Kansas vs Wagner
College Football

Kansas vs Wagner 2025: Game Preview, Time, Location, Streaming & Odds

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The 2025 college football season kicks off with 🏈 Kansas vs Wagner, a non-conference matchup that may appear lopsided on paper but carries major implications for both programs. The game is set to take place on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 6:30 PM ET in the iconic David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas.

Kansas, a Big 12 team on the rise, will use this opener to showcase its talent and depth, while Wagner, representing the Northeast Conference (NEC), enters the contest as the underdog looking for national respect. This clash between Power Five and FCS will give fans a clear sense of where both programs stand heading into the long college football grind.

📅 Game Day Overview

  • Matchup: 🏈 Kansas vs Wagner
  • Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
  • Time: 6:30 PM ET
  • Location: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
  • TV: ESPN+ or Big 12 Now (expected)
  • Streaming: ESPN+, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV

🏟️ David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium: The Venue

Home to the Kansas Jayhawks since 1921, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is a blend of tradition and modernization. The stadium holds around 47,000 fans and has undergone several upgrades to improve the gameday experience. This setting provides Kansas with an intense and enthusiastic home-field advantage—especially when season-opening optimism is high.

🔍 Team Previews – 🏈 Kansas vs Wagner

🔵 Kansas Jayhawks: A Program Ascending

The Kansas Jayhawks are building real momentum under head coach Lance Leipold, who has transformed the program from perennial cellar dwellers into competitive contenders. The 2024 season saw flashes of brilliance, and now in 2025, the expectation is to start strong and finish stronger.

🔑 Key Players – Kansas

  • QB Jalon Daniels – Dual-threat star returning from injury, capable of 300+ total yards any game.
  • RB Devin Neal – Explosive runner with elite vision and breakaway speed.
  • WR Lawrence Arnold – Reliable target with big-play ability.
  • LB Rich Miller – Defensive leader who thrives in run defense and blitz packages.
  • CB Mello Dotson – Ball-hawking corner with pick-six potential.

The offensive balance between Daniels and Neal will be tough for Wagner to counter.

⚪ Wagner Seahawks: Grit and Determination

The Wagner Seahawks, hailing from Staten Island, New York, compete in the FCS Northeast Conference. While Wagner doesn’t have the resources or national reach of their Power Five counterpart, they enter every matchup with intensity and pride. The 2025 season opens with their biggest challenge of the year.

🔑 Key Players – Wagner

  • QB Steven Krajewski – Veteran quarterback who brings poise and accuracy.
  • RB Rahmir Martin – Fast and agile, can hurt defenses with screens and swing passes.
  • WR Jaylan Jenkins – Deep threat with exceptional hands.
  • DE Christian Davis – Disruptive force off the edge.
  • S Josh Clarke – Physical safety with nose for the football.

Wagner will rely on misdirection, quick passes, and solid special teams to keep the game within reach.

🧠 Coaching Comparison

Lance Leipold – Kansas

Known for turning around struggling programs, Leipold’s tenure has brought consistency and competitiveness to Lawrence. His ability to develop quarterbacks and offensive lines has been instrumental in Kansas’ resurgence.

Tom Masella – Wagner

Masella is a seasoned FCS coach with stops at Fordham and Boston College. His disciplined, defense-oriented approach gives Wagner structure and resilience in difficult matchups.

🔬 Key Matchups – Kansas vs Wagner

🏈 Quarterback Play: Jalon Daniels vs Wagner Secondary

If Daniels is fully healthy, Wagner’s defense will have trouble containing his dual-threat ability. Expect bootlegs, read options, and deep shots downfield.

🧱 Offensive Line Battle

Kansas’ offensive line returns four starters and will aim to impose its will early. Wagner must find ways to pressure the QB without sacrificing coverage.

🏹 Special Teams

In matchups like these, special teams can be a difference-maker for the underdog. If Wagner can create turnovers or score on returns, the game becomes interesting.

📈 Betting Odds – Kansas vs Wagner

  • Spread: Kansas -30.5
  • Over/Under: 54.0
  • Moneyline: Kansas -5000 | Wagner +1600

💡 Expert Picks

  • Spread Pick: Kansas -30.5
  • Over/Under: Over 54
  • Predicted Score: Kansas 49, Wagner 13

Barring early turnovers, this is a statement game for Kansas to open with authority.

📊 2024 Recap & 2025 Outlook

Kansas Jayhawks

  • Record: 7–5
  • Notable Wins: Oklahoma State, Texas Tech
  • Strengths: Quarterback play, run game, and improved defense
  • Outlook: Dark-horse Big 12 contender if injuries are avoided.

Wagner Seahawks

  • Record: 4–7
  • Notable Wins: LIU, Merrimack
  • Strengths: Defensive backs, red-zone defense
  • Outlook: Looking to climb NEC rankings; games like this offer high experience value.

🔮 Players to Watch – Kansas vs Wagner

🚀 Offensive Breakout: Jalon Daniels (Kansas)

If healthy, he could account for 4–5 touchdowns in limited action.

💥 Defensive Threat: Rich Miller (Kansas)

Expect multiple tackles for loss and a forced turnover.

💫 X-Factor: Jaylan Jenkins (Wagner)

The Seahawks’ most explosive weapon. If he breaks free on special teams, he can change momentum.

🗣️ What Coaches Are Saying

Lance Leipold (Kansas):
“We respect every opponent. Wagner has some good athletes. But we’re focused on executing our game plan and setting the tone for the season.”

Tom Masella (Wagner):
“This is an opportunity. These are the types of games that show what kind of team we are. We’re going to play physical, fast, and fearless.”

📺 How to Watch 🏈 Kansas vs Wagner

  • TV Broadcast: Likely ESPN+ or Big 12 Now
  • Streaming Options:
    • ESPN+
    • FuboTV
    • YouTube TV
    • Hulu + Live TV
    • Sling TV

Expect streaming to be the primary option for national viewers. Local Kansas affiliates may also carry the game.

📌 Keys to Victory

For Kansas:

  1. Start fast – Score early and break Wagner’s rhythm.
  2. Rotate depth – Use this game to evaluate backups.
  3. Avoid turnovers – Don’t give Wagner hope.
  4. Establish dominance in the trenches – Control both lines.
  5. Clean special teams play – No blocked kicks or return gaffes.

For Wagner:

  1. Play mistake-free football – No turnovers or penalties.
  2. Force Kansas into 3rd and longs – Keep them uncomfortable.
  3. Limit big plays – Prevent momentum-shifting touchdowns.
  4. Create turnovers – A pick-6 or fumble return could spark something.
  5. Win time of possession – Shorten the game and frustrate the home team.

❓FAQs – Kansas vs Wagner 2025

When is the Kansas vs Wagner game?
Friday, August 29, 2025, at 6:30 PM ET.

Where is the game being played?
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS.

Is Kansas expected to win?
Yes, Kansas is a 30+ point favorite.

Where can I stream the game?
ESPN+, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.

How often have these teams met?
This is their first official meeting in football.

🏁 Final Thoughts – Kansas vs Wagner

The 🏈 Kansas vs Wagner 2025 game is more than just a season opener—it’s a tone-setter. For Kansas, it’s a chance to assert dominance, showcase progress under Leipold, and give fans optimism heading into conference play. For Wagner, it’s an opportunity to play on a national stage and build experience against elite competition.

Though the odds heavily favor the Jayhawks, early-season football is never fully predictable. Expect Kansas to come out sharp, rotate heavily, and send a message that they’re not here to be overlooked in the Big 12.

The football returns. The lights are on. And the journey begins.

Habiba Akter

Habiba Akter

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