Rock Chalk. If you’re a Jayhawk fan, those two words are basically a heartbeat. But lately, keeping track of exactly when the game starts—and more importantly, what channel it’s actually on—feels like a full-time job. Between the Big 12 expansion, the rise of streaming-only games on Peacock or ESPN+, and the chaotic nature of "Big Monday" schedules, simply asking when does ku play has become a complicated question.
Honestly, it’s not just about the date anymore. It's about whether you need a specific login or if you can just flip on the local FOX affiliate. We’re deep into the 2025-2026 season, and the stakes for Bill Self’s squad are massive.
The Immediate Outlook: Who is Next for the Jayhawks?
Right now, everyone is looking at the gauntlet of the Big 12 schedule. After a solid win against Baylor (80-62) where Darryn Peterson and Flory Bidunga absolutely dominated the paint, the focus shifts to the road.
If you are wondering when the next tip-off is, the Jayhawks are heading to Boulder. Kansas plays Colorado on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:00 PM CST. Yeah, it’s a late one.
That 10 PM start time is a byproduct of the new Big 12 footprint. Since Colorado joined the mix, these mountain and west coast trips are going to result in some sleepy Wednesday mornings for folks back in Lawrence. You can catch that game on ESPN.
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After the Buffaloes, it’s time for the Sunflower Showdown. KU travels to Manhattan to face Kansas State on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM CST. No matter what the records are, Bramlage Coliseum is always a house of horrors for visitors, and this one will be loud.
The Upcoming Big 12 Gauntlet
- January 31 (Sat): vs BYU. This is a big one. 3:00 PM CST start on ESPN.
- February 2 (Mon): at Texas Tech. The first of the "Big Monday" games at 8:00 PM CST.
- February 7 (Sat): vs Utah. 1:30 PM CST at Allen Fieldhouse.
- February 9 (Mon): vs Arizona. This might be the game of the year. 8:00 PM CST on ESPN.
Why the Schedule Feels Different This Year
The Big 12 doesn't look like it used to. We aren't just playing the round-robin with the local schools anymore. With teams like Arizona, Utah, and Colorado in the mix, the travel demands have spiked. This affects the "When" in a big way.
You’ve probably noticed that tip-off times are fluctuating more than they used to. TV networks like FOX and ESPN are jockeying for windows, which means some games are being announced with "To Be Determined" times until just a few weeks before the event. It's frustrating for fans trying to plan travel, but it's the reality of modern college athletics.
Then there is the streaming factor. When does ku play on a platform you actually own? While most of the "Blue Blood" matchups stay on linear TV (ESPN, CBS, FOX), don't be surprised if a few mid-week conference games end up behind the Peacock or ESPN+ paywall. For example, the upcoming game against Oklahoma State in February is slated for Peacock. If you don't have that app ready to go, you'll be staring at a blank screen while everyone else is watching the Jayhawks try to escape Stillwater with a win.
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Looking Ahead: The 2026 Football Schedule
While basketball is the lifeblood of Lawrence, Lance Leipold has turned the football program into something you actually have to put on your calendar. The 2026 football season is already generating buzz because of a very unique "home" game.
Kansas is scheduled to play Arizona State in London, England, for the "Union Jack Classic" on September 19, 2026.
If you're wondering when that game starts, get ready for a breakfast kickoff. International games usually happen in the morning for U.S. viewers. Aside from the London trip, the 2026 slate features a massive rivalry game. Kansas hosts Missouri on September 12, 2026. The Border Showdown is back on campus, and that atmosphere will be electric.
2026 Football Key Dates
- August 29: vs Wagner (Home Opener)
- September 12: vs Missouri (The big one)
- September 19: vs Arizona State (In London)
- October 25: vs Kansas State (Sunflower Showdown)
How to Stay Updated Without Getting Lost
The best way to keep track of the schedule isn't just a Google search. Use the tools that update in real-time. The official KU Athletics website (kuathletics.com) is the "source of truth," but it can be a bit clunky on mobile.
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I usually recommend syncing the schedule to your digital calendar (iCal or Google Calendar). Most fan sites offer a "sync" button that will automatically update the tip-off times when the networks finally make their decisions.
Also, keep an eye on the "Big Monday" announcements. ESPN usually picks those games based on which teams are surging in the rankings. If Kansas is in the top five, expect a lot of Monday night appearances in February.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning on catching a game soon, here is what you need to do to make sure you don't miss a minute:
- Check the TV Provider: Verify you have access to ESPN, FOX, and Peacock. The February 18th game at Oklahoma State is a streaming exclusive, so don't wait until tip-off to realize you haven't logged in.
- Verify Time Zones: Double-check if the game time is listed in Central or the local time of the away stadium. The 10:00 PM start for the Colorado game on January 20th is Central Time—it's actually 9:00 PM in Boulder.
- Download the App: The Kansas Jayhawks official app is great for live radio broadcasts if you’re stuck in the car during a game. Brian Hanni’s calls are legendary, and the audio is usually free.
- Ticket Timing: If you want to see a game at Allen Fieldhouse, look for tickets about 48–72 hours before the game. Prices often drop on secondary markets like SeatGeek or StubHub as "day-of" logistics force people to sell their seats.
The Jayhawks are currently navigating one of the toughest schedules in the country. Whether it's a late-night tip in the Rockies or a Saturday afternoon in Lawrence, knowing the schedule is the first step in being a part of the atmosphere. Get your gear ready, check your stream, and prepare for another run toward March.