Big Blue Nation is unmatched when it comes to loyalty, but that same passion turns to pure venom when someone crosses them. In 2025, with Rick Pitino forgiven and welcomed back to Rupp Arena, a new batch of villains have emerged — and some are very familiar.
From former legends turned rivals to social media trolls in the SEC, here are the three coaches Kentucky fans love to hate this year.
1. John Calipari — Arkansas Razorbacks
The betrayal still burns, but the ineptitude at the end hurts the worst.
Once hailed as the savior of Kentucky basketball, John Calipari is now Big Blue Nation’s top villain after ditching Lexington for Fayetteville in 2024. With a 410–123 record, a 2012 national title, and six Final Fours, his legacy was etched in UK history — until it wasn’t. The downfall wasn’t quick, but it bottomed out fast with losses to St. Peter’s and Oakland…