‘This is a great day for our program and our fans’: Full comments from both sides of Indiana basketball vs Kentucky rivalry as series is renewed

The Indiana basketball program continues to add to its strong non-conference schedule under head coach Mike Woodson. On Tuesday, its future schedule added another opponent.

It was originally reported by college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, and confirmed by HoosierIllustrated.com, that the Kentucky vs Indiana basketball series was back on.

The series is set to begin in the 2025-26 season and run through the 2028-29 season. The series is as follows: Rupp Arena, Lucas Oil Stadium, Rupp Arena, Assembly Hall.

Kentucky leads the all-time series between the two schools, 32-25.

The December 2025 matchup will mark the first regular season game between the two rivals since Indiana won 73-72 in 2011 on a buzzer-beater from Christian Watford. Indiana basketball and Kentucky have met just twice since 2011, both coming in the NCAA Tournament. Kentucky won 102-90 in the 2012 Sweet 16, while Indiana won a 73-67 in the 2016 second round.

Below are full comments on the series renewal from IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson and head coach Mike Woodson, as well as Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart and head coach John Calipari.

Scott Dolson: “This is an exciting day for not only IU and UK Basketball, but college basketball. When you consider the history, the passion, and the proximity of our schools, this is a game that means a great deal to so many people. I appreciate Mitch Barnhart’s willingness to work together to resume what I believe to be college basketball’s best non-conference rivalry. I also appreciate the support of Coach Calipari and Coach Woodson and their desire to bring this series back. Their relationship is a big reason why we are able to make today’s announcement.”

Mitch Barnhart: “It’s great to renew this series, which is among the most competitive rivalries and storied traditions of college basketball. The matchup will resume its place as one of the nation’s most anticipated games of the season. This emanated from Coach Cal and Coach Woodson getting together and talking about playing again. I’ve enjoyed spending time with Scott Dolson and getting to know him better as we’ve worked out the details.”

Mike Woodson: “This is a great day for our program and our fans. Indiana-Kentucky is one of the best rivalries in college basketball, with so many great games over the years. We worked hard to get this done, and I could not be happier to be playing Kentucky once again.”

John Calipari: “This is a really important rivalry to our fans and the game of college basketball and we’re happy to bring it back. Mike and I have been friends for years and I have the utmost respect for him as a coach and as a man. Let’s do this!”

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