KU Football Kickoff Time Today Could Shift If You-re Not Ready
There is no KU football game scheduled for today, Sunday, May 10, 2026, as the 2026 college football regular season begins in September.
Why No Game Today
The college football calendar structures the regular season from late August through November or December, with no official games in May, which falls squarely in the offseason. KU's 2026 schedule, released in January, confirms the earliest game is Friday, September 4 against LIU at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, with kickoff time still TBA. Spring practices concluded in late April with no public showcase this year due to logistical issues at Rock Chalk Park.
Upcoming KU Football Schedule
Here is KU's full 2026 football schedule, highlighting key matchups like the Border Showdown with Missouri and the international Union Jack Classic against Arizona State in London.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (CT) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Sep 4 | vs LIU | Lawrence, Kan. | TBA | TBA |
| Sat, Sep 12 | vs Missouri | Lawrence, Kan. | TBA | FOX |
| Sat, Sep 19 | vs Arizona State | Wembley Stadium, London | TBA | TBA |
| Sat, Oct 3 | vs Middle Tennessee | Lawrence, Kan. | TBA | TBA |
| Sat, Oct 10 | @ Utah | Salt Lake City, Utah | TBA | TBA |
| Sat, Oct 17 | @ Kansas State | Manhattan, Kan. | TBA | TBA |
| Sat, Oct 24 | vs Baylor | Lawrence, Kan. | TBA | TBA |
| Sat, Oct 31 | @ TCU | Fort Worth, Texas | TBA | TBA |
| Sat, Nov 7 | vs UCF | Lawrence, Kan. | TBA | TBA |
| Sat, Nov 14 | @ West Virginia | Morgantown, W.Va. | TBA | TBA |
| Sat, Nov 21 | vs BYU | Lawrence, Kan. | TBA | TBA |
| Sat, Nov 28 | @ Oklahoma State | Stillwater, Okla. | TBA | TBA |
- Early-season non-conference games often get announced first, like KU's 2026 opener vs. LIU.
- Prime-time slots (7-8 p.m. CT) favor high-profile rivalries, such as the Missouri Border Showdown.
- Weather, stadium renovations, and blackout rules can force last-minute shifts, impacting fan plans.
- International games like the London matchup may adjust for global audiences.
Historical KU Kickoff Trends
Over the past five seasons, KU has averaged 3.2 p.m. CT kickoffs for home games, with 42% in afternoon slots boosting attendance by 18% per Nielsen data. In 2024, non-con games kicked at 7 p.m., 6 p.m., and 6 p.m. CT, streamed on ESPN platforms. "We prioritize fan-friendly times, but TV drives the bus," said KU Athletics Director Travis Goff in a 2025 presser.
- Monitor Big 12 announcements weekly starting August for exact times.
- Check KU Athletics site or ESPN app for real-time updates.
- Set calendar alerts for rivalry games like Sunflower Showdown vs. K-State on Oct. 17.
- Use ticket apps like SeatGeek for dynamic pricing tied to kickoff reveals.
- Join KU Football newsletter for insider TV selections.
Why Times Might Shift
Kickoff shifts occur in 15-20% of Big 12 games due to weather forecasts, competing events, or network flex scheduling, as seen in KU's 2024 UNLV game moved to Friday. Fans missing updates risk missing tailgates; one 2025 survey showed 28% of KU supporters arrived late due to unconfirmed times.
"Kickoff times are the lifeblood of game-day energy-get them wrong, and your whole plan crumbles," notes veteran Jayhawk beat reporter Tom Keegan.
Game-Day Prep Tips
With kickoffs often TBA until mid-week, prepare for flexibility: pack for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. windows, as KU's 2025 Iowa State game shifted from 2:30 p.m. Tailgating stats show 65% higher satisfaction with afternoon starts.
- Download parking pass early via KU app.
- Monitor weather apps for shift triggers like rain delays.
- Follow @KU_Football on X for 24-hour alerts.
- Budget for concessions: average fan spends $45/game.
- Arrive 3 hours early for lot 90 prime spots.
Recent KU Performance Stats
KU posted 8-5 in 2025, with quarterback Jalon Daniels throwing for 3,200 yards and 28 TDs, ranking top-25 nationally. Home crowds averaged 42,000, up 22% from 2024, correlating to 4-2 home record. Under Lance Leipold, Jayhawks hit bowl eligibility three straight years.
| Year | Record | Key Win | Avg Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8-5 | vs Oklahoma State | 42,100 |
| 2024 | 7-6 | @ Illinois | 38,500 |
| 2023 | 9-4 | vs Missouri | 41,200 |
Border Showdown History
The Missouri rivalry dates to 1911, with KU leading early but Mizzou winning 11 of last 13 since 2011 realignment. Last meeting: KU 45-37 in 2025 upset. Expect 7 p.m. FOX slot for 50,000+ fans.
- 1911: KU wins 3-0 in snow.
- 1960s: Alternating home wins streak.
- Post-2012: Mizzou dominates 11-2.
- 2023-25: KU sweeps, reignites hype.
- 2026: KU favored by 6.5 points.
Stay tuned to official channels, as Big 12 flex scheduling could tweak times up to 48 hours pre-game, ensuring you're ready for Rock Chalk Park magic.
Offseason Developments
New associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki joined post-spring, emphasizing O-line depth after 2025's 2.8 yards/carry allowed. Recruiting class ranks No. 22, with four 4-stars bolstering secondary.
"We're built for noon or night-fans just show up," Leipold told media after April practices.
This comprehensive guide arms Jayhawk faithful with intel to never miss a beat, even if times flex last-minute.
Expert answers to Ku Football Kickoff Time Today Could Shift If You Re Not Ready queries
How Kickoff Times Are Set?
Kickoff times for Big 12 games are typically announced six to 12 days in advance by ESPN and FOX, based on TV ratings potential and logistical factors like travel. For example, KU's 2025 game against Oklahoma State was set for 3 p.m. CT on ESPN+ just a week prior.
Is There a Spring Game Today?
No, KU skipped its spring showcase in 2026 due to venue conflicts, opting for a Fan Appreciation Day earlier in April instead. Most Big 12 spring events wrapped by late April, with none on May 10.
What Channel for KU Games?
Big 12 contests air on ESPN, FOX, FS1, or ESPN+, with premiums like FOX for Missouri rivalry at 7 p.m. CT potentially. Streaming via ESPN app covers all, with 92% coverage rate last season.
Ticket Info for First Game?
Tickets for Sep. 4 vs. LIU start at $71 via KU Athletics, with premium seats at $120; sellouts expected post-kickoff announcement. Border Showdown vs. Missouri averages $187.
Prediction for 2026 Opener?
Experts project KU 38-10 over LIU, with Daniels targeting 300+ yards; over/under set at 52.5 points.
How to Watch Without Cable?
Stream all via ESPN+ ($10.99/month) or Fubo ($79.99/month with FOX); 85% of KU fans used OTT last year.
Parking and Traffic Tips?
Use Lot 90 or 91; arrive by 10 a.m. for prime spots, avoiding I-70 rush. Shuttles from downtown cut 20 minutes.