The **SCHEDULE UPDATE: Kentucky Wildcats vs. Florida Gators — TIME CHANGE NOTICE** has generated significant buzz among college basketball fans, particularly in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) landscape. As of February 14, 2026, the highly anticipated matchup between the No. 25 Kentucky Wildcats (17-7 overall, 8-3 in SEC) and the No. 14 Florida Gators (18-6 overall, 9-2 in SEC) is set for today at the Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida.
Multiple official sources, including the University of Kentucky Athletics website, Florida Gators’ official announcements, ESPN game pages, and various sports outlets like USA Today Gators Wire and A Sea of Blue, consistently list the tip-off time as **3:00 p.m. ET** (Eastern Time), broadcast nationally on **ABC**. This timing aligns with the SEC’s broadcast selections for high-profile weekend games, often adjusted for national TV exposure.
### Background on the Schedule and Any Perceived “Time Change”
The 2025-26 SEC men’s basketball schedule was initially released in August 2025 by the conference, with the Kentucky at Florida game slotted for Saturday, February 14, 2026. Early announcements and previews from sites like SECsports.com and UK Athletics did not specify an exact tip time beyond the date, as TV designations and precise slots are typically finalized closer to the season or even weeks before the game based on ESPN’s flexible scheduling.
Throughout the season, Kentucky has experienced several confirmed time changes for other games. For instance:
– In December 2025, the SEC announced adjustments for Kentucky’s game at Alabama (moved to Noon ET on January 3, 2026) and home vs. Oklahoma (shifted to 9:00 p.m. ET on February 4, 2026).- Additional tweaks occurred in January 2026 for other SEC matchups due to weather, TV conflicts, or rescheduling (e.g., Ole Miss at Kentucky moved to 11 a.m. ET).
These precedents led to fan speculation and social media chatter (including older or misdated posts referencing hypothetical February dates) about potential shifts for the Florida road game. Some outlets and fan discussions referenced a “schedule update” or “tipoff confirmation” as a notice, especially since the game falls on a Saturday afternoon slot—prime for ABC’s national window.
However, no evidence from official sources (UK Athletics, Florida Gators, SEC, ESPN) indicates a last-minute or recent **time change** specifically for this February 14 contest. The 3:00 p.m. ET start appears to have been the designated time once TV slots were locked in, likely in late 2025 or early 2026. Previews published as recently as February 12-13, 2026 (e.g., Mark Pope’s press conference coverage and Big Blue Preview on UK Athletics) treat 3:00 p.m. ET as the standard, with no mention of a revision.
In one isolated fan post on social media (from Kentucky Men’s Basketball’s channels), there was a reference to a “tipoff at Florida on Saturday” set at 3 p.m. ET, but it contained a date typo (Feb. 16 instead of 14), highlighting how misinformation can spread. Official channels quickly clarified it as February 14.
### Why the 3:00 p.m. ET Slot Matters
This afternoon tip-off is strategic for several reasons:
1. **National Exposure on ABC**: ABC’s college basketball window often features top-tier SEC games on Saturdays, providing maximum visibility for both programs. With Florida riding a four-game win streak and Kentucky on a three-game heater (including a gritty 74-71 road win over Tennessee on February 7), this clash pits two top-25 teams in a battle for SEC positioning. Florida leads the conference at 9-2, while Kentucky and Arkansas tie for second at 8-3.
2. **Travel and Fan Impact**: For Kentucky fans making the trip to Gainesville (or watching from afar), the 3:00 p.m. ET start translates to an early afternoon game—convenient for East Coast viewers but potentially late-morning/early-afternoon for West Coast fans. Doors open 60 minutes prior (around 2:00 p.m. ET), allowing time for tailgating in the O’Connell Center area.
3. **Broadcast and Streaming**: The game is available on ABC (over-the-air in many markets), with streaming options via Fubo, WatchESPN, or ESPN+. UK Sports Network radio coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. ET with pregame shows featuring Tom Leach, Jack Givens, and analysts like Cameron Mills.
### Team Context Heading into the Game
Under head coach **Mark Pope**, Kentucky has shown resilience in his second season. Standouts like Otega Oweh (recent SEC Co-Player of the Week honors) have fueled a strong SEC run, including lates wins over Oklahoma (94-78) and Tennessee. The Wildcats’ frontcourt depth, led by players like Malachi Moreno, will be tested against Florida’s athletic interior.
Florida, coached by Todd Golden, boasts one of the nation’s most efficient offenses and a stout defense. Players like Rueben Chinyelu anchor the paint, while the Gators have leveraged home-court advantage in the O’Connell Center. Notably, former Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen now starts for Kentucky, adding a personal reunion storyline to the rivalry.
The spread favors Florida by around 11.5-12.5 points (per ESPN and betting sites), with an over/under near 152.5, suggesting a high-scoring, competitive affair.
### Viewing and Follow Tips
– **Live Coverage**: Tune in to ABC at 3:00 p.m. ET. For radio, UK Sports Network streams via UKSN All Access.- **Post-Game**: Expect immediate analysis on ESPN, SEC Network highlights, and fan reactions across platforms.- **Next Up**: Kentucky returns home to face Georgia on February 17 (9:00 p.m. ET), while Florida hosts Arkansas later in the month.
In summary, while the “TIME CHANGE NOTICE” phrasing may stem from earlier season adjustments or fan alerts confirming the slot, the current and confirmed details point to a steady 3:00 p.m. ET tip-off on ABC—no dramatic last-minute shift. This game remains a pivotal SEC showdown with March Madness implications looming. Fans should set reminders for the 3:00 p.m. start and enjoy what promises to be an electric atmosphere in Gainesville.
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