The University of Kansas has released its 2026 football slate, a schedule that blends home‑field tradition with a handful of high‑profile road tests and a historic overseas appearance.
Head coach Lance Leipold and offensive strategist Sonny Dykes were on hand as the non‑conference lineup was unveiled, emphasizing the significance of each opponent.
The season opens on September 4 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium against Long Island, a modest start that will quickly give way to a marquee test.
Key Matchups and Challenges
A September 11 showdown with Missouri promises a heated rivalry on campus, while a week later the Jayhawks travel to London to face Arizona State in what the university describes as a historic exposure opportunity.
Mid‑season road trips to Utah on October 10 and Kansas State on October 17 present the toughest true away tests, with Utah entering the game ranked among the nation’s top defenses.
A home game against Baylor on October 24 emerges as a must‑win, crucial for keeping bowl eligibility within reach, followed by a throwback‑style contest with TCU on October 31.
November brings a potential revenge game against UCF on November 7, a winnable road contest at West Virginia on November 14, and a top‑ranked BYU team at home on November 21 that could decide Big 12 title aspirations.
The schedule concludes with a real chance at the sixth victory on November 28 against Oklahoma State, a team undergoing a quarterback transition that could open a pathway to a winning season.
Across the slate, the Jayhawks will face a mix of geographic challenges — from the deserts of Salt Lake City to the plains of Manhattan, Kansas, and the bustling streets of Provo, Utah — while navigating a demanding mix of opponents that could shape the program’s trajectory under Lance Leipold’s leadership.