Get ready for an exciting chapter in the world of college football! The sport is about to make its grand return to London's iconic Wembley Stadium, and it's a move that's sure to spark some heated debates.
For the next three years, and potentially a fourth, college football will take center stage at Wembley, the UK's largest stadium. Organizers have revealed this exciting news to The Athletic, and it's a development that has the potential to revolutionize the sport's global appeal.
But here's where it gets controversial... On September 19, the Arizona State Sun Devils and Kansas Jayhawks, both from the Big 12 Conference, will step onto the Wembley turf, marking the first time since 1988 that college teams have played in England. This highly anticipated game, known as the Union Jack Classic, will see Kansas as the home team.
While sponsorship deals and TV broadcast rights are still being finalized, one thing is certain: players from both colleges will be in London for a week during term time, an experience that's sure to leave a lasting impression.
Arizona State, a team that reached the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff in 2024 and finished the last season with an impressive 8-5 record, will face off against Kansas, who are coming off back-to-back 5-7 seasons. Tickets for this historic game start from £58 ($77), a small price to pay for a piece of sporting history.
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of this game extends beyond the field. Growing the reputation of these sports teams directly contributes to the reputation of their respective universities. As Thomas Henesy, co-founder and COO of Union Jack Classic, explained, for Arizona State, this game makes perfect sense from a business and academic standpoint, especially with the upcoming opening of ASU London in the fall of 2026.
"We're very confident (of selling out Wembley)," Henesy told The Athletic. "We're going to have to earn every ticket buyer, but we're up for the challenge."
Henesy further emphasized the unique appeal of college football, stating, "Everyone should experience an NFL game, but college football offers a wider, faster-paced game with younger athletes and deeper benches."
The Union Jack Classic, a private company bringing this sporting event to England, has ambitious plans to expand to other European markets, such as Germany. Wembley, with its 90,000-seat capacity, has already hosted NFL London games since 2007, and in 2022, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed a three-year deal to play a home game there each season.
So, what's the catch? College football's global presence may not be as established as the NFL's, but that's precisely why initiatives like these are so crucial. By building on the international appeal of American football, organizers hope to create a sustainable future for the sport on a global scale.
The Republic of Ireland has already embraced college football, hosting an annual game in Dublin since 2022. Last year's edition, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, attracted a crowd of 47,000 at the Aviva Stadium for the Kansas State versus Iowa State matchup. This August, North Carolina, led by the legendary Bill Belichick, will face TCU at the same stadium.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has been a driving force behind this international expansion, actively seeking opportunities to bring the sport to new audiences. While a Mexico initiative has faced delays, the focus on growing the sport globally remains unwavering.
So, what do you think? Is this a brilliant move to expand the reach of college football, or is it a risky venture that could backfire? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion!
