The Big 12 just dropped a bombshell—and it’s transatlantic. On September 19, 2026, Arizona State and Kansas will face off in the first-ever college football game at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The game, officially dubbed the Union Jack Classic, marks a massive leap in the Big 12 Conference’s aggressive push for global relevance.

This won’t just be a football game—it’ll be a statement. And it may change college football forever.

🌍 Big 12 Takes the Global Stage

“This is the perfect moment in time,” said Kansas AD Travis Goff, and he’s not wrong. With NFL games already a staple at Wembley since 2007, college football is now officially planting its flag on the same turf.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark made his international intentions clear:

“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.”

Wembley Stadium—an iconic cathedral of global sports—has hosted Champions League finals, NFL games, and now? Power Five football.

🏟️ What You Need to Know

• Matchup: Arizona State Sun Devils vs Kansas Jayhawks

• Event: Union Jack Classic

• Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 (Week 3 of the season)

• Location: Wembley Stadium, London

• Home Team: Kansas

• Ticket Presale: Monday, October 6, 2025

• General Public Sale: Thursday, October 9, 2025

• Tickets Available At: KUAthletics.com, SunDevils.com, and UnionJackClassic.com

🔥 Why It Matters

This isn’t just about two football teams crossing the pond—it’s about branding, recruiting, and changing the college football landscape.

Arizona State AD Graham Rossini emphasized the Sun Devils’ global reach:

“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 to fans across Europe.”

This will be the third Big 12 football game played in Europe across two seasons:

• 2025: Iowa State vs Kansas State – Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin

• 2026: TCU vs UNC – Aer Lingus Classic opener

• 2026: Arizona State vs Kansas – Union Jack Classic in London

The Big 12 is not just participating—it’s leading the charge. They’re turning college football into a global brand.

🧠 Behind the Union Jack Classic

This event is the brainchild of sports marketing veterans Brian Dubiski, Thomas Hensey (Rhino Marketing), and Rob Yowell (Gemini Sports). These are the same industry pros behind the NFL International Series, World League of American Football, and mega-sponsorships like Emirates Stadium and The O2.

Dubiski didn’t hold back:

“Hosting two elite Big 12 programs at Wembley Stadium positions this matchup as the premier international showcase for our sport.”

They’re not thinking small. And neither should the fans.

✈️ The Future of College Football?

Kansas is surging. Arizona State is ready to reboot. Wembley is iconic. And the Big 12 is going global.

The only question now: Who’s next to join the overseas party?