The No. 18-ranked Kentucky Wildcats endured a brutal defeat in Week 5 of the 2025–26 NCAA season, falling 59–94 to the No. 11-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs. The loss wasn’t just lopsided; it was a statement game for Gonzaga and a nightmare scenario for Kentucky fans, who are now openly questioning head coach Mark Pope’s leadership.

Kentucky struggled on both ends of the court. Their offense never found a rhythm, shooting under 27% from the field and only 21% from behind the arc, while Gonzaga dominated the boards and pushed the pace, building a 23-point lead by halftime.

With their fourth loss of the season, against a ranked team, fans have taken to social media to express frustration and question the team’s performance under coach Pope. “If Mark Pope cares about this program as much as he says he does, he’ll do the right thing and step down,” one fan wrote.

Whereas another wrote, “Mark Pope should step down and #Kentucky should bring in Bruce Pearl.” While one fan added, “Mark Pope is a fraud…5-4 Only wins against quad 4 teams Time to make some changes or big blue nation will #kentuckymbb”

“Not Mark Pope’s super team getting 30 pieced 👀,” one fan wrote, highlighting the score difference by which the team lost.

Another fan wrote, “I’m skeptical that Mark Pope can fix this. Hope I’m wrong. Go Cats!”