(BCSNN) — Get ready for more international action in the Big 12 Conference with Kansas and Arizona State in advanced talks to move their 2026 football match-up to London’s Wembley Stadium, marking what would be the first-ever FBS college football game played in the United Kingdom. The proposed Sept. 19 contest would be part of a new multi-year event dubbed the “Union Jack Classic,” aimed at expanding the Big 12’s global footprint.

If finalized, the game would serve as the conference opener for both programs and replace a previously scheduled Kansas home game. Jayhawks officials reportedly support the move, citing reduced capacity at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium due to ongoing renovations. Kansas would still retain six home games on its 2026 schedule. Arizona State, originally slated to host Hawaii that weekend, would need to reschedule its non-conference slate to accommodate the London trip.

The game would be historic for both programs. Kansas has never played a football game outside the United States, while Arizona State last competed internationally in 1990, falling to Houston 62–45 in the Coca-Cola Classic at the Tokyo Dome. The match-up would also be the first FBS game at Wembley Stadium and only the second college football game ever held in England—the first being a 1988 contest between Richmond and Boston University at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

The London game is seemingly - at least at a glace - part of a broader initiative led by Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, who has repeatedly emphasized his vision of making the conference “a global brand.” At Big 12 Media Days this summer, Yormark said, “Playing in Ireland is the first step… I’m all in on it,” referencing the league’s 2025 season opener between Iowa State and Kansas State in Dublin. In 2026, TCU and North Carolina are also scheduled to play in Dublin, while Michigan and Western Michigan will meet in Frankfurt, Germany. Who's not excited to see the Wolverines with a touch of MACtion in Deutschland? 

Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini confirmed the school’s interest in international games, noting ASU’s global enrollment and branding strategy: “We’ve got a presence in Europe, we’ve got a presence in Asia… getting our brand out to different parts of the world is only good for building the brand of ASU”. The Sun Devils have also participated in overseas basketball events, including games in China in 2013 and 2019.

For Kansas, the opportunity represents a chance to elevate its national and international profile. Head coach Lance Leipold has guided the Jayhawks to consecutive bowl appearances, and the program is undergoing a major stadium renovation aimed at modernizing its facilities. Playing in London could offer a recruiting boost and media exposure that aligns with the school’s broader athletic ambitions.

While logistical hurdles remain—including travel coordination, time zone adjustments, and final NCAA approvals—the momentum behind the Union Jack Classic suggests a growing appetite for college football abroad. With the NFL’s success in London and the Big 12’s aggressive expansion strategy, the Kansas–Arizona State matchup could be the first of many transatlantic showcases.