Missouri-Kansas Border War Game Moved to Friday Night

Annual rivalry matchup between Tigers and Jayhawks shifted to September 11 in Lawrence

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of gold, black, and crimson, conceptually representing the intensity and energy of a college football rivalry game.The historic Border War football rivalry between Missouri and Kansas will take on a new Friday night energy this season.Kansas City Today

The annual Border War football game between the University of Missouri Tigers and the University of Kansas Jayhawks has been moved up one day and will now be played on Friday, September 11, in Lawrence, Kansas. The longtime rivals were originally scheduled to meet on Saturday, September 12.

Why it matters

The Border War is one of the oldest and most intense college football rivalries in the Midwest, dating back to 1891. Moving the game to a Friday night slot gives the matchup more national exposure and a unique primetime feel, though it may impact attendance for some fans who have to adjust travel plans.

The details

Missouri and Kansas have played each other 122 times, with the Tigers holding a 57-55-9 advantage in the all-time series. The game was previously played on Saturdays, but the schools and television partners agreed to shift it to a Friday night kickoff this season.

  • The game will now be played on Friday, September 11, 2026.
  • The Border War was originally scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026.

The players

University of Missouri Tigers

The football team representing the University of Missouri, a public research university located in Columbia, Missouri.

University of Kansas Jayhawks

The football team representing the University of Kansas, a public research university located in Lawrence, Kansas.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to showcase the Border War in a primetime Friday night slot this season. It's a great opportunity to highlight one of college football's most historic rivalries.”

— Jim Sterk, Athletic Director, University of Missouri

“Friday night games always bring a special energy, and we look forward to welcoming Tigers fans to Lawrence for what should be a thrilling matchup.”

— Jeff Long, Athletic Director, University of Kansas

What’s next

Ticket sales and gameday logistics for the Friday night Border War matchup will be announced by both schools in the coming months.

The takeaway

Shifting the annual Border War game between Missouri and Kansas to a Friday night slot will give the longtime rivalry more national exposure, though it may impact attendance for some fans who have to adjust travel plans on short notice.