A major sporting event is set for London – for the first time ever, Wembley Stadium will host a college football game. In September 2026, as part of the Union Jack Classic series, the Arizona State Sun Devils will face the Kansas Jayhawks.

A historic moment in London

While American football has been played in the UK for years through the NFL International Series, college football is only now stepping onto the biggest stage. Similar events have been staged in Ireland (the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin), but never before at Wembley. London has hosted just one college football game in the past – in 1988, when Richmond faced Boston University.

Now, however, Wembley is set to establish a new tradition. We are proud to make history by bringing college football to London. This will be a global spectacle at the highest level, said Brian Dubiski, president and CEO of Union Jack Classic.

© Greg McCormick

Big 12 goes global

The game carries huge significance for the Big 12, one of the four strongest conferences in U.S. college football. I’ve long said my goal is to make the Big 12 the most globally recognized college conference. Wembley is the perfect opportunity to realize that vision, emphasized Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark.

Arizona State Sun Devils are a powerhouse program, consistently ranking among the nation’s top 25. Legendary players such as Terrell Suggs and Zach Miller came through their ranks, with the latest NFL star being running back Cam Skattebo of the New York Giants. The Kansas Jayhawks, one of the oldest college football teams in the U.S., have played continuously since 1890 and produced icons like Gale Sayers and Aqib Talib. Today, the program is resurgent, and participation in the Union Jack Classic is seen as proof of its growth.

This is a historic moment for Kansas Football. Wembley will be the stage where we showcase our program to a global audience, said Travis Goff, University of Kansas athletic director.

© Jas Mann

College football on the global stage

For both teams, playing at Wembley is more than just a game. It is a chance to promote American football across Europe and deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience for players, fans, and universities. College football is about life-changing experiences for student-athletes. Playing at Wembley will be one of those moments, added Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini.