Kansas and Missouri Return to Lawrence for First Time Since 2005

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For the first time in more than two decades, Kansas and Missouri will meet on the football field in Lawrence, bringing one of college football’s oldest rivalries back to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

The Jayhawks and Tigers have played several memorable games throughout their history, but Friday’s matchup will have a different feeling. Missouri has not traveled to Lawrence to face Kansas since 2005, making this a significant moment for both programs and their fan bases.

The rivalry, commonly known as the Border War, dates back to 1891 and has been shaped by more than just football. The history between Kansas and Missouri goes back to the border conflicts surrounding the Civil War, giving the rivalry a deeper meaning than a typical conference matchup.

For years, Kansas and Missouri were regular opponents as members of the Big Eight and later the Big 12 Conference. However, everything changed when Missouri left the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference following the 2011 season. The move ended the annual football matchup and put one of college football’s most recognizable rivalries on hold.

Kansas and Missouri eventually met again in 2025, but the Tigers had home-field advantage in Columbia. Now, the rivalry is returning to Lawrence, where Kansas fans will have the opportunity to experience the matchup in their own stadium for the first time since 2005.

The long wait could make the atmosphere one of the most memorable environments Kansas has had in recent years. The Jayhawks have worked to rebuild their football program under head coach Lance Leipold, while Missouri has continued to establish itself as a competitive program in the SEC.

Both teams enter the game knowing that a rivalry matchup can bring additional pressure. Records and expectations can matter, but games like this often come down to which team handles the emotions and intensity of the moment.

For Kansas, playing Missouri in Lawrence gives the program an opportunity to show how far it has come. The Jayhawks have experienced significant growth in recent seasons and have brought excitement back to a fan base that has waited years to see the program compete in important games.

Missouri, meanwhile, will enter a stadium and environment that many of its current players have never experienced against Kansas. With the rivalry returning to Lawrence after such a long absence, the atmosphere will be unfamiliar for some players but meaningful for fans who remember when these teams met every season.

Friday’s game is more than just another nonconference matchup. It represents the return of history, tradition and a rivalry that was missing from the college football schedule for years.

After waiting since 2005 to host Missouri again, Kansas finally has the chance to welcome its longtime rival back to Lawrence. No matter the final score, the Border War’s return to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium will be a moment that both programs and their fans have been waiting a long time to see.

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Jimmy Adeniran is a contributor to JayhawksROUNDTABLE. He can be reached at mayor@iw2j.com

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