Over the next few days, we’ll be rolling out scouting notes for every team on our non-conference schedule.
We’ve already published the first two – on LSU and Kansas State – as part of our look ahead to the 2026 Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off. You can read those here:
Make the Trip: Why NC State Fans Need to Be in Fort Myers for the LSU Showdown
Make the Trip: Why NC State Fans Need to Be in Fort Myers for the Kansas State Matchup
NC State’s first real measuring-stick game of the non-conference slate comes Sunday, November 8 against Kentucky at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte as part of the Ally Tipoff. Neutral site, big stage, and a program that just made the Sweet 16 last season.
Under third-year head coach Kenny Brooks, the Wildcats went 25-11 overall and 8-8 in the SEC in 2025-26. They were ranked as high as No. 6 during the year and finished the season at No. 14 in the AP poll. They knocked off some good teams and reached the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Texas. This is a legitimate SEC program that’s been climbing under Brooks.
The biggest name to watch is Clara Strack, the 6-5 center who dominated last season in points, rebounds, and blocks. She’s back for her senior year and projects as a high WNBA draft pick. She’ll be the focal point of everything Kentucky does on both ends. Guard Asia Boone is also returning and gives them experience on the perimeter.
Beyond those two, the roster has turned over quite a bit. Several key pieces from last year’s team are gone, but Brooks restocked with experienced transfers (including players from UConn, Florida, and Alabama) and brought in a highly ranked freshman class. Expect a deeper, more talented group than a year ago, built around Strack’s interior presence with better supporting pieces around her.
What Kentucky does well
Physicality and size in the paint with Strack. They can score in bunches when things are clicking and compete hard in the SEC. Brooks’ teams tend to be competitive and tough to play against.
Potential soft spots
With so many new pieces, chemistry and consistency early in the season could be a question. They weren’t elite in SEC play last year (8-8), so they can be beaten if you execute well.
For the Pack
This is a step up in competition after the first two home games. The neutral-site setting in Charlotte should feel closer to a home game for NC State with the local fan support. The keys will be limiting Strack’s damage (fronting her, helping early, and keeping her off the offensive glass), matching their physicality, and taking care of the ball. NC State has won the last three meetings against Kentucky, including a blowout in 2023, so there’s recent history on the Pack’s side.
This game should give a much clearer picture of where NC State stands early in the season. Kentucky is talented and well-coached — a solid early test that the Pack will need to be sharp for.
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