Rock Chalk. If you're looking for the KU football game today, you probably know the vibes in Lawrence have shifted. Fast. It wasn't long ago that folks were staring at the schedule and wondering if Lance Leipold’s magic had finally run out, but things change quickly in the Big 12.
The Jayhawks are back in the mix. Honestly, after that rough stretch in September, most of us thought the season was a wash. We were wrong. This team has some grit.
Where to Watch the KU Football Game Today
You can’t just flip on any channel and expect to find the Jayhawks anymore. The Big 12's media rights deal means you’re usually bouncing between ESPN, FOX, or the dreaded ESPN+.
For today's matchup, you’ll want to check the kickoff time—usually it's a noon or 2:30 PM slot unless the networks decided to flex it to a night game under the lights at Children’s Mercy Park or whatever venue they're calling home while David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is getting its massive face-lift.
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- TV Channel: Check your local listings for ESPN or FS1.
- Streaming: ESPN+ or the Fox Sports App.
- Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network (Brian Hanni on the call).
The renovations at the stadium are a huge deal. It’s basically a construction site right now. Seeing the "University of Kansas Gateway District" progress is cool, but man, playing home games in Kansas City is a weird vibe for the students. It’s a trek.
The Jalon Daniels Factor
Let’s talk about QB1. Jalon Daniels is the engine. When he’s healthy and clicking, this offense is a nightmare to defend. He’s got that "it" factor that keeps defensive coordinators up at night. But we’ve seen the struggles too—the turnovers earlier in the year were uncharacteristic.
Lately, he’s been looking more like the Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year we expected. He's throwing with more anticipation. He's not tucking it and running at the first sign of pressure quite as much, which is actually a good thing for his longevity.
And Devin Neal? Legend status. He’s already cemented himself as one of the greatest to ever wear the jersey in Lawrence. Watching him find holes that don't seem to exist is basically art at this point. If he gets 20+ touches in the KU football game today, Kansas wins. Simple as that.
Breaking Down the Matchup
The opponent today isn't going to just lie down. In this conference, parity is the only constant. You’ve got teams like Utah, Arizona, and the old guard like K-State and Oklahoma State all beating the hell out of each other every Saturday.
Defensive Keys to a Jayhawk Victory
Jeff Grimes' offense gets the headlines, but Brian Borland’s defense is where the game will be won or lost. The secondary has been opportunistic. They need to be.
- Pressure the QB: If the Jayhawks can't get home with four, it's going to be a long day for the cornerbacks.
- Stop the Run: Kansas has been "kinda" vulnerable to power run schemes lately. They need to shore up the interior.
- Limit Explosive Plays: No 50-yard bombs. Keep everything in front.
The linebackers need to play downhill. Mello Dotson and Cobee Bryant are arguably the best corner duo in the league, but they can't cover forever. If the pass rush disappears, even elite corners get burnt eventually. It’s just math.
Why Today Matters More Than Usual
Every game is big, but this one feels different. Kansas is fighting for bowl eligibility. After the heights of last year’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl win, going back to a bowl game is the floor for this program now. The days of being happy with three wins are long gone.
The expectations have shifted.
Leipold has built a culture where losing feels like an anomaly, not a tradition. That’s the biggest win of his tenure, honestly. Even with the rumors that always swirl about him taking a "bigger" job, he seems locked in. The fans are locked in. The atmosphere—even at a "neutral" site—is electric.
Scouting the Opposition
What are we looking at across the line of scrimmage? Usually, it's a team that tries to out-physical the Jayhawks. Kansas is fast. They are twitchy. But sometimes they get bullied in the trenches.
Watch the offensive line today. If they are creating push for Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr., it opens up the entire playbook. If Daniels is running for his life by the second quarter, it’s going to be a grind.
The Impact of the New Big 12
It’s a weird world. No Oklahoma. No Texas. Instead, we’re looking at trips to Orlando or Provo. The travel is a factor. Players get tired.
But for the KU football game today, the focus is narrow. It’s about 60 minutes of execution. It’s about not letting a bad call from a Big 12 ref (we’ve all seen them) derail a drive.
Kansas has shown they can compete with anyone. They’ve also shown they can beat themselves.
Final Thoughts for the Kansas Faithful
If you’re heading to the game, wear blue. If you’re watching from the couch, get the snacks ready. This season has been a rollercoaster, but the track is starting to level out.
The Jayhawks have a real shot at finishing strong. It starts with the KU football game today. Don't look past this opponent. In the Big 12, that's how you end up upset and frustrated on a Saturday night.
Actionable Steps for Game Day:
- Check the Weather: If it’s raining, expect a heavy dose of Devin Neal and a slower-paced game.
- Monitor Injury Reports: Watch Jalon Daniels’ status up until kickoff; his mobility changes the entire playbook.
- Verify the Channel: Double-check if the game is on a secondary network like FS2 or a streaming-only platform to avoid missing the first quarter.
- Follow Live Stats: Use the NCAA or ESPN app to track the "Success Rate" on third downs—it's usually the best predictor of who will win a close Big 12 game.