Aly Khalifa, Mikel Brown share what Louisville-Kentucky rivalry means to them

For the first time in the history of the “Battle of the Bluegrass” rivalry, Kentucky and Louisville will clash in November to kick off the 2025-26 season (Nov. 11 at Louisville). This will likely be one of the most anticipated games in recent history of the rivalry, as the ‘Cats and ‘Cards are both expected to land in the top-10 of the first AP Poll Rankings of the season.

The storylines run deep through this matchup, especially when it pertains to Louisville‘s Aly Khalifa and Mikel Brown. Khalifa, who played at BYU for Mark Pope prior to his jump to Kentucky, redshirted last season but is ready to go for the upcoming season. He discussed the matchup against his former coach at a media opportunity earlier this week.

“Obviously I’m very excited,” Khalifa said. “What I’m focused on right now is the next game. We play Kansas (in an exhibition game on Oct. 24) and that’s the most important game in the history of our program like coach [Pat] Kelsey says. That’s what I’m focusing on. Obviously playing my old coach, I’m excited for that too. It’s a great rivalry and is the best in college basketball in my opinion. I’m excited about this game obviously, but the most important game for me is on October 24.”

Mikel Brown Jr. was the No. 7 ranked player in the Class of 2025 and is one of the most heralded incoming freshman in Louisville program history. Along with being heavily recruited by Kentucky, Brown has a strong relationship with Kentucky freshman Jasper Johnson. Both players represented the United States in the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, where they helped the US win gold.

“I’d say the same thing,” Brown said. “The most important game is the next game, that October 24th game. But besides the point, me and Jasper [Johnson] talk about it all the time. This is gonna be a big time game and a big-time atmosphere.Like he said, it’s the best rivalry in college basketball we feel. So like I said, I’m just ready for the next game and that’s October 24 against Kansas.”

Dating back to 1913, Kentucky leads the rivalry 40-17 with wins in 14 of the past 17 matchups. Last season marked the first in command for both Mark Pope and Pat Kelsey at their respective schools. Both seasons ended up as profound successes, as Pope led the ‘Cats to a 24-12 record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance and Kelsey led the ‘Cards to a 27-8 record and a NCAA Tournament berth.

Pope’s Kentucky team won last season’s meeting 93-85 in Lexington. It was the closest the game has been since Louisville‘s 62-59 victory in 2020.