Arizona State University’s football program is set to make history on September 19, when the Sun Devils take the field at Wembley Stadium in London to meet the Kansas Jayhawks. The matchup represents the first time a U.S. college football game has been staged at the iconic venue, turning the historic ground into a cross‑continental stage for the sport.
A Historic Milestone for College Football
The game is part of the inaugural Union Jack Classic, a showcase that pairs American college football with a distinctly British setting. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. BST, which translates to a 9 a.m. Mountain Standard Time start for viewers in Arizona, allowing the Wildcats to preserve a familiar rhythm despite the transatlantic journey.
FS1 will air a special ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ pregame show that promises a high‑profile platform for both teams, while ASU’s beloved mascot Sparky will travel alongside the squad to represent the university’s cultural export. The Sun Devils will fly to London on British Airways the day after returning from a Week 2 contest against Texas A&M, a logistical detail that underscores the meticulous planning behind the venture.
Coach Kenny Dillingham, now in his fourth season with a 22–17 record and a recent Big 12 championship, has framed the London appearance as both a celebration and a strategic opportunity. He emphasized that the team’s focus remains on securing a conference victory, a goal that eluded them in an 8‑5 finish the previous year.
The trip aligns with ASU’s broader educational mission to prepare students for a globalized world, a theme that resonates with the upcoming opening of the university’s new London campus just two days after the game. University officials see the event as a chance to highlight ASU’s reach beyond the desert, offering students and athletes a tangible example of cultural exchange.
Beyond the scoreboard, the experience is expected to leave a lasting imprint on the players, who will carry memories of a foreign crowd, British weather, and the chance to showcase American college football traditions abroad. For many, the journey will be as instructive as any classroom lesson, reinforcing the university’s commitment to experiential learning.