Kentucky’s “Countdown to Tipoff” is expanding for the 2026-27 men’s basketball season, moving to Spectrum Studio for a radio-and-streaming simulcast. The refreshed show adds co-host Michelle Knezovic and reporter Ben Roberts, while Kentucky legends Jack “Goose” Givens and Cameron Mills return as analysts.

By the Numbers
  • The show airs 90 minutes before every UK men’s basketball game.
  • The season premiere is Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m. ET, ahead of Kentucky’s 7 p.m. game against Manhattan.
  • Fans can listen on NewsRadio 630 WLAP, UKSN All-Access and the ESPN app.
State of Play
  • Spectrum Studio’s production setup opens the door to new segments, special guests and a possible live studio audience.
  • A new UK College of Communication and Information class will give students hands-on experience with the show’s production and programming.
Bottom Line

Kentucky is turning its longtime pregame radio show into a broader, more interactive broadcast—while connecting fans and aspiring sports-media professionals more directly to the program.