Kentucky's athletic programs faced setbacks Saturday and Sunday, with the football team falling to Alabama in the SEC opener and volleyball dropping a match to SMU in the Paradise Invitational.

Lexington & campus

Keeneland September Yearling Sale opens with 4,642 prospects — Keeneland's 83rd September Yearling Sale opens Monday with 4,642 prospects cataloged across 12 sessions through Sept. 26, building on last year's record-breaking $531.7 million gross and debuting the new Paddock Building facility.

Sports

Kentucky volleyball: No. 8 SMU defeats No. 3 Kentucky 3-1 in Paradise Invitational — No. 8 SMU defeated No. 3 Kentucky volleyball 3-1 in the Paradise Invitational opening round in Nassau. The loss drops Kentucky to 6-2 on the season.

Kentucky football: No. 12 Alabama defeats Kentucky 45-17 in SEC opener — No. 12 Alabama defeated Kentucky 45-17 on Saturday at Kroger Field after a dominant second-half performance, with the Tide scoring 28 unanswered points to overcome a 17-13 halftime deficit.

Kentucky football: No. 12 Alabama defeats Kentucky 45-17 in SEC opener — Kentucky football lost to Alabama 45-17 on September 12, dropping to 1-1 on the season. Coach Will Stein cited defensive struggles with short fields and offensive execution issues, particularly on third downs, while noting the team remains early in development with opportunities to improve before facing Texas A&M.

Kentucky football: No. 12 Alabama defeats Kentucky 45-17 in SEC opener — No. 12 Alabama defeated Kentucky 45-17 on September 12, 2026, extending its winning streak in the series to nine straight games. Despite the loss, the Wildcats showed defensive intensity and offensive weapons led by their tight end group and rookie wide receiver Kenny Darby.

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