Kansas vs. Long Island game info: When, where, streaming, betting lines, weather

The Kansas football team launches its pivotal 2026 season against the Long Island Sharks. It is a must-win for the Jayhawks, but at some point, KU has to be in a position where they do not have to play such inferior opposition to garner an early win. There are plenty of FCS schools out there that Kansas should aspire to schedule and beat during their non-conference schedule.

The Jayhawks will be featuring a new quarterback in Isaiah Marshall, who beat out Cole Ballard for the starting role. Long Island should offer a good opportunity for Marshall to get comfortable directing the offense. It should also give him a chance to show what he can do passing the ball. He has three attempts (all completions) in his career.

Kansas vs. Long Island: Where and when

The Kansas football team will host the LIU Sharks on Friday, September 4, at 7 pm CDT at the completely renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

The stadium has gone through a total renovation, almost a complete rebuild. The massive project started as soon as the 2023 season ended. In 2024, the Jayhawks played the home games in Children's Mercy Park and Arrowhead Stadium.

Last season, with only the west side and north bowl finished, and with the old east side stands still in place, KU did play there homes games in Lawrence. This will be the first game played in the mostly finished updated stadium.

Kansas vs. Long Island: Where to watch

The Jayhawks and the Sharks take to the field at 7 pm. The game will be aired on ESPNU and can be streamed on FuboTV and in the ESPN section of Disney Plus.

Kansas vs. Long Island: Betting odds and lines

According to the FanDuel Sportsbook, the Jayhawks are an overwhelming favorite against LIU. The line sits at KU -39.5 points, with the over/under at 53.5.

Kansas vs. Long Island: What will the weather be like

The weather on September 4, in Lawrence, KS, will be hot, topping out around 95 in the afternoon, according to Weatherbug. The temperature will start to drop in the early evening and should be in the high 80s at kickoff. Once the sun sets, it should cool off to the lower 80s and into the high 70s by the end of the game.

Kansas vs. Long Island: Things to watch for

It will be difficult to judge much from this game unless KU plays poorly. The Jayhawks are expected to dominate, and they should. This matchup should be a glorified practice, just against another team. Still, there are things to watch for.

• How does Marshall look passing the ball
• Will the offensive line be able to open holes in the ground game and protect the quarterback in the passing game
• Will the running backs be as good as everyone hopes
• Are the Jayhawks more athletic on the backend of their defense
• Can the defensive line be disruptive against the pass and physical against the run

The Jayhawks need to win this game decisively and escape with no major injuries. This game might not be exciting, but at least football is back. Rock chalk!

The weather forecast may change between now and kickoff. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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