacker Sam Greene was unfortunately listed as doubtful on Wednesday’s injury report, signaling he was unlikely to play this week.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
SEC football fans now have more clarity on the status of their respective rosters ahead of Saturdays in the fall. The league instituted a new policy in 2024 that requires schools to submit official availability reports .
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky men’s basketball will play its second of three exhibition games on Friday night. Head coach Mark Pope spoke with local media on Thursday to talk about it.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Week 8 is here, and it’s another important week across college football. Before the weekend’s action gets underway, Josh Pate has put some teams on upset alert, with a few notable teams he is concerned about.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky running back CJ Baxter made a surprise appearance on last week’s availability report and ultimately missed the game against Oklahoma. The injury is one that has plagued the former five-star recruit in the past.
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Vaught's Views
Kentucky coach Mark Pope likes the idea of playing three exhibition games before the season opener as a big part of preseason training camp. These exhibitions are so important because, aside from these exhibitions, you only get to learn about yourself from testing yourself, Pope…
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Did Luckett take a ride on the Boomer Schooner and never get off? Each week, 11 Personnel previews the entire college football slate.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
In 10 days, the college basketball season will tip off with a doubleheader in Rome when Pope Leo’s Villanova Wildcats take on the Notre Dame men’s and women’s basketball teams. Yes, that’s actually happening.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Another crossover weekend is upon us, and it’s a big one. Grab a Modelo and let’s get ready with an all-new KSR Happy Hour.
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A Sea of Blue
Kentucky has been one of the stories of the 2026 college football season so far, sitting at 6-1 with two top-10 wins and three road wins already. Last weekend, Kentucky traveled to Norman, Oklahoma, and stunned the Oklahoma Sooners as a touchdown underdog.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Mark Pope and Grant McCasland share history together in the Big 12, dating back to the current Kentucky head coach’s time at BYU. The Texas Tech coach was hired in 2023, ahead of Pope’s final season in Provo, and the two met once in Lubbock, when the Red Raiders stormed back…
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
With just 10 days remaining until the 2026-27 college basketball season tips off, CBS Sports has named its top 101 players who will define the season . The list is topped by All-American Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Mason Williams might be a freshman, but he’s ready to play right now. And Mark Pope needs him to be ready right now.
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