KU's Rival Crushed Today?
Today, May 10, 2026, there is no official KU football matchup scheduled, as the 2026 college football regular season begins in September and spring practices have concluded.
The Kansas Jayhawks football team, under head coach Lance Leipold, wrapped up their spring practices in April with open sessions for fans, but no public scrimmages or games are listed for this date.
Fans searching for "KU football today matchup" are likely eager for updates on the upcoming season, which features high-stakes games including an international clash and heated rivalries.
2026 KU Football Schedule
The 2026 Kansas Jayhawks schedule promises excitement, starting with a non-conference slate before diving into Big 12 battles.
Key highlights include the home opener against Long Island University on September 4 and the renewed Border War versus Missouri on September 12.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Sept 4 | vs Long Island | David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS | Home Opener |
| Sat, Sept 12 | vs Missouri | David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS | Border War, 7 p.m. FOX |
| Sat, Sept 19 | vs Arizona State | Wembley Stadium, London, UK | Union Jack Classic |
| Sat, Oct 3 | vs Middle Tennessee | David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS | Non-conference |
| Sat, Oct 10 | @ Utah | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Big 12 |
| Sat, Oct 17 | @ Kansas State | Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS | Sunflower Showdown |
| Sat, Oct 24 | vs Baylor | David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS | Home game |
| Sat, Oct 31 | @ TCU | AT&T Stadium, Fort Worth, TX | Big 12 |
| Sat, Nov 7 | vs UCF | David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS | Late season |
| Sat, Nov 14 | @ West Virginia | Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV | Road challenge |
| Sat, Nov 21 | vs BYU | David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS | Final home game |
| Sat, Nov 28 | @ Oklahoma State | Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK | Season finale |
- Six home games at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, drawing record crowds post-renovations.
- International debut in London against Arizona State, a first for Big 12 football.
- Tough road slate with trips to Utah, Kansas State, TCU, West Virginia, and Oklahoma State.
- Bye week on September 26 allows recovery before mid-season push.
Why This Schedule Stuns
The 2026 slate stands out due to its global element, with the Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium pitting KU against Arizona State on September 19.
This matchup could draw 80,000 fans overseas, boosting KU's national profile after their 9-4 finish in 2025, including a bowl win.
Historical context: KU's last international game was nonexistent; this elevates them alongside powerhouses like Oklahoma's past Mexico ventures.
"This schedule puts Kansas on the world stage, blending tradition with innovation-perfect for our rising program," said coach Lance Leipold.
Team Preview and Stats
Entering 2026, the Jayhawks return 70% of their 2025 production, led by quarterback Jalon Daniels, who threw for 3,800 yards and 32 TDs last season.
Defensively, KU ranked top-25 nationally in 2025 with 28 sacks and 15 interceptions, anchored by linebacker Jayson Gilliom's 110 tackles.
- Offense: Explosive at 42.5 points per game in Big 12 play, driven by Daniels' 68% completion rate.
- Defense: Allowed just 22.3 points per game, best since 2008.
- Special Teams: Punter's 45.2 yard average led the conference.
- Depth: Spring practices revealed freshman RB Devin Neal II rushing for 450 yards in scrimmages.
- Coaching: Leipold's 28-22 record since 2021, with back-to-back bowls.
Historical context: From 1-11 in 2021 to bowl-eligible, KU's turnaround mirrors Clemson's rise, with attendance up 45% to 42,000 average.
Key Matchups to Watch
The Sunflower Showdown on October 17 at Kansas State renews one of college football's fiercest rivalries, with KU winning the last two 47-27 and 34-30.
Border War vs. Missouri on September 12 revives a series dormant since 2011; KU leads 69-57-9 historically.
- London vs. Arizona State: Sun Devils' RB Cam Skattebo (1,400 rush yards in 2025) vs. KU's front seven.
- @ Kansas State: Wildcats' defense allowed 18 PPG; revenge factor high after recent losses.
- vs. BYU: Cougars' passing attack tests KU secondary in November clash.
How to Follow KU Football
Catch games on ESPN networks, FOX, or Big 12 Now streaming; radio on Jayhawk All-Sports Network (810 AM in KC).
Tickets start at $71 for opener, up to $211 for K-State; season packages sold out in record time.
| Game | Tickets Starting | TV Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| vs LIU Sept 4 | $71 | ESPN+ |
| vs Missouri Sept 12 | $187 | FOX |
| London Sept 19 | $147 | ESPN2 |
| @ K-State Oct 17 | $211 | FOX |
Historical Performance
KU's 2025 season: 9-4 overall, 5-4 Big 12, defeating TCU 41-38 in Guaranteed Rate Bowl.
Under Leipold, passing yards jumped 40% since 2021 to 3,200 per season average.
"We're building a powerhouse; 2026 is our year to contend," Leipold told reporters post-spring.
Stats deep dive: KU's red zone efficiency hit 92% in 2025, tops in Big 12; turnovers forced: 22.
Fan Guide and Predictions
David Booth Stadium renovations phase II complete by fall, adding 5,000 seats for 47,000 capacity.
Prediction: KU starts 3-0, stumbles at Utah, finishes 9-3, earning Fiesta Bowl bid.
- Win vs. LIU: Easy tune-up, 45-10.
- Border War: KU 31-24 over Mizzou.
- London: Narrow 27-24 win.
- Sunflower: K-State edges 28-24.
- Playoff push: Beat UCF, BYU late.
This "stunning" schedule positions KU for a breakout, blending heritage rivalries with bold new frontiers.
Player Spotlights
QB Jalon Daniels: 2025 All-Big 12, 3,800 pass/800 rush yards; Heisman dark horse.
LB Jayson Gilliom: 110 tackles, 4 sacks; Butkus finalist watch.
- WR Luke Grimm: 1,200 yards, 12 TDs returning.
- RB Devin Neal: 1,050 rush yards in '25.
- Freshman CB prospects shone in spring.
With no game today, tune into spring highlights or 2025 bowl replays on ESPN+.
Key concerns and solutions for Kus Rival Crushed Today
What time does the next KU football game start?
The next KU football game is the home opener vs. Long Island on Friday, September 4, 2026, at TBA kickoff, likely 7 p.m. CT at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Who is KU's head coach?
Lance Leipold enters his sixth year, boasting a 28-22 record and two bowl appearances, transforming KU into a Big 12 contender.
Is there a KU spring game in 2026?
KU opted out of a traditional spring game, hosting open practices like April 11 at Lawrence High School instead.
Can I stream KU football games?
Yes, via ESPN app, FOX Sports, or Big 12 Now on ESPN+ for select matchups.
What's KU's record prediction for 2026?
Experts project 8-4 or 9-3, with playoff potential if they win key rivalry games.
Where to buy KU football tickets?
Tickets available via KUAthletics.com or Ticketmaster; home games from $71, rivals higher.
Big 12 Championship odds for KU?
KU at +1200 odds, behind Arizona State (+400) but ahead of most.