| MATCHUP | Texas Longhorns | Kentucky Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 11-7 | 12-6 |
| Spread | +7.5 -115 | -7.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | +240 | -298 |
| Total | Over 154.5 (-110) | Under 154.5 (-110) |
| Where | Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY | |
| When | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | SEC Network | |
The Texas Longhorns and the Kentucky Wildcats meet Wednesday in college basketball action from Rupp Arena in Lexington. Here’s a Texas vs Kentucky prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Texas vs Kentucky pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Texas Longhorns Betting Preview
Texas had their ups and downs in the early-going this season, notching a 9-4 run over their first 13 games. The Longhorns lost to Duke, Arizona State, Virginia and UConn in that time. Since then it’s been a 2-3 stretch for the Longhorns over the last five games. The losses during that time have come versus Mississippi State, Tennessee and Texas A&M, giving Texas an 11-7 record through 18 games so far this year.
In the Texas A&M matchup last weekend, the Longhorns entered the second half with a 29-29 tie. Texas was outscored 45-41 the rest of the way however, leading to a tough home loss 74-70 in the end. The Longhorns were led by Jordan Pope with 17 points, three rebounds and three assists, as well as Daily Swain with 17 points and six rebounds in 37 minutes of work during the losing effort.
Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview
Over on the Kentucky side, they limped to a 5-4 record in their first nine with losses to Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina and Gonzaga. The Wildcats are 7-2 in their last nine games though, beating NC Central, Indiana, St. John’s, Bellarmine, Mississippi State, LSU and Tennessee during that time. Over the first 18 games of the year that gives Kentucky a 12-6 record in the books.
Matched up against Tennessee on Saturday the Wildcats were in the locker room with a 42-31 deficit. The Wildcats caught fire in the second half however, riding a 49-36 run to an 80-78 upset win on the road. Kentucky’s top scorer was Denzel Aberdeen with 22 points and two rebounds. Jasper Johnson (four assists; two rebounds), Collin Chandler (three rebounds) and Otega Oweh (two rebounds) each scored 12 points as well.
Texas Longhorns @ Kentucky Wildcats Betting Trends: January 21, 2026
Why the Kentucky Wildcats will win
- Kentucky has won 14 of its last 15 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Texas Longhorns will win
- Texas has won four of its last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Texas has won the first half in four of its last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Texas vs Kentucky Prediction
I’ll try Kentucky here, so long as they can avoid the proverbial “big-win hangover.” The Wildcats did a good job against Tennessee over the weekend, shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 45.8 percent (11-of-24) from 3-point range. Kentucky did get out-rebounded 29-24 however, and could have been better from the line (13-of-21 for 61.9 percent) but it was a great road win nonetheless. The Wildcats are riding a three-game win streak right now with 75 or more points scored in each of those outings.
As for Texas, they couldn’t quite keep pace with Texas A&M in their latest home loss, shooting a tepid 41.5 percent from the field while allowing 50.9 percent on the other side. The 34-22 deficit on points in the paint didn’t help either. The Longhorns are 2-1 in their last three games and they’ve hit 70 or more points in seven straight (a 4-3 run).