Being in the SEC, Kentucky has never had an easy schedule and this upcoming 2023 season will be no different.
According to ESPN, Kentucky’s strength of schedule is ranked 13th in the country, which is more difficult than any program that has won a national title in the College Football Playoff era: Alabama (18th), Ohio State (23rd), Georgia (31st), and Clemson (59th). With that said, Kentucky’s schedule is just the seventh toughest in the SEC, behind: Ole Miss (1st), Florida (3rd), Auburn (5th), Arkansas (6th), Tennessee (8th), and South Carolina (11th).
This will be the toughest schedule Kentucky has had in some time featuring what could be five preseason top-25 opponents, headlined by games at Georgia and at home vs. Alabama.
While most Kentucky fans have been very optimistic about this upcoming season with the return of Liam Coen and transfer QB Devin Leary. It is important to note that an 8-4 record with this schedule would be top-25 worthy and in play for a big New Year’s Day Bowl.
Here is the schedule in its entirety:
2023 Schedule
Sept 2nd: Ball St.
Sept 9th: Eastern Kentucky
Sept 16th: Akron
Sept 23rd: AT Vandy
Sept 30th: Florida
Oct 7th: AT Georgia
Oct 14th: Mizzou
Oct 28th: Tennessee
Nov 4th: AT Mississippi State
Nov 11th: Alabama
Nov 18th: AT South Carolina
Nov 25th: AT Louisville
While there is a great shot for the Wildcats to start the season 4-0, Kentucky’s schedule is extremely backloaded and they will face one of the toughest stretches in the country in the last seven weeks of the season. That stretch will start at Georgia and end at Louisville, withs games against Alabama and Tennessee in between.
What hopes to be a rebound season for Kentucky will have to be earned through some of the best teams in the country.
Related