The calendar may say January, but in Lawrence, Kansas, the Jayhawks are already mapping out their path for the 2026 season-and it's a road that won’t be short on challenges or intrigue.
With a roster shakeup that includes 30 newcomers and 25 departures, Lance Leipold’s program is in the thick of transition. But while the new faces get settled on campus, the spotlight shifts to the schedule, which was officially unveiled and features a mix of historic moments, marquee matchups, and a few serious hurdles.
A Historic Kickoff Abroad
Kansas opens the season at home on September 4th against Long Island University. It’s a warm-up of sorts, because just eight days later, the Jayhawks welcome Missouri to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 12th-a renewal of a classic rivalry that always brings an extra edge.
Then comes the headline-grabber: September 19th, Kansas heads across the Atlantic to Wembley Stadium in London to face Arizona State in the inaugural Union Jack Classic-the first collegiate football game ever played in the iconic venue. It’s a landmark event for the sport and a unique opportunity for the Jayhawks to showcase their brand on an international stage.
The travel, the time zone shift, the spectacle-it's all part of the challenge. But it’s also a moment that could galvanize this team early.
The Grind Begins
After a bye week in Week 4, Kansas returns home to host Middle Tennessee State on October 3rd, a game that could serve as a reset before the real gauntlet begins.
Starting October 10th, the Jayhawks dive headfirst into a stretch that will test their depth, resilience, and readiness. First up: a trip to Salt Lake City to face Utah, a team that finished last season ranked No. 14 in the AP Poll. That’s followed by the always-heated Sunflower Showdown in Manhattan against Kansas State on October 17th-a rivalry game that never lacks intensity, no matter the records.
From there, it’s a back-and-forth rhythm of home and road games through the end of the regular season:
- October 24th - Home vs. Baylor
- October 31st - Away at TCU (ranked No. 25 last season)
- November 7th - Home vs.
UCF
- November 14th - Away at West Virginia
- November 21st - Home vs. BYU (finished No. 11 in the final AP Poll)
- November 28th - Away at Oklahoma State in Stillwater
No Easy Saturdays
Let’s be clear: this schedule doesn’t offer many breathers. Kansas is set to face three opponents who ended last season ranked in the AP Top 25, including a road trip to Utah and a late-season clash with a surging BYU team. Add in the cross-country travel to London, the rivalry games, and a Big 12 slate that refuses to let up, and you’ve got a campaign that will demand consistency and toughness from Leipold’s squad.
Another wrinkle? Only three conference games at home-Baylor, UCF, and BYU. That means the Jayhawks will need to be road warriors if they want to stay competitive in what’s shaping up to be a tightly contested Big 12 race.
What’s Next?
While it’s far too early to make predictions-rosters will evolve, depth charts will shift, and schemes will be installed over the summer-what’s clear is this: Kansas won’t be easing into anything next fall. This schedule is built for grown-man football. If the Jayhawks want to take the next step as a program, they’ll have to earn it every single week.
Circle the dates. Pack your bags for London. And get ready for a season that could define the next chapter of Kansas football.