A MAJOR change has been made to the college football schedule for 2026.
The game will be headed to London, England, next season, it was confirmed this week.
Wembley Stadium in London will host a college football game in 2026Getty
GettyThe Kansas Jayhawks will take on the Arizona State Sun Devils[/caption]
A Big 12 Conference game will be played at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
It will feature the Kansas Jayhawks against the Arizona State Sun Devils.
The game is being billed as the Union Jack Classic.
And it has been slotted into the schedule for Saturday 19 September next year.
London has been a regular location for NFL games with fixtures being played there since 2007.
But this will be the first ever college football game at the city’s national stadium.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormack said, “I’m thrilled that Big 12 football will be heading to London for the first-ever college football game at Wembley Stadium.
“I’ve often said my goal is for the Big 12 to be the most globally relevant conference in college athletics.
“Expanding our international presence will elevate our brand, create new opportunities for student-athletes, and open the door to meaningful commercial growth for the league.”
College football has been played in Dublin, Ireland in recent years.
This year’s game saw the Iowa Cyclones defeat the K-State Wildcats.
And 2026 already has the University of North Carolina Tar Heels locked in to play the TCU Horned Frogs on August 29.
Unlike the London game scheduled for 2026, the fixtures in Ireland have typically been played at the very start of the season.
Kansas director of athletics Travis Goff said: “This is the perfect moment in time for Kansas Football to blaze an uncharted trail to historic Wembley Stadium in London.
“This opportunity is reflective of the growth and trajectory of our football program and the entire University, and will provide our fans and student-athletes an unprecedented experience.
“We’re excited that our season ticket holders and students will still have six opportunities to watch a game at The Booth next season as that project is being completed, while also having the chance to see the Jayhawks play international for the first time ever.
“Our commitment is to provide a first-class, generational experience for our program and supporters, while showcasing Jayhawk Football and the University of Kansas on a global stage.”
And Arizona State athletics director Graham Rossini said, “The Big 12 is leading the charge to take college football global, and we’re proud to be part of it.
“College sports are about providing our student-athletes with life-changing experiences, and playing in the Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium will be an incredible one.
“With nearly 18,000 international students from 160 countries, ASU already thrives on a global stage, and we can’t wait to showcase Sun Devil Football and Arizona State University to fans across Europe.”
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
