All the SEC rivalries that can define Mark Pope's tenure and lead Kentucky Wildcats to glory

Kentucky Wildcats see a major shift as their 1996 championship alumni Mark Pope grips the program’s head coaching role. However, a complete identity change occurs as no scholarship player returns from the Wildcats 2023-24 run.

The program now features a lineup full of freshman and transfer portal players, hoping to maintain the basketball standard Kentucky has set for the entire collegiate circuit.

While the SEC championship and postseason success are evident factors in assessing Mark Pope’s system, another way will be rivalry games throughout the season. With that, let’s look at the most important matchups Pope could face in the 2024-25 stretch.

Rivalries that could define Mark Pope's time in Kentucky

#5. Duke Blue Devils

The last time Kentucky faced the Blue Devils was in late 2021. That will change less than ten days into the Wildcats' season when the Jon Scheyer-era Duke will take on Pope’s crew on November 12, 2024.

Duke will bring along the number one recruit in the country Cooper Flagg, who is already touted as an NBA-caliber player. A win for Kentucky will stir their propellers and boost the entire program with enough confidence for the season.

Kentucky’s record vs Duke: 12-11

John Calipari led Kentucky’s record vs Duke: 1-3.

Mark Pope’s record vs Duke: 0-1

#4. Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers and Wildcats haven't faced off for over a decade and won't be clashing in 2024 either. However, the two schools will begin a 4-year stretch of regular encounters through a December 20 2025 game in Rupp Arena.

Kentucky’s record vs. Indiana: 32-25.

John Calipari led Kentucky’s record vs Indiana: 3-2.

Mark Pope’s record against Indiana: 0-0

#3. Kansas Jayhawks

Calipari’s Kentucky lost the SEC/Big 12 Challenge against Jayhawks alongside the season opener in 2023, giving Bill Self an upper hand in their decade-long face-offs.

Since the SEC/Big 12 Challenge is no longer in play, the two teams will only face each other once in three years through the Champions Classic games; unless another fixture change occurs. They are also not slated to meet in the 2024-25 season.

Kentucky’s record vs. Kansas: 24-12.

John Calipari led Kentucky against Kansas Jayhawks: 5-6.

Mark Pope’s record vs Kansas: 1-1 (BYU)

#2. Louisville Cardinals

Kentucky has a history of dominating the Cardinals, be it with Rick Pitino’s time in Louisville or the Final Four matchup in 2012 during Calipari’s championship run. That makes the December 14 game at Rupp Arena a must-win for Pope.

Kentucky has won 7 straight in the Lexington venue with the latest loss coming in 2008. The largest win margin was 29 points in December 2017 and the average point differential is 13 points.

Kentucky’s record vs. Louisville: 39-17.

John Calipari led Kentucky vs. Cardinals: 13-3.

Mark Pope’s record vs Cardinals: 0-1 (Utah Valley)

#1. Arkansas Razorbacks

Not only is John Calipari well aware of the school, but his departure also initiated a tectonic shift in the program. As he left, four returning players followed him to Arkansas alongside three potential commits.

Pope will encounter the flock firsthand when the Hogs visit Kentucky this season. A win would work wonders for the fans and could solidify Pope’s off-season endeavors as one of the best approaches in college basketball.

Kentucky’s record vs Arkansas: 36-14.

John Calipari led Kentucky vs Arkansas: 13-7

Mark Pope’s record vs Razorbacks: 0-0