Kentucky to open 2027 season on a Sun Belt swing

The Kentucky baseball team will open its 2027 season with four games against Sun Belt Conference opponents, a source familiar with the schedule confirmed to Bat Cats Central.

The Wildcats begin their season on Feb. 19 with a three-game road series against South Alabama. From there, Kentucky will make the hour drive from Mobile to Pensacola, Florida, to play Louisiana at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Feb. 23.

Kentucky's complete 2027 schedule is expected to be announced in November. The SEC slate was announced in early September, though game times are still to be determined.

South Alabama last made the NCAA Tournament in 2021. After a few down years, the Jaguars finished third in the Sun Belt in 2026 with a 17-13 record and won 34 games overall. Their 17 conference wins were the most since 2022, and 34 wins were the most in five seasons. The Jaguars ended the season at No. 65 nationally in the RPI and collected eight Quadrant-1 victories. They're expected to be NCAA Tournament contenders again in 2027.

South Alabama is coached by Mark Calvi, who is set to begin his 16th season with the program.

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In all likelihood, Louisiana will be the toughest midweek opponent Kentucky sees outside of two games with Louisville. The Ragin' Cajuns have appeared in four of the past five NCAA Tournaments, including a regional final appearance in the Starkville Regional in 2026. Despite finishing tied for sixth in the league in conference wins, Louisiana made a run in the conference tournament and finished runner-up to league champion Southern Miss. It secured 19 overall Q1 and Q2 wins, including eight wins against Q1 opponents. Those victories helped the Ragin' Cajuns return to the postseason.

Louisiana coach Matt Deggs is entering his eighth season as head coach. The Ragin' Cajuns made three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2022-24, including a 2022 Sun Belt Conference tournament championship and the 2024 Sun Belt regular-season championship.

The Sun Belt Conference earned a record five bids to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.