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AN IMPORTANT update has been announced regarding the college football schedule for 2026.
It has been confirmed that a game will take place in London, England, next season.
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Credit: Getty
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Credit: Getty
A match from the Big 12 Conference is scheduled to occur at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
This clash will feature the Kansas Jayhawks facing the Arizona State Sun Devils.
The event is being branded as the Union Jack Classic.
It is slated for Saturday, September 19, of the following year.
While London has hosted NFL games since 2007, this will be the first college football game played at the national stadium.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormack expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited that Big 12 football will be making its way to London for the inaugural college football game at Wembley Stadium.”
He elaborated, “I’ve often mentioned my goal is for the Big 12 to achieve the status of the most globally relevant conference in college athletics. Expanding our international presence will enhance our brand, create new opportunities for student-athletes, and open avenues for significant commercial growth for the league.”
College football had previously been played in Dublin, Ireland in recent years.
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This year’s matchup saw the Iowa Cyclones defeat the K-State Wildcats.
Moreover, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels are already set to compete against the TCU Horned Frogs on August 29, 2026.
Unlike the London game, contests in Ireland typically occur at the beginning of the season.
Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff remarked, “This is the ideal moment for Kansas Football to venture into uncharted territory at historic Wembley Stadium in London.”
He continued, “This opportunity reflects the growth and trajectory of our football program and the entire university, offering our fans and student-athletes a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Goff added, “We’re thrilled that our season ticket holders and students will still have six chances to see a game at The Booth next season as that project nears completion, alongside the opportunity to witness the Jayhawks play internationally for the first time.”
He concluded, “Our commitment is to deliver a top-notch, generational experience for our program and supporters while shining a light on Jayhawk Football and the University of Kansas on a worldwide platform.”
Arizona State Athletics Director Graham Rossini commented, “The Big 12 is pioneering the movement to globalize college football, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
He stressed, “College sports are about providing our student-athletes with life-altering experiences, and participating in the Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium will be extraordinary.”
Rossini added, “With nearly 18,000 international students from 160 countries, ASU excels on a global scale, and we are excited to present Sun Devil Football and Arizona State University to fans across Europe.”
