Coach Lance Leipold discusses playing Missouri, Arizona State back-to-back

Coach Lance Leipold said Kansas’ early 2026 schedule creates both excitement and a need for consistent focus, particularly with back-to-back rivalry games. Speaking at Big 12 media days in Frisco, Texas, Leipold discussed a Sept. 19 Big 12 opener against Arizona State that will be played in London and featured on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff. He emphasized that fans also need to quickly shift attention to the prior game on Sept. 11 at home versus Missouri, another Southeastern Conference rival. Kansas lost last year in Columbia after leading at one point in the fourth quarter. Leipold noted that even if one matchup brings intrigue, the team must travel the next week regardless of outcome. The Jayhawks open Sept. 4 at home against LIU, following consecutive 5-7 seasons in 2024 and 2025 after bowl appearances in both 2022 and 2023.