Fresno State at Kansas 2025: Game Preview, Time, Location, Streaming & Odds
The opening weekend of the 2025 college football season offers a thrilling non-conference showdown as the Kansas Jayhawks welcome the Fresno State Bulldogs to Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS. Scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 5:30 PM, this game brings together two programs on the rise, each with different styles, conference affiliations, and postseason ambitions. All eyes will be on this early-evening battle as 🏈 Fresno State at Kansas promises to be one of the most intriguing matchups of Week 1.
Kansas, coming off one of its most successful campaigns in recent memory, aims to solidify its place as a true Big 12 contender. Meanwhile, Fresno State continues to build a strong Group of Five resume and enters the season as a favorite in the Mountain West. With high expectations and plenty of returning talent, this showdown could shape the narrative of both programs for the 2025 season and beyond.
🗓️ Game Details: When and Where to Watch 🏈 Fresno State at Kansas
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 5:30pm (Central Time)
Location: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
TV Broadcast: Expected on ESPN2 or FS1 (TBD)
Streaming Options: ESPN+, FOX Sports App, and other affiliated NCAAF streaming platforms
Fans should check official team websites and network listings as kickoff approaches to confirm the final TV and streaming schedule for 🏈 Fresno State at Kansas.
🏟️ Memorial Stadium Atmosphere: College Football Energy in the Heartland
Memorial Stadium is expected to be packed as Kansas fans rally around their program’s resurgence. With the game kicking off in the early evening, spectators can enjoy cooler temperatures and a perfect Midwest football atmosphere.
Kansas has cultivated a passionate fan base under head coach Lance Leipold, and a Week 1 home game against a respected Group of Five opponent like Fresno State gives the Jayhawks an early chance to show dominance on both sides of the ball.
Team Overviews: What to Expect in 🏈 Fresno State at Kansas
Kansas Jayhawks: Built for a Breakthrough Season
After posting back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in over a decade, Kansas enters 2025 with momentum and confidence. Head coach Lance Leipold has turned the Jayhawks into a legitimate Big 12 force, thanks to player development, scheme innovation, and recruiting strides.
The Jayhawks return their dynamic quarterback Jalon Daniels, who has battled injuries in recent seasons but remains one of the most exciting dual-threat QBs in college football when healthy. With a seasoned offensive line and veteran weapons like Lawrence Arnold at wide receiver and Devin Neal in the backfield, Kansas is expected to light up the scoreboard in 2025.
Defensively, Kansas has improved under coordinator Brian Borland, focusing on speed and pressure schemes. Linebacker Rich Miller and cornerback Cobee Bryant return as leaders on a unit that will need to be disciplined and reactive to Fresno State’s quick-strike offense.
Fresno State Bulldogs: Mountain West Contenders with National Ambitions
The Bulldogs continue to be a model of consistency in the Mountain West under head coach Jeff Tedford. In 2024, they finished near the top of the conference and now aim to take the next step in 2025 with new talent stepping into leadership roles.
Fresno State’s offense, traditionally explosive and balanced, will revolve around quarterback Mikey Keene, who transferred from UCF and found great success in the Bulldogs’ system. Keene’s quick decision-making and accuracy make him a dangerous matchup for Big 12 defenses.
The backfield duo of Malik Sherrod and Damien Moore offers versatility and breakaway potential, while the receiving corps, led by Jalen Moss, ensures a vertical threat at all times. Defensively, the Bulldogs will lean on edge rusher Levelle Bailey and defensive back Carlton Johnson to slow down Kansas’ high-powered attack.
🔍 Key Matchups in 🏈 Fresno State at Kansas
Jalon Daniels vs. Fresno State Secondary
Daniels’ mobility and deep passing ability will test the Bulldogs’ secondary all game long. If Daniels is in rhythm, Fresno State’s DBs could be in for a long night.
Mikey Keene vs. Kansas Pass Rush
Keene’s quick release will help neutralize Kansas’ pass rush, but if the Jayhawks can generate consistent pressure, they’ll force Fresno into uncomfortable down-and-distance situations.
Devin Neal vs. Fresno Front Seven
A consistent running game will be crucial for Kansas. If Neal gets going early, it will open up RPO and play-action options for Daniels.
Third Down Efficiency
Both teams excelled in third-down conversion rates last season. Whichever squad performs better in those clutch moments will likely walk away with the win.
📈 Betting Odds and Predictions for 🏈 Fresno State at Kansas
Opening Line: Kansas -6.5
Over/Under: 60.5 (Projected)
The Jayhawks open as modest favorites at home, but many bettors expect a tightly contested, high-scoring affair.
Spread Pick: Kansas -6.5
Given their home-field advantage and experience at key positions, Kansas has the edge in this one. Expect them to pull away in the second half.
Over/Under Pick: Over 60.5
Both teams feature dynamic offenses and fast-paced schemes. This game could easily become a shootout.
⭐ Players to Watch in 🏈 Fresno State at Kansas
Jalon Daniels – QB, Kansas
When healthy, Daniels is among the most electric quarterbacks in college football. His combination of arm strength and elusiveness makes him a nightmare for defenses.
Mikey Keene – QB, Fresno State
Accurate, poised, and unflappable in the pocket. Keene has experience against Power Five competition and won’t be intimidated by the environment.
Devin Neal – RB, Kansas
A homegrown star, Neal is physical, elusive, and consistent. He’ll be counted on to control the tempo.
Jalen Moss – WR, Fresno State
Explosive in space, Moss is a big-play threat on every snap. Kansas must prevent him from getting behind the secondary.
Cobee Bryant – CB, Kansas
Ball-hawking corner with great instincts. He could be the difference-maker if Fresno targets his side too often.
🧠 Coaching Battle: Lance Leipold vs. Jeff Tedford
Lance Leipold continues to be one of the most respected coaches in the country, known for transforming struggling programs with discipline and efficiency. His success at Kansas mirrors his work at Buffalo and Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Jeff Tedford, a veteran coach with experience at Cal and a history of developing quarterbacks, has brought stability and winning culture back to Fresno State. He’s a master strategist, especially in close games.
This coaching duel in 🏈 Fresno State at Kansas is one of Week 1’s most fascinating chess matches.
📊 Recent Trends and Program Momentum
Kansas
- Finished 2024 with 8 wins and a bowl victory
- 3rd in Big 12 in total offense
- Top 25 recruiting class in 2025
- Key returning starters on both sides of the ball
Fresno State
- 9-4 in 2024 with a bowl appearance
- Averaged 32.8 points per game
- One of the top turnover-forcing defenses in MWC
- Returning key offensive weapons and defensive leaders
🗺️ Series History and Fun Facts
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Fresno State and Kansas.
- Fresno State has won its last 4 games vs. Big 12 opponents.
- Kansas is 4-0 in home openers under Lance Leipold.
- Both teams have played in bowl games 3 times in the past 4 seasons.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the 🏈 Fresno State at Kansas game?
Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 5:30 PM CT.
Where is the game played?
Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas.
What channel will air the game?
Likely ESPN2 or FS1. Streaming options include ESPN+ and FOX Sports App.
What are the odds?
Kansas is favored by 6.5 points, with an over/under of 60.5.
Who are the quarterbacks?
Jalon Daniels (Kansas) and Mikey Keene (Fresno State).
Is this a conference game?
No. It’s a non-conference matchup between Big 12 and Mountain West teams.
What’s the historical record between these teams?
This is their first-ever meeting.
Will this game affect rankings?
Yes, especially if Fresno State pulls an upset on the road.
🔚 Final Score Prediction: Kansas 38, Fresno State 31
Expect a fast-paced and high-scoring contest filled with explosive plays, big-time throws, and strategic brilliance from both coaching staffs. While Fresno State will keep it close, Kansas’ experience, home-field advantage, and dual-threat quarterback will ultimately seal the victory in Week 1.
📌 Why You Should Watch 🏈 Fresno State at Kansas
- Dynamic Quarterbacks: Jalon Daniels and Mikey Keene are two of the most exciting passers in their respective conferences.
- Playoff Implications: For Kansas, a strong start is vital in a competitive Big 12 race. For Fresno State, this is a marquee win opportunity.
- Electric Atmosphere: Memorial Stadium will be rocking with fans ready to kick off the 2025 season in style.
- Coaching Chess Match: Leipold and Tedford bring contrasting styles but equal football intellect.
Circle your calendar and make your plans because 🏈 Fresno State at Kansas is not just another opener—it’s a Week 1 gem packed with storylines, stars, and stakes.
