Via Kansas Athletics
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The inaugural Union Jack Classic, featuring Kansas and Arizona State, will host FOX Big Noon Kickoff live from Wembley Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, FOX announced today during its FIFA World Cup coverage.
The national pregame show will broadcast live from London, England starting at 9 a.m. CT to help feature the first-ever college football game inside the historic stadium. The show will lead into kickoff between Kansas and Arizona State, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on FS1.
Fox Big Noon Kickoff delivered its most-watched season ever in 2025, averaging 1.8 million viewers in the hour leading up to the 11 a.m., games, marking a 14 percent improvement from 2024.
“We’re extremely excited to have FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff come to London to preview the Union Jack Classic,” Kansas head football coach Lance Leipold said. “Big Noon Kickoff does an outstanding job of showcasing the pregame pageantry of college football. Having them at the Union Jack Classic will make for a truly special environment as we take on Arizona State in the first ever college football game in the iconic Wembley Stadium.”
Kansas hosted FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff to Lawrence for the first time in program history on Oct. 28, 2023 in the lead up to Kansas’ 38-33 homecoming victory over No. 6 Oklahoma. Kansas and the Big 12 Conference have had a strong relationship with FOX in recent years, highlighted by the conference’s success on the network. Last season, Big 12 on FOX averaged 2.25 million viewers, marking a six percent increase from 2024. Also last season, Big 12 on FS1 saw a 41 percent increase in viewership from 2024.
“FOX Sports prides itself on being the home of big events, so we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to bring Big Noon Kickoff to the historic Wembley Stadium – home to so many iconic moments in sports,” said Jordan Bazant, Executive Vice President, FOX Sports. “With Big Noon Kickoff and the Union Jack Classic now woven into that storied legacy, we can’t wait to take our viewers along for this international adventure, and we’re thankful to Brett Yormark, Scott Draper, Travis Goff and Graham Rossini for helping bring this one-of-a-kind event to life.”
The show should have an exciting Kansas team to preview. Under Leipold, the Jayhawks bring back vital pieces in offensive tackle Calvin Clements, wide receiver Cam Pickett, linebacker Trey Lathan, defensive tackle Blake Herold and cornerbacks Jalen Todd and Austin Alexander, among others. The Jayhawks also welcome a talented transfer portal class and group of incoming freshmen who are looking to make their impact in their first season in Lawrence.
Fans looking to purchase tickets or looking for more information on the Union Jack Classic can click here.
