Kentucky

KSR Staff Predictions: [3] Kentucky vs. [6] Illinois, NCAA Tournament 2nd Round

Published

1 year ago

March 23, 2025

KSR Staff Predictions: [3] Kentucky vs. [6] Illinois, NCAA Tournament 2nd Round

Mark Pope’s first Kentucky team advanced out of the first round of the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in the last four years on Friday. Tonight, they take on No. 6 seed Illinois in hopes of advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019.

It won’t be easy. The Fighting Illini are the betting favorite and will have the crowd advantage in Milwaukee. They also have star power, with freshmen Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley both projected to go in the first round of the NBA Draft. Tomislav Ivisic, Big Z’s twin brother, anchors the inside. Another familiar name, Orlando Antigua, is on the sideline, returning to Brad Underwood’s staff at Illinois when John Calipari left for Arkansas last spring.

With Lamont Butler still not at 100% and Amari Williams dealing with a back injury, Kentucky took care of business vs. Troy thanks in large part to the bench, which contributed 25 points. Can the Cats scrap together and exorcise some more March demons? The KSR crew is ready to weigh in.

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Tyler Thompson

I’m not feeling great about this game, but I think that’s mostly because of Kentucky’s scoring droughts vs. Troy and the fact that Illinois will likely have a massive crowd advantage (unless a Big Blue caravan is currently en route). Add in Lamont Butler being practically duct-taped together and a pair of projected first-round draft picks on the other side of the ball and it’s very easy to talk yourself into a loss, nerves aside.

But, time and time again this season, this Kentucky team has risen to the occasion when you least expect it. The Cats got the monkey off their back with a win over Troy on Friday. Hopefully, Amari Williams’ back is feeling better and Butler can contribute some offense (he was 0-5 vs. the Trojans). Ansley Almonor has been very quiet recently, scoring just four points over the last four games. He’s due for a March moment.

Illinois’ offense was humming vs. Xavier. The Fighting Illini are 15-3 in games in which they make 10 or more threes. They hit 12 on Friday at a 40% clip. That said, Illinois is last in the Big Ten in three-point percentage (30.1%), so the hope is they cool off. If Kentucky can win the battle beyond the arc and Amari Williams returns to form, I feel good about the Cats making it to Indy. If not, we may need another game-winner from Otega Oweh. Either way, this one’s gonna be close.

Score: Kentucky 86, Illinois 84

Zack Geoghegan

Kentucky can win this game without being 100 percent healthy, but I get the sense a hot shooting night for the ‘Cats will be part of what makes that possible. Since losing to Duke by 43 points a little over a month ago, Illinois has produced a top 10 offense in the country, but a defense that ranks 83rd. UK went 10-26 from deep against Troy. That might not be good enough today against an Illinois team that will do everything it can to get over 30 three-point attempts.

Freshman Will Riley does scare me a bit. The 6-foot-9 wing is a microwave scorer and future pro. Tomislav Ivisic can do everything his brother can, and then some. 6-foot-6 point guard Kasparas Jakucionis is a projected top 10 pick, for crying out loud. The Illini will have more than enough offensive juice to make the Sweet 16.

This game could easily be a race to 90 points. Illinois does not force opponents into turnovers and has been especially shaky on defense the last few weeks. Prior to beating Xavier 86-73, the Illini allowed at least 80 points in three straight games. Lamont Butler has to score more than zero points though. Amari Williams has to finish around the rim. Mark Pope has to get the bench production he did against Troy. I think we’re in for one of the better games we’ll see all postseason long.

Score: Kentucky 89, Illinois 88

Drew Franklin

I’m afraid we’re going to see a rare sight in Fiserv Forum later today: Kentucky fans outnumbered in the stands by the other team. Illinois fans have packed Milwaukee since Thursday’s open practices, and more have turned up throughout the weekend from the neighboring state. Orange will get in, and they’ll be loud.

Still, Kentucky can win the game with bench contributions like it got in the first-round win over Troy. The starting five will need to play well, but Collin Chandler, Brandon Garrison, Ansley Almonor, Trent Noah, and Travis Perry will also have to contribute to take down the Fighting Illini, a team that lost three straight games by an average of 26 points last month.

Illinois can be inconsistent, and Kentucky will need Sunday to be one of those days when the shots aren’t falling. If Illinois shoots like it did in the first round (40% from 3), it will likely be an exit for the Cats. But Illinois shot only 30% in conference play. If that Illinois shows up and the pick-and-pop doesn’t work, Kentucky is on to the next round. I think we’re in for a close game dictated by the team that knocks down 3s, and Koby Brea and the Wildcats are up for the challenge. Make at least five, Koby.

Score: Kentucky 84, Illinois 80

Jacob Polacheck

No Jaxson Robinson? No Kerr Kriisa? No problem. Kentucky’s depth has shown to be a problem for opposing teams down the stretch and I don’t expect that to change on Sunday.

Illinois has a solid team but is inconsistent at times. I’m predicting that the Cats can pull off with Lamont Butler and Amari Williams set to play (albeit not at 100%). Koby Brea will need to show why he was considered the best three-point shooter in the country heading into the season, while Otega Oweh will need to keep doing what he’s been doing.

It could be a rough night for the Illini if Kentucky can get off to a fast start. Don’t let Will Riley get hot, don’t let Illinois knock down a bunch of threes, and then wear them down with depth. If that happen, the Cats should cruise.

Score: Kentucky 81, Illinois 79

Adam Luckett

The Round of 32 has arrived with Kentucky getting Game 3 in 5:30 p.m. ET Sunday window on CBS. You can feel the big-game nerves of the Big Blue Nation across the Commonwealth. The Cats are the only higher-seed to be a dog in this round. There are some reasons to feel good.

Illinois struggles to hit perimeter shots (No. 296 nationally in three-point field goal percentage) and do not force takeaways on defense (No. 360 in turnover rate). Kentucky should have a big advantage in both areas. No. 6 seeds have also struggled to win in this spot when they are a favorite over a No. 3 seed.

But the concerns outweigh the positives for me.

Kentucky is fresh off its worst consecutive scoring performances of the season against Alabama and Troy. This offense could be in trouble if Otega Oweh is not scoring. The Illini project to win the three-point volume battle by a sizable number and that could negate some of Kentucky’s strengths in this matchup. The Illini have also been better in shootouts. Kentucky’s two-point field goal percentage defense (No. 281 nationally) is highly concerning

This is just a tough matchup on-paper. Both teams play pace-and-pace but Illinois extends more possessions with offensive rebounds, has better shot creation than Kentucky, and has two bonafide draft picks at point and on the wing. The lllini have more answers.

The Kentucky offense comes up short in a big spot.

Score: Illinois 83, Kentucky 77

Nick Roush

Ahead of the NCAA Tournament, pundits circled this potential second round matchup as one to watch. Both teams bring a ton of offensive firepower, albeit on an inconsistent basis.

Illinois can bottom out in the blink of an eye. I was optimistic that it would happen against Xavier. It did not. They’ve hit 11+ threes in four of their last five. They’re getting hot after Duke embarrassed them at the end of a three-game losing streak.

Kentucky needs to hold the Fighting Illini to seven threes or fewer. The Cats are trending in the wrong direction offensively. Lamont Butler is limited, eliminating a scorer around the rim, and Amari Williams proved on Friday that his woeful trip to Nashville wasn’t a one-off.

There are zero outcomes in this game that would surprise me and that’s scary. Unfortunately, it feels like Illinois is getting all of the right mojo as Kentucky runs out of steam.

Score: Illinois 88, Kentucky 75

Jack Pilgrim

Kentucky meets its hot and cold match in the Big Ten, Illinois having some ridiculous highs to go with some ridiculous lows. They’ve beaten Arkansas, Wisconsin, Mizzou, Oregon in Eugene, Indiana in Bloomington, UCLA, Michigan in Ann Arbor and Purdue. They’ve also lost by double digits at home to USC and by nine at Rutgers while also getting run off the floor by Maryland in the Big Ten Tournament. When they’re hitting threes, the Fighting Illini are a force to be reckoned with. If not, they’re fairly pedestrian. Sound familiar?

As Roush pointed out, they’ve hit 11+ threes in four of five, but we’ve also seen them go 6-27 against Maryland and 2-26 against Duke in recent weeks. Again, they rank No. 315 nationally in 3PT% for a reason. They’re also one of the worst teams in college basketball at forcing turnovers (5.9% steal rate, 12.5% turnover rate), so Kentucky should be able to get into its offense and create good looks to win the 3-point make battle, even if Illinois wins the volume battle.

It’s a back and forth day that keeps BBN on edge until late, but Ansley Almonor steps up and hits a few big shots to send the Wildcats to their first Sweet 16 since 2019.

Score: Kentucky 84, Illinois 78

[3] Kentucky vs. [6] Illinois: How to Watch, Listen

Date, Time: Sunday, 5:15 p.m. ET
Television: CBS (Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner, Stan Van Gundy, Lauren Shehadi)
Home Radio: UK Sports Network – 630 WLAP, iHeart Radio (Tom Leach, Goose Givens)
Online Radio: The Varsity App
Satellite Radio: Sirius 210 or 203
Live Stats: StatBroadcast

You can also follow the game via our new LIVE BLOG on the website, which will begin an hour before tip-off, or join the conversation on KSBoard.

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Kentucky

Liberty Trees planted throughout Kentucky

Published

10 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Press Room

Liberty Trees planted throughout Kentucky

CAMPBELL COUNTY, Ky. (WXIX) – Liberty Trees are being planted across Kentucky in celebration og America 250.

FOX19 NOW’s Philip Krinsky went down to Campbell County, where a Liberty Tree dedication took place.

See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.

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Kentucky

2026 Kentucky Derby: The Sporting Event Expanded Its Partnerships

Published

22 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Press Room

2026 Kentucky Derby: The Sporting Event Expanded Its Partnerships

LOUISVILLE, KY.—Jockey Jose Ortiz rallied long shot Golden Tempo from way back in the pack to claim the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, beating his older brother Irad Ortiz Jr. by a neck and making Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train a Derby winner.

Held at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Ky., this year’s race averaged 19.6 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, making it the most-viewed Run for the Roses on record since Nielsen began tracking average audiences in 1988.

In the week leading up to the first Saturday in May, Churchill Downs hosted a full roster of events, including 502’sDay, Winsday, Thurby, and the Kentucky Oaks (when fans watch 3-year-old fillies compete), which, for the first time, was contested in primetime and on network television.

As part of the racetrack’s ongoing renovations, the sixth-floor space, 10,000-square-foot ultra-VIP space known as The Mansion opened its private doors, revealing a $30-million refurbishment. There were improved amenities in the Finish Line Suites this year as well.

But that wasn’t the only newness happening. This year introduced several firsts, including the Derby’s first-ever beauty partnership with L’Oréal, an MLB activation where fans were able to put their pitching skills to the test, and a limited-edition Graeter’s ice cream flavor, Bourbon Backstretch Cherry.

Returning partners also evolved their experiences for 2026, including Old Forester serving up a new signature cocktail with a fruity twist called the Perfecta and Red Bull expanding its lounge area in the Infield, which included a custom Ford F150 DJ booth with custom Red Bull cocktails.

This updated partnership strategy is part of the racetrack’s efforts to attract younger fans and the Gen Z demo. “Reaching new and younger audiences is how the brand stays relevant after 152 years,” said Casey Ramage, senior marketing and partnerships consultant for Churchill Downs Racetrack.

“Churchill Downs does this by offering onsite fans brand experiences such as beautiful photo moments around our iconic Twin Spires and partner collaborations and merchandise brands that are relevant to this audience such as vineyard vines, lululemon, and Aviator Nation,” she said.

For the fans at home, the Churchill Downs team also turned more to social media to educate the viewing audience. This year, the Derby’s social media accounts saw a 59% increase during Derby Week, Ramage added.

As for the L’Oréal partnership, Ramage said it just made sense. “With fashion being one of the first things you think about for the Kentucky Derby experience, Churchill Downs has always wanted to partner with a beauty brand, and L’Oréal Paris is the perfect fit,” she explained.

The brand was the presenting partner of the Derby’s Green Room, where celebrities and VIPs were able to touch up their makeup and hair before walking the red carpet. L’Oréal also produced activations in the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza fan zone with product giveaways and surprise-and-delight makeup moments in the ladies’ restrooms.

Keep scrolling to see more from the 2026 Kentucky Derby and the brand activations and parties surrounding the historic event…

^{L’Oréal produced activations in the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza fan zone with product giveaways as well as surprise-and-delight makeup moments in the ladies’ restrooms.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack}

^{Because of Churchill Downs’ strong partnership with NBC, the racetrack also highlighted the network’s new relationships with both the MLB and WNBA. The MLB hosted an interactive pitch activation, where fans were challenged to test their fastball and track their throwing speed in real time.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack}

^{Attendees posed inside a WNBA bespoke photo moment.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack}

^{The WNBA logo was made out of red and white roses, as a nod to the Derby race.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack}

^{Apparel brand vineyard vines marked its 16th year as the Official Derby Style with on-site activations, including a fully branded stage in the Infield, featuring live entertainment and giveaways such as its fan-favorite whale hats, sunglasses, and more.}^{Photo: Courtesy of vineyard vines}

^{Fully wrapped F-150s and Broncos in a vineyard vines print were located at the track’s “First Turn.”}^{Photo: Courtesy of vineyard vines}

^{Sports Illustrated Resorts’ Club SI hosted guests across both Oaks and Derby Day at Churchill Downs. The exclusive hospitality suite offers a view of the paddock and paddock runway. SI Swim model Camille Kostek hosted Oaks Day, while commentator Nate Burleson led Derby Day.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{Guests received custom caricature illustrations in the hospitality suite.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{Sports Illustrated, in partnership with}J Wagner Group^{, closed out Derby weekend with its third annual late-night celebration, Revel at the Races presented by DraftKings, which was headlined by Tiësto and held at}Ice House^.^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{As the official apparel partner, Ted Baker presented a branded photo moment.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{Verizon served as the exclusive wireless partner, offering expedited entry via a dedicated fast lane and ticket access through Verizon Access.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{As the official bourbon partner, Maker’s Mark served up premium cocktails.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{HydroJug provided on-site custom engraving, delivering a personalized takeaway for guests.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{The Derby experience starts long before the bugle sounds at Churchill Downs, so Delta turned the journey to the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport into a spirited ride. On May 1 and 2, in partnership with Brown-Forman, Delta offered travelers in the Atlanta and JFK Delta Sky Clubs a bespoke Mint Julep syrup. Once onboard their flights, passengers could pair it with Woodford Reserve bourbon to craft a cocktail.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Delta}

^{The airline also surprised travelers with arrival and departure goody bags on April 30 and May 3 at the Louisville airport.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Delta}

^{Crew members donned fascinators to close out the weekend.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Delta}

^{Herradura returned with its official cocktail, the Horseshoe Margarita. The brand also collaborated with Q Mixers on a new track-wide cocktail featuring Herradura Reposado called the Paddock Paloma.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Herradura}

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Kentucky

2026 Kentucky Wildcats football position preview: Safety

Published

1 day ago

May 10, 2026

Press Room

2026 Kentucky Wildcats football position preview: Safety

As we continue to go position group by position group and project what each unit will look like for the 2026 Kentucky Wildcats, we will now look at the safety room. This position is led by two of the most experienced safeties in the conference with Ty Bryant and Florida transfer Jordan Castell. The safety position is heavily relied upon in defensive coordinator Jay Bateman’s scheme. Having experience is paramount for this group, as Coach Bateman will call creative looks for disguised coverages which will create plenty of safety rotations pre-snap and post-snap.

Starters

I think it is safe to assume that the new staff made it a priority to retain Ty Bryant and Willie Rodriguez more than any other returning players on the roster. Bryant was voted second team All-SEC by coaches last season and is one of the best safeties in the conference. He was the team’s leading tackler a year ago with 76 total and led the SEC with four interceptions. Bryant is a do-it-all safety that has a nose for the football and is expected to be the leader of the defense this fall.

Jordan Castell transferred over from the Florida Gators, where he started over 30 games in his career. Castell is a long, rangy safety that knows what it takes to play at an SEC level. He started as a true freshman at Florida and earned freshman All-SEC honors in 2023. Over his three seasons with the Gators, Castell has totaled 169 tackles, 13 pass breakups and three interceptions.

If things go as planned, these two will rarely come off the field this season. Bryant has natural playmaking ability on the back end as a ball hawking safety and is coming off the best season of his career. Castell has ideal length for the position and has shown the ability to make big time plays in this conference. Bryant and Castell form one of the best safety tandems in the SEC and will be a key to the defensive success in 2026.

Backups

Dyllon Williams
Jesse Anderson

Dyllon Williams is a 6’2, 191-pound redshirt freshman that got his feet wet last season in limited snaps. Williams only saw action against Eastern Michigan, Florida and Vanderbilt a year ago. Ideally, I don’t expect him to see much of an increase in playing time this season but it will be interesting to see how he progresses when he does get on the field. Coach Bateman does like to throw three safety looks at opposing offenses, but that will likely be manned by the slot corner position group.

Jesse Anderson is a transfer from Pitt that brings some experience to the depth of this room. In three seasons at Pitt, he has received snaps in 23 games as a rotational safety. I wouldn’t expect his role to change, he will be a rotational guy in this group as well and brings much needed experience in a backup role. Anderson is on the smaller side at 6’0, 186-pounds.

Like I previously mentioned, Coach Bateman likes to keep offenses off balance with three safety looks in coverage. However, I expect the slot corners to be heavily involved in those formations, which will be Aaron Gates and Jaden Smith. We will group the slot corners in with the cornerbacks when we preview that position group. Overall, this safety room is a strength of the team although it is hinged on the experienced duo of Bryant and Castell.

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