Union Jack Class Kick off is set for 5:00pm BST (12:00pm Eastern Time) on Saturday, September 19, 2026, when Arizona State faces Kansas at Wembley Stadium in the first-ever college football game played there.
Quick Facts
| Game | Arizona State Sun Devils vs Kansas Jayhawks |
| Date | Saturday, September 19, 2026 |
| Kick off | 5:00pm BST / 12:00pm ET |
| Pregame coverage | 3:00pm BST (Big Noon Kickoff, live from Wembley) |
| Venue | Wembley Stadium, London |
| Conference | Big 12 |
| UK streaming | DAZN NCAA College Sports |
| US TV | FS1 |
| Tickets | On sale now via Wembley Stadium and official partners |
Why the Kick Off Time Matters for UK Fans
A 5:00pm BST kickoff makes the Union Jack Classic one of the most accessible major American sports fixtures ever hosted in the UK. It lands as a genuine Saturday afternoon fixture, rather than the pre-dawn or middle-of-the-night slots UK fans are used to for NFL London games.
FOX Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff pregame show broadcasts live from Wembley starting at 3:00pm BST, giving fans two hours of build-up coverage before the game itself begins.
What Is the Union Jack Classic?
The Union Jack Classic is a new international college football series bringing NCAA Division I matchups to the UK. Its inaugural game is the first-ever college football game played at Wembley Stadium, and only the second college football game ever hosted in London overall.
The fixture is part of a multi-year agreement between the Big 12 Conference and the Union Jack Classic organization to stage games in the UK regularly, not a one-off exhibition. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has framed international expansion as central to making the conference “the most globally relevant conference in college athletics.”
How to Watch in the UK
DAZN UK carries the broadcast through its NCAA College Sports package, launched August 25, 2026. Pricing runs £12.99 on a rolling monthly plan, £8.99 per month with a 12-month commitment, or £99.99 paid upfront for the year. The Union Jack Classic is not currently listed among DAZN’s free college football content, so UK viewers should plan on the paid package to watch live.
In the US, the game airs on FS1.
Getting to Wembley: Arrival Timing
If you’re attending, don’t plan around just making the 5:00pm kickoff. Part of the appeal of this event is the full college football-day experience: pre-game tailgate parties, a marching band pep rally, and Big Noon Kickoff broadcasting live from the grounds.
Arriving by 1:30pm to 2:00pm gives enough time to explore the tailgate activities, find the pep rally, and get into the stadium without rushing. Wembley Park station gets busy on major event days, so build in extra time on the Jubilee line if you’re travelling from central London.
Check official Wembley and Union Jack Classic gameday information closer to the date, since specific gate-opening times are typically confirmed nearer the event. For a full breakdown of bag rules, transport options, and tickets, see our Wembley travel and survival guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Union Jack Classic kick off?
Kickoff is 5:00pm BST (12:00pm Eastern Time) on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
When does pregame coverage start?
FOX Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff broadcasts live from Wembley starting at 3:00pm BST, two hours before kickoff.
Is this the first college football game played in London?
It’s the first college football game played specifically at Wembley Stadium, and only the second college football game ever hosted in London overall.
Where can UK fans watch the Union Jack Classic?
DAZN UK carries the game through its NCAA College Sports package. It is not currently included in DAZN’s free college football content.
Will there be more college football games in London after 2026?
Yes. The Union Jack Classic is part of a multi-year agreement between the Big 12 Conference and event organizers to stage games in the UK on a recurring basis.
What time should I arrive at Wembley?
Arriving by 1:30pm to 2:00pm allows time for the tailgate parties, pep rally, and stadium entry before the 5:00pm kickoff, without rushing through the pregame atmosphere.
