Kansas Football’s 2026 Schedule Is Here - And It’s Unlike Anything We’ve Seen Before
Kansas football just dropped its 2026 schedule, and let’s just say - buckle up. This slate isn’t just about traditional rivalries and Big 12 battles. It’s a mix of history, travel, and a whole lot of intrigue, headlined by a first-of-its-kind international showdown that will mark a major moment in college football history.
Let’s break it down.
A Global Stage: KU Heads to London
The crown jewel of this schedule - and the biggest curveball - is the Union Jack Classic on Sept. 19, when Kansas will “host” Arizona State in London. Yes, London, as in England.
This isn’t just a cool photo op or a recruiting gimmick. It’ll be the first-ever power-conference college football game played in England, and KU will be front and center.
From a logistical standpoint, the trip forced some reshuffling. Kansas had originally planned to play Middle Tennessee State that weekend, but the overseas commitment pushed that game to Oct. 3, right after a bye week. The Jayhawks had explored the idea of moving it to “Week Zero” - the early start to the college football calendar - but ultimately had to settle for the October slot.
A Familiar Start, Then the Fireworks Begin
The season kicks off at home on Friday, Sept. 4, against Long Island - a manageable opener before the intensity ratchets up. Just eight days later, on Sept. 12, the Border War returns to Lawrence as Missouri comes to town. It’s the second installment since the rivalry was renewed, and the energy around this one is bound to be electric.
Then comes the London trip, and after that, the schedule turns into a grind.
Big 12 Gauntlet: No Breaks, No Breathers
Following the bye week and the Middle Tennessee State game, it’s straight into the fire. Kansas will play eight consecutive Big 12 matchups, with no open dates to break things up - a stark contrast to the more spaced-out 2025 slate.
It starts with a tough two-game road stretch:
- Oct. 10 at Utah - a new Big 12 face and a tough place to play
- Oct. 17 at Kansas State - the Sunflower Showdown, where KU will try to snap a 17-year losing streak to the Wildcats
That streak is one of the longest-running sore spots for Kansas fans, and with both programs trending upward, this year’s edition carries real weight.
The Jayhawks return to Lawrence on Oct. 24 to host Baylor, then hit the road again on Oct. 31, spending Halloween in Fort Worth against a TCU team they haven’t faced on the road since 2021.
From there, it’s a sprint to the finish:
- Nov. 7 vs.
UCF - Kansas has had recent success against the Knights, and they’ll look to keep that momentum going at home
- Nov. 14 at West Virginia - the third straight season these two will meet
- Nov. 21 vs. BYU - a late-season home game that could carry postseason implications
- Nov. 28 at Oklahoma State - a Thanksgiving weekend finale on the road
If Kansas can navigate that stretch with bowl eligibility on the line, the Big 12 Championship Game awaits on Friday, Dec. 4, in Arlington, Texas.
What’s at Stake for KU in 2026?
After back-to-back 5-7 seasons, Kansas is looking to flip the script. They closed out 2025 on a three-game skid and ultimately declined a bowl invite due to a shortage of willing teams, a decision that spoke volumes about where the program saw itself - and where it wants to go.
The 2026 roster brings back some key defensive playmakers. Blake Herold anchors the defensive line, Trey Lathan brings experience and speed at linebacker, and Jalen Todd is expected to be a force in the secondary.
But this isn’t the same team fans saw last fall. The offseason brought significant roster turnover, and perhaps just as notably, the return of Andy Kotelnicki - the former offensive coordinator - now back in Lawrence as associate head coach.
His return could bring a much-needed spark to an offense that’s been searching for consistency.
The Bottom Line
This 2026 schedule is unlike anything Kansas has tackled before - part traditional, part historic, part international. There’s a lot to prove and even more to play for. With a retooled staff, returning defensive stars, and a schedule that demands resilience, the Jayhawks have the opportunity to write a new chapter in program history.
Here’s the full slate:
2026 Kansas Football Schedule
- Friday, Sept. 4 - vs.
Long Island
- Saturday, Sept. 12 - vs.
Missouri
- Saturday, Sept. 19 - vs.
Arizona State (in London)
- Saturday, Oct. 3 - vs.
Middle Tennessee State
- Saturday, Oct. 10 - at Utah
- Saturday, Oct. 17 - at Kansas State
- Saturday, Oct. 24 - vs.
Baylor
- Saturday, Oct. 31 - at TCU
- Saturday, Nov. 7 - vs. UCF
- Saturday, Nov. 14 - at West Virginia
- Saturday, Nov. 21 - vs.
BYU
- Saturday, Nov. 28 - at Oklahoma State
Circle your calendars. The 2026 Kansas football season is going global - and it’s going to be one to remember.