LEXINGTON — Only one thing stands between Kentucky football and a six-game winning streak entering its only open date of the 2026 season: Vanderbilt.

UK leads the all-time series 49-45-4 in on-field matchups; the school and the NCAA, however, no longer recognize a 2021 victory vacated due to NCAA violations. But Vandy recently has turned the tide in the rivalry. Entering tonight's tilt at Kroger Field, the Commodores have won three of the past four meetings. That includes the past two games in Lexington.

Even so, the Wildcats have a 26-17-2 advantage in home contests against the 'Dores.

UK and coach Will Stein will be expected to add another win to that tally tonight: They're double-digit favorites, according to oddsmakers. If the Cats win their seventh game, Stein will receive a $100,000 bonus, with more incentives possible.

Kentucky (6-1, 4-1 SEC) is tied for first place with Georgia in the SEC. The Bulldogs are off this week, so if the Wildcats win and move to 5-1 in the SEC, they'll be alone in first place.

The Wildcats are also ranked; Vanderbilt (3-4, 0-4) is not. The Wildcats are 12th in the newest rankings of the two major polls, the US LBM Football Coaches and Associated Press Top 25.

Can the Cats keep the good vibes rolling? Or will the Commodores earn their third consecutive win in the series?

Here's how to watch tonight's SEC clash between Kentucky and Vanderbilt:

What channel is Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt on today?

Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt will air nationally on SEC Network in Week 8 of the 2026 college football season. Matt Schumacker and Aaron Murray will call the game from the booth at Kroger Field, with Taylor Davis reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+, ESPN's subscription streaming service, and FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt time today

The Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt game starts at 7:30 p.m. from Kroger Field in Lexington.

Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt predictions, picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM, as of Friday, Oct. 23.

Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What channel is Kentucky football's game vs. Vanderbilt on today?

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