KSR Today: NBA Season Tips Off, Offense Day, One Day Closer to Kentucky vs. Purdue

Good morning, friends. We’re another day removed from Kentucky’s loss to Texas and another day closer to Friday’s exhibition vs. Purdue and Saturday’s game vs. Tennessee. Thankfully, we’ve got plenty to keep us entertained.

The NBA tips off tonight with a doubleheader on NBC, a top 15 2026 recruit announces his decision, and we’ll hear from Bush Hamdan and members of Kentucky’s offense. There was also plenty of news from Monday to catch up on, including a good update on Jaland Lowe. We’ll cover it all in today’s rundown.

Quick-hitters from Monday

After Saturday’s heartbreaking loss to Texas, it was back to work on Monday for the Kentucky Football team. Mark Stoops sounded defeated in his postgame press conference Saturday night; on Monday, he was back to his old self, eager to build on the good things his team did vs. Texas against Tennessee. We’ve had some weird Mark Stoops press conferences lately, but on Monday, he was earnest and direct, no excuses or complaining. If you missed it or his call-in show, here are the headlines:

No regrets for going for it in OT: Whether or not UK should have gone for it or kicked the field goal in overtime is a topic of debate in BBN, but Stoops defended his choice again on Monday, saying that Kentucky was “literally two inches from the ball crossing” the goal line on the third play.

Injury update: DJ Waller was primed to return vs. Texas but reaggravated his hamstring injury in warmups. Stoops said that the MRI showed that Waller has suffered a setback and his return is unknown. In better news, Seth McGowan is expected to play vs. Tennessee after injuring his shoulder vs. Texas. The running back went to the hospital during the game before returning to action, a side story that hasn’t gotten enough mention.

Stoops understands fans’ frustrations with him: As mentioned, Stoops’ tone has shifted after the Texas loss. Instead of ignoring the white elephant in the room, Stoops is now acknowledging that fans are frustrated with them, and even more, that they have a right to be. He did it first immediately after the game and again on his call-in show last night, telling listeners, “The atmosphere [vs. Texas] was fantastic. I understand how people may feel about me; that’s understandable, and that’s warranted. I mean, I get it, but our players deserve that kind of atmosphere.”

Praise for Cutter: Cutter Boley continues to make strides, and like the rest of us, Stoops was very pleased with his starting QB, who totaled 258 passing yards on 31-39 and 45 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries vs. Texas.

“He’s more comfortable in the pocket. He’s been doing a good job of working around there, and even under duress, he’s been delivering the football. I was very encouraged by the completion percentage. When you can complete 80% against that type of defense under duress. That says a lot. It’s also encouraging because the receivers are stepping up and playing better as well, and in a better plan, if you will, doing some things to make sure we’re helping them in that area.”

Kentucky at Auburn will be a night game: Game times were announced for Nov. 1 on Monday, and the Cats will play their third straight night game on The Plains. Kentucky vs. Auburn will kick off at 7:30 PM ET on the SEC Network.

Check out Stoops’ complete presser below.

Shortly after, Nick Roush, Adam Luckett, Drew Franklin, and Van Hiles met up to talk about the Texas loss and what comes next.

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Offense Day at practice

The offense had its best performance yet vs. Texas, racking up almost 400 total yards, but questions remain about Bush Hamdan’s playcalling, considering that it resulted in just 13 points. We’ll hear from Kentucky’s offensive coordinator and members of his unit today after practice. Check the site and YouTube Channel this evening for updates.

NBA tips off with a BBN-heavy opener

Cue up “Roundball Rock” because the NBA season tips off tonight AND it’s on NBC. The opening game features a trio of Cats. Reed Sheppard‘s Houston Rockets take on the reigning World Champion OKC Thunder, whose roster includes reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace.

Even though Reed Sheppard started some during the preseason — including a 29-point, six-assist, four-steal performance last week — Amen Thompson will start at point guard tonight for the Rockets. They have their work cut out for them. The Thunder are the favorite to repeat as champs and are a 7.5-point favorite tonight. Shai is obviously the star, but Cason Wallace is expected to take another big step forward in his third season in the league.

In the nightcap, the Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James is expected to miss some time due to sciatica, which gives Jarred Vanderbilt a big opportunity to step up. He’ll get his first shot tonight vs. the Warriors, who are 1.5-point favorites. You can see both games on NBC or Peacock.

Opening Night Schedule

• 7:30 PM (NBC/Peacock): Houston Rockets (Reed Sheppard) vs. OKC Thunder (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace)
• 10:00 PM (NBC/Peacock): Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Jarred Vanderbilt)

We’ll have more on the NBA’s return later this morning from our resident expert, Zack Geoghegan. Until then, enjoy a little “Roundball Rock.”

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Bryson Howard Decision Day

Four-star shooting guard Bryson Howard is set to announce his decision today. Kentucky is one of three finalists, alongside Duke and North Carolina, but don’t get your hopes up for the No. 11 prospect in the 2026 class to land in Lexington. Duke is the overwhelming favorite for Howard, the son of former Wake Forest and Dallas Mavericks great Josh Howard. Jamie Shaw of On3/Rivals logged a prediction for Duke on Monday, as did Chad Lykins of 247Sports. We’ll know for sure soon enough.

ICYMI, we got a good Jaland Lowe update from Mark Pope

We’re one day closer to Friday’s exhibition vs. No. 1 Purdue. Will Jaland Lowe be able to play? Mark Pope gave a very positive update on his starting point guard at the Louisville Tipoff Luncheon on Monday, but said the staff will still “proceed with caution” with his shoulder, which he injured during the Blue-White Game.

“Jaland’s doing great. He has improved so much in the last 48 hours. It’s really, really positive. We’ll kind of proceed with caution, but he is an ultimate competitor, and he’s doing great, and he’s going to be in really good shape. We’ll see, I’m going to have to be super courageous just to throw him on the court here soon, but we’ll see how that plays out, but he’s doing really, really well. We’ve been pleased with his progress over the last 48 hours.”

At Kentucky's Tip-Off Luncheon, Mark Pope gave an update on how Jaland Lowe is doing after injuring his shoulder in the Blue and White game.

"I'm going to have to be super courageous to throw him on the court here soon, but we'll see how that plays out" pic.twitter.com/3RYiPCbOTT

— Sarandon Raboin (@sarandon_raboin) October 20, 2025

Jack Pilgrim and Shawn Smith will discuss Lowe’s shoulder, the Blue-White Game, and Friday’s exhibition vs. No. 1 Purdue tonight on a new episode of Sources Say (8 p.m. ET, KSR YouTube Channel).

Now get on out there and have a fantastic Tuesday, BBN.