Last updated by Molly Saxby on Tuesday 7th October 2025

College football is about to make history. On Saturday 19th September 2026, the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Kansas Jayhawks will meet at Wembley Stadium for the first-ever Union Jack Classic — the official debut of NCAA football in the United Kingdom.

The event marks a groundbreaking moment in transatlantic sport, bringing the passion, tradition, and spectacle of American college football to one of the most prestigious venues in the world.

👉 Secure VIP hospitality for the Union Jack Classic 2026 at Wembley Stadium with Seat Unique.

Why this event matters

College football isn’t just a sport — it’s a cultural cornerstone of American life. Every autumn, stadiums across the United States fill with tens of thousands of fans, marching bands, cheerleaders, and pageantry unlike anything else in global sport.

The Union Jack Classic 2026 represents the first time this spectacle will be experienced live by UK fans. Following the huge success of the NFL International Series, which has brought regular-season NFL games to London and Frankfurt, this college football debut extends that legacy by celebrating the spirit of the student-athlete and the power of school pride.

For many, this isn’t just about one game; it’s about connecting two sporting worlds and introducing British audiences to the authentic, passionate atmosphere that defines college football Saturdays across America.

ASU vs Kansas: A clash of proud programmes

The Arizona State Sun Devils, representing Arizona State University in Tempe, are known for their dynamic offence, blazing desert heat home advantage, and strong following across the American Southwest. The programme has produced legendary NFL players including Pat Tillman, whose legacy of courage continues to inspire, and Terrell Suggs, one of the most dominant defenders of his era.

Their opponents, the Kansas Jayhawks, hail from Lawrence, Kansas, and are part of the competitive Big 12 Conference. Under head coach Lance Leipold, Kansas has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, transforming from underdogs into serious contenders. Their recent success has reignited pride across Kansas, a state steeped in collegiate sports history.

While these two sides rarely meet, their Wembley showdown will showcase two distinct styles: ASU’s pace and offensive creativity versus Kansas’ disciplined defence and tactical precision.

The setting: Wembley Stadium

Few venues in the world carry as much sporting prestige as Wembley Stadium. From England’s 1966 World Cup triumph to Adele’s record-breaking concert runs, it has long been the home of iconic moments.

Now, college football joins that legacy. The Union Jack Classic will transform Wembley into a celebration of American sport, complete with marching bands, cheerleaders, tailgate-style entertainment, and all the colour and noise of a true college gameday.

Fans can expect the full collegiate experience — from team fight songs echoing through the stands to the energy of thousands of travelling supporters bringing school pride to London. It will be the perfect fusion of American spectacle and British sporting tradition.

College football’s growing international reach

The Union Jack Classic is part of a wider effort to globalise college football and bring it to new audiences. While the NFL has successfully staged international fixtures since 2007, this marks the first-ever regular season college football game in the UK.

It follows the success of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, which has attracted sell-out crowds and huge global media attention. But the move to Wembley represents a major step up — offering a larger stage, greater visibility, and an opportunity to expand the game’s fanbase far beyond North America.

Interest in American football across the UK continues to rise, driven by accessible broadcasting on ESPN Player, Sky Sports, and ITVX, as well as a growing grassroots scene supported by BUCS university leagues. The Union Jack Classic could be the catalyst that accelerates that growth, introducing an entirely new audience to the college game’s energy and tradition.

What to expect from the Union Jack Classic

Fans attending the 2026 game will be treated to a full-scale American college football celebration. Expect pre-game festivities around Wembley Park, featuring live music, food stalls, and fan zones bringing the spirit of US tailgating to London.

Inside the stadium, the spectacle will continue with marching band performances, half-time shows, and unique fan traditions — from Kansas’ “Rock Chalk Jayhawk” chant to ASU’s “Sun Devil pitchfork” salute.

Both universities boast passionate alumni bases, and large travelling contingents are expected to make the journey to London, ensuring an unforgettable atmosphere inside the 90,000-seat arena.

The future of college football in the UK

The success of the Union Jack Classic 2026 could pave the way for more NCAA fixtures on British soil. Organisers have already hinted at the possibility of an annual international series, potentially rotating between venues such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Principality Stadium, and Emirates Stadium.

If the event sells out and generates strong engagement, we may see powerhouse programmes from conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC expressing interest in future UK showcases.

Such expansion would not only boost college football’s international reach but also strengthen sporting ties between the UK and the US — inspiring young British athletes and fans to explore the sport at every level.

Experience it in style

For fans eager to witness this historic game in ultimate comfort, Seat Unique offers a range of official hospitality and VIP packages for the Union Jack Classic 2026.

Premium experiences will include:

  • Luxury padded seating with outstanding field views
  • Access to exclusive lounges with pre-game entertainment
  • Gourmet dining and complimentary drinks
  • Private bars and dedicated table service

Whether you’re a lifelong American football enthusiast or a curious first-time visitor, VIP hospitality ensures a truly unforgettable day at Wembley.

👉 Register your interest in Union Jack Classic 2026 VIP tickets today with Seat Unique.

Conclusion

The Union Jack Classic 2026 is more than a game — it’s a cultural milestone that bridges continents. When Arizona State and Kansas take the field at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 19th September 2026, they’ll not only be making sporting history but also sharing one of America’s greatest traditions with fans across the UK.

From Tempe to Lawrence to London, the world will be watching as college football arrives in Britain — and a new era of international sporting connection begins.