Preview of Kansas Football's 2026 Season-Defining Opening Trio
Pay Heed previews Kansas' first three games, featuring a tune-up against LIU, a rivalry showdown with Missouri, and a unique international matchup against Arizona State.
Nick Springer on Pay Heed previews Kansas football’s first three games of the 2026 season and explores how each matchup could shape the Jayhawks’ year. The season opens against FCS opponent Long Island University (LIU), where the focus is less on the opponent and more on Kansas’ execution. The biggest areas to watch are dominance in the trenches, the debut of the quarterback rotation, and how the offense looks under Andy Kotelnicki without revealing too much before tougher competition.
The second game features the highly anticipated Border War against Missouri, which is viewed as one of the most important games on Kansas’ schedule. Missouri enters with questions at quarterback and uncertainty surrounding star running back Ahmad Hardy’s availability, while Kansas must prove it can match the Tigers physically and finally earn a signature rivalry victory under Lance Leipold. A win would provide a major boost for the program and fan base.
The third game sends Kansas to London for a conference matchup against Arizona State, creating a unique challenge with international travel, preparation, and scheduling. With little precedent for a midseason overseas game, success may depend as much on handling logistics as on performance on the field. The host predicts Kansas will start the season 3-0, citing confidence in improved depth, coaching, and better execution in close games.
Key Takeaways
The Missouri game is the season’s first defining moment: A win over the Tigers would represent a signature victory for Lance Leipold, energize the fan base, and significantly strengthen Kansas’ path toward bowl eligibility.
Kansas’ quarterback situation remains the biggest storyline: While multiple quarterbacks are expected to play early, the host believes Kansas’ offensive system and supporting talent can succeed without requiring elite quarterback play immediately.
The Arizona State game is unlike any Kansas has faced: Playing a conference game in London introduces travel, preparation, and recovery challenges with little historical precedent, making the off-field logistics almost as important as the matchup itself.