The football clash long known as the Border War between Kansas and Missouri is returning in 2025.
The two teams last met in 2011, the year before Missouri left the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference. But on Saturday, Kansas announced a four-game series to renew the historic rivalry.
The series now is known as the Border Showdown, renamed in 2004 out of respect to military troops in a post 9/11 world.
“This agreement renews one of college football’s most historic rivalries and we believe Jayhawk fans will enjoy the competition,” Jayhawks athletic director Jeff Long said in a school-issued statement. “This will be a great experience for our students, student-athletes and fans to have the Border Showdown games on campus.”
The Tigers will host the Jayhawks on Sept. 6, 2025, and Sept. 6, 2031, in Columbia, Mo. The teams will meet in Lawrence, Kan., on Sept. 12, 2026, and Sept. 11, 2032.
Missouri and Kansas last met on Nov. 26, 2011, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Tigers won 24-10, their third straight victory in the rivalry and the fifth in the last six meetings.
The Kansas City Star said the two sides disagree on the series record, with the dispute around the result of the game in 1960. Kansas contends Missouri leads the series 56-55-9, while Missouri gives itself a 57-54-9 advantage.
The teams first played on Oct. 31, 1891, and then met for 93 straight years.
“I’m excited for our fans to have the chance to be part of this historical rivalry again,” new Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz said in a news release. “I know there has been some time off, but I’m positive the energy and excitement will be there right away for everybody. While I haven’t been part of Mizzou/KU, I have been involved in some pretty intense rivalries and I do believe that is a big part of what makes college football so special to people,” he said.
