College Football Heads to London for Historic Union Jack Classic

College football fans, get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For the first time in program history, Big Noon Kickoff is embarking on an international adventure, broadcasting live from the iconic Wembley Stadium in London. The historic event, Union Jack Classic, promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, featuring a thrilling matchup between Arizona State and Kansas on September 19. As the first-ever FBS game to take place in the United Kingdom, this momentous occasion will mark a new chapter in the world of college football.

Background & Context

Wembley Stadium, a legendary venue steeped in history, has hosted some of the most iconic moments in sports. Its hallowed grounds have witnessed the likes of the 1966 World Cup Final and numerous high-profile football matches. This September, the stadium will play host to a unique convergence of college football and international culture, as the Union Jack Classic brings together two Big 12 teams in a thrilling contest.

The Union Jack Classic is the latest installment in a growing trend of college football games being played in Europe. In the past two seasons, the Big 12 has already featured two games in Ireland, with Iowa State and Kansas State meeting in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in 2025, and TCU participating in this year's season-opening event in Dublin. The Big Noon Kickoff's decision to broadcast live from Wembley Stadium marks a significant milestone in the history of college football, as the sport continues to expand its global reach.

Key Details

Big Noon Kickoff, FOX's college football pregame show, will kick off its international adventure at 10 a.m. ET on FOX, preceding the Union Jack Classic at noon ET on FS1. The live broadcast will provide viewers with an exclusive look at the pre-game festivities, as the teams prepare to take on each other in a highly anticipated matchup.

Arizona State, coming off an 8-5 season, will look to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Duke in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. Kansas, which finished 5-7 last year, including a 3-6 mark in Big 12 play, will seek to turn its fortunes around with a strong performance in the Union Jack Classic.

"FOX Sports prides itself on being the home of big events," said Jordan Bazant, Executive Vice President, FOX Sports. "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. 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."

What Experts Say

The Union Jack Classic represents a significant opportunity for college football to expand its global reach and build a new audience. "This event has the potential to be a game-changer for college football," said sports analyst Tom Hamilton. "By playing in a iconic stadium like Wembley, the sport can tap into a new market and build a loyal following in the UK. The Union Jack Classic is a bold move that could pay dividends for the sport in the long run."

Another expert, sports marketing specialist Emily Wilson, added, "The Union Jack Classic is a brilliant example of how college football can leverage its global appeal. By partnering with a prominent sports network like FOX, the event can reach a wider audience and create a lasting impact on the sport. This is a momentous occasion that will be remembered for years to come."

Key Takeaways

• The Union Jack Classic will be the first-ever FBS game to take place in the United Kingdom.
• The event will be broadcast live from Wembley Stadium in London on September 19.
• Big Noon Kickoff will air live at 10 a.m. ET on FOX, preceding the Union Jack Classic at noon ET on FS1.
• The Union Jack Classic represents a significant opportunity for college football to expand its global reach and build a new audience.

What This Means For You

As the Union Jack Classic takes center stage, college football fans will have the chance to experience a truly unique event. Whether you're a die-hard Sun Devil or a Jayhawk, this matchup promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. So mark your calendars for September 19 and get ready to join the international college football community at Wembley Stadium.

For those unable to attend the event in person, the Union Jack Classic will provide a thrilling experience for viewers around the world. With live coverage on FOX and FS1, fans will be able to follow the action from the comfort of their own homes. So grab your favorite snack, gather your friends and family, and get ready to join the excitement of the Union Jack Classic.

The Union Jack Classic is a momentous occasion that will be remembered for years to come. As the sport of college football continues to expand its global reach, this event represents a significant milestone in its history. So let's join together and celebrate this incredible achievement – and who knows, maybe we'll see the Union Jack Classic become an annual event in the years to come.