Utah vs. Kansas: Updated game day timeline, kickoff and TV channel information
Oct 10, 2026, 11:23 AM | Updated: 11:32 am
A goal line marker with the Big 12 Conference logo is on the field during an NCAA football game between the University of Utah Utes and the Texas Tech University Red Raiders held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Tess Crowley, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Tess Crowley, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah football’s first whiteout will get an earlier start Saturday, and fans should adjust their plans accordingly.
No. 12 Utah hosts Kansas at Rice-Eccles Stadium at 6 p.m. MT, with kickoff moved up from 8:15 p.m. because of anticipated inclement weather. Both programs agreed to the change based on forecast models.
The game will air on ESPNEWS and stream in its entirety on the ESPN app.
The updated game day schedule includes the team’s arrival at 3:40 p.m. and stadium gates opening at 4 p.m.
🚨 𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 🚨
Our starting network for today’s game is going to be ESPNews‼️ The game will also be live on the ESPN App.
#GoUtes | #RSNB https://t.co/ANEW1oU2pk
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 10, 2026
Updated game day timeline
All times are Mountain.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 6 a.m. | Signature and tailgate lots open |
| 1 p.m. | All parking lots open |
| 3:40 p.m. | The Arrival at Gate L |
| 4 p.m. | Rice-Eccles Stadium gates open |
| 5 p.m. | Team warm-ups |
| 5:15 p.m. | Team stretch, cauldron lighting and Utah MILI |
| 5:40 p.m. | Marching band and spirit performance |
| 5:45 p.m. | National anthem |
| 5:55 p.m. | Team runout |
| 6 p.m. | Kickoff |
Fans are encouraged to wear white for the first whiteout in program history. The Utes will also debut their new hand-painted helmets for the occasion.
An earlier start could help preserve the whiteout’s intended look before rain gear becomes part of the wardrobe.
.@Brady_Quinn ain’t lookin’ bad in that 🧊‼️
#GoUtes | #RSNB | @CFBONFOX https://t.co/NQV0EgTPyl
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 10, 2026
What channel is Utah-Kansas on?
Utah-Kansas will air on ESPNEWS, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. MT at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
The full game will also be available on the ESPN app. Radio coverage is available on ESPN 700.
Related Utes Football Content
- Kickoff moved to 6 p.m. amid weather concerns
- Game preview and score prediction: Can the Utes reach 5-0?
- The Checkdown: Could the Jayhawks pose a problem?
- Zereoue Williams drawing first-round NFL Draft attention
- Utes enter Saturday with a mostly clean injury report
- A closer look at the hand-painted whiteout helmet
The anticipated weather includes a chance of lightning, which could cause significant delays Saturday night. A prolonged interruption could also complicate the Jayhawks’ return travel as the incoming storm system moves through the region.
Moving the game up two hours and 15 minutes provides more time to finish before conditions potentially deteriorate, although weather could still interrupt play.
The home team enters at 4-0 overall and 1-0 in Big 12 play, looking to remain unbeaten following its bye. The visitors are 2-2 overall and seeking their first conference win.
Utes look to carry their strong start into October
Morgan Scalley’s squad has paired a productive offense with a defense that has allowed just 41 points through four games.
Quarterback Devon Dampier leads the Big 12 in passing efficiency at 172.2 and ranks second in completion percentage at 70.3%. He has thrown nine touchdown passes while averaging 224 passing yards per game.
Running back Wayshawn Parker has delivered on the ground and through the air, totaling nine touchdowns — five rushing and four receiving. He earned conference Offensive Player of the Week honors after finishing with 239 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns against Iowa State.
