The Union Jack Classic Podcast

This week on the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we're joined by Andy Kotelnicki, Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator at Kansas Jayhawks football. Coach Kotelnicki discusses his coaching journey, what makes Kansas football special, the growth of the program, and the opportunity to bring college football to an international audience at Wembley Stadium this September. We also discuss: 🏈 The evolution of Kansas football 🏈 Building a winning culture 🏈 Preparing for the 2026 season 🏈 The significance of playing at Wembley Stadium 🏈 What UK fans can expect from the Jayhawks Plus, before the interview, the group tackle one of the biggest debates in college football... reacting to and ranking some of the sport's most iconic mascots. Some make sense. Some definitely don't. 😂 The Union Jack Classic takes place on 19 September 2026, when Kansas Jayhawks football take on Arizona State Sun Devils football at Wembley Stadium. 🎟️ Tickets available now. #CollegeFootball #KansasJayhawks #AndyKotelnicki #UnionJackClassic #Big12 #WembleyStadium #RockChalk #ArizonaState #CollegeFootballPodcast #SportsPodcast

🏟️ Which college football stadium is the best in the country? Which one is overrated? And which venue would we never rush back to? In Episode 15 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, the team debates the best, worst and most overrated stadiums in college football, sharing their favourite game-day atmospheres, toughest road environments and a few controversial opinions along the way. We're also joined by Collin Sexton, who discusses the rise of Kansas Athletics, the importance of creating an elite fan experience, and the excitement surrounding the Kansas Jayhawks' journey to Wembley Stadium for the Union Jack Classic. 🎙️ Topics include: • The best college football stadiums in America • The most intimidating game-day atmospheres • The most overrated venues in the sport • Behind the scenes of Kansas Athletics • Bringing college football to Wembley Stadium Subscribe for new episodes every week as we count down to the Union Jack Classic, featuring the Kansas Jayhawks and Arizona State Sun Devils at Wembley Stadium on 19 September 2026. #CollegeFootball #KansasJayhawks #ArizonaState #Big12 #UnionJackClassic #WembleyStadium #NCAAFootball #CollegeSports #Podcast #KansasAthletics #CollinSexton

Episode 14 of The Union Jack Classic Podcast welcomes Arizona State Athletic Director Graham Rossini. Before diving into Wembley Stadium, NIL and the future of college football, we had to settle one important debate first… what’s actually the hardest position to play in football? 👀🏈 We also discuss what it means for Arizona State to be part of the first ever Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium, how NIL has changed college athletics, whether international games can open the door for global recruitment, and what the future of college football could look like over the next 10 years. Finally, Graham shares what he wants UK fans to feel when they experience Sun Devil football for the very first time in London. 🔱🇬🇧🇺🇸 🎟️ Union Jack Classic Arizona State vs Kansas Wembley Stadium | September 19th 2026 Follow Union Jack Classic for more exclusive college football content, interviews and behind the scenes access.

College football is coming to London… and who better to join us than the man helping shape its future. 🏈This week on The Union Jack Classic Podcast, we sit down with Brett Yormark, Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, to talk about the growth of college football, expanding the game to new audiences, and what opportunities events like the Union Jack Classic create on a global stage.We discuss the vision behind bringing the sport beyond the United States, the excitement around Wembley Stadium hosting the first ever Union Jack Classic, and why now is such a huge moment for college football.From conference leadership to the future of the game, this is a conversation for die-hard fans and anyone curious about where college football is headed next.🎟 Union Jack Classic 📍 Wembley Stadium 📅 Saturday 19 September 2026 🏈 Arizona State vs Kansas#CollegeFootball #Big12 #UnionJackClassic #Wembley #AmericanFootball #BrettYormark

What’s it like being a British fan of American football? In Episode 12 of The Union Jack Classic Podcast, we dive into the experience of following the sport from this side of the Atlantic, from late-night kick-offs and discovering the game in the UK, to why college football hits differently. 🇬🇧🏈Joining us is special guest Travis Goff, Director of Athletics at the University of Kansas, as we talk fandom, growing the game internationally, and what it means to bring the full college football experience to London.With the University of Kansas set to face Arizona State at Wembley Stadium on 19 September 2026, the countdown is on for a huge moment in UK sports.🎟️ Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/union-jack-classic-tickets/artist/5639195📍 Wembley Stadium, London 🏈 Kansas Jayhawks vs Arizona State Sun Devils 📅 Saturday 19 September 2026Subscribe for more episodes as we bring you the stories, people and traditions behind the first ever Union Jack Classic.#UnionJackClassic #CollegeFootball #KansasJayhawks #ArizonaState #Wembley #AmericanFootball #Podcast #BritishFans #Big12

Episode 11 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast is here. 🏈This week, Max joins the pod to talk about growing up around American football in the UK, playing the game himself, and now helping bring college football to Wembley Stadium through the Union Jack Classic.We get into the reality of building the sport in the UK, the sponsorship side of UJC, and what it actually takes behind the scenes to put on an event of this scale.Plus, thoughts on the growth of the game here, where UK football is heading, and why September at Wembley is going to be special.

Coach Lance Leipold made the trip from Kansas to London 🇬🇧 to see where his team will take the field at Wembley Stadium this September.In Episode 10 of The Union Jack Classic Podcast, we sit down with the Kansas Head Coach to talk all things Union Jack Classic, how he keeps himself grounded, and how the Jayhawks are preparing for their historic trip to London.From walking Wembley to building a team ready for the international stage… this is the Road to Wembley.🎟️ Tickets available now via Ticketmaster Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes content as we build towards September.

The Draft is heating up and so is the road to Wembley. 🇬🇧🏈 This week, the team dives into all the latest Draft buzz before being joined by a special guest straight out of Kansas — Dylan Edwards from the University of Kansas. We talk his journey, life in college football, and what it means to be part of a historic moment as Kansas heads to London. With the first-ever American college football game of its kind coming to Wembley Stadium, the countdown is officially ON. Expect insight, energy, and a proper taste of what makes college football different. 🎟️ Tickets for the Union Jack Classic: University of Kansas vs Arizona State 📍 Wembley Stadium | 19 September 2026 👉 https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/union-jack-classic-university-of-kansas-london-19-09-2026/event/2300632FCA260AA0Follow us for more behind-the-scenes, player interviews, and everything you need to know ahead of game day. #CollegeFootball #NFLDraft #UnionJackClassic #DylanEdwards #KansasJayhawks #Wembley #AmericanFootballUK

In Episode 8 of The Union Jack Classic Podcast, we dive into one of the most iconic parts of American college football culture… the spirit squads.We’re joined by Bianca Caryl, M.Ed., Sun Devil Spirit Squad head dance coach at Sun Devil Athletics, alongside two ASU cheerleaders, the incredible Jayden and Isi to break down what it really takes to be part of an elite collegiate cheer programme.From the physical demands and training to the pressure of performing in front of thousands, this episode goes beyond the stereotypes and into the reality of the sport.The UJC Podcast team also explore the full pageantry of college football — from cheer and dance to marching bands, mascots and the traditions that turn game day into a spectacle.

British American Football… in the UK? 🇬🇧🏈 Yep - and it’s bigger, more organised, and growing faster than you might think. In Episode 7 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we sit down with Rory McNair, Head of Marketing & Communications at BAFA, to break it all down. From how the sport actually works in the UK, to the pathway from university to national teams, and what’s being done to grow the game — this is your crash course in British American football. Whether you’re completely new or already following the game, this episode gives you the full picture. With the Union Jack Classic bringing elite US college football to Wembley Stadium on September 19th, there’s never been a better time to understand the sport on both sides of the Atlantic. 🎟️ Tickets available now via Ticketmaster 🏈 Kansas Jayhawks vs Arizona State Sun Devils September 19th, Wembley Stadium

Welcome back to the UJC Podcast, brought to you by the Union Jack Classic, building up to the first-ever American college football game at Wembley Stadium on September 19. Whether you’re completely new to the sport or live and breathe college football, this is the place to be. In Episode 6, we’re diving into one of the most fun debates yet… 🏛️ Creating our College Football Superhero & Villain Mount Rushmore From dominant dynasties to controversial icons, we break down: What actually makes a “villain” in college football? Whether greatness alone can make you the bad guy? The players and coaches who defined eras. To close the show, we’re joined by Sharon Toulouse, Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Kansas. We talk about: 🎺 The role of marching bands in college football culture 🌍 Bringing the full game day experience to London 🇬🇧 What fans can expect across the week of the game 🔥 Why this isn’t just a game — it’s a spectacle The marching Jayhawks will be bringing the noise, the energy, and the pageantry to Wembley… and you won’t want to miss it. 🎟️ Get your tickets on unionjackclassic.com 📲 Follow for more content in the lead-up to September 19 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe

Has NIL exposed what college football really is? In Episode 5 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we dive into one of the biggest shifts in modern sport: NIL (Name, Image & Likeness). From athletes earning money for the first time, to the impact on recruitment, team dynamics and the wider college system, we explore whether NIL has changed the game… or simply revealed what was already there. As college football prepares to take over Wembley Stadium, understanding NIL is key to understanding the future of the sport. 🎟️ Tickets available via Ticketmaster Kansas Jayhawks vs Arizona State Sun Devils Wembley Stadium, London 19 September 2026 This is more than a game.

Episode 4 of The UJC Podcast is here 🎙️ This week, we dive into one of the biggest driving forces in college football… rivalries. The history, the tension, the moments that define programs and split fanbases for generations. We’re joined by special guest, the COO & Co-Founder of the Union Jack Classic, Thomas Hensey, who brings a unique perspective on what makes these matchups so powerful and why they matter beyond the game. As we build towards the first-ever American college football game at Wembley Stadium on 19 September 2026, this is your inside look at the culture, stories and energy behind the sport. 🎟️ Tickets available now via Ticketmaster 🏟️ Kansas vs Arizona State | Wembley Stadium | London Subscribe for new episodes and everything you need to know about college football, for Brits, by Brits.

How Do You Pick a College Football Team? |The Union Jack Classic Podcast | Episode 3 If you’re a UK fan getting into American college football, one big question comes up fast… how do you choose a team? In Episode 3 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we talk through the different ways fans pick their college football programs. From iconic logos and helmets to location, team identity and even comparisons with Premier League clubs, we break down what makes people connect with a team. We also discuss the branding and identity of Kansas and Arizona State, the two teams facing off at Wembley Stadium on September 19, 2026 in the first-ever Union Jack Classic. Subscribe for weekly episodes, giveaways, guests and everything you need to know ahead of the game. #UnionJackClassic #CollegeFootball #AmericanFootballUK #WembleyStadium

Episode 2 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast is here.This week we dive into the traditions that make college football one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world. From the power of marching bands and the chaos of tailgates to the energy of legendary student sections, we break down the culture behind the game and why it’s unlike anything else in sport. Hosted by Ash, George, Sam and TJ, the podcast brings you college football for Brits, by Brits as we build up to the first ever American college football game at Wembley Stadium. Expect stories, insight, and everything you need to know ahead of September 19, 2026 when the University of Kansas Jayhawks take on the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wembley. Watch out for new episodes, guests, giveaways and behind-the-scenes content as we count down to the Union Jack Classic.

Why The UK? | The Union Jack Classic Podcast | Episode 1 Why is American college football coming to London? And why now? In the very first episode of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we break down the vision behind bringing US college football to Wembley Stadium, what it means for UK fans, and how this event is set to change the landscape of the game on this side of the Atlantic. This week we talk about:🏈Why the UK is ready for college football🇬🇧Why Wembley Stadium🎙️The bigger long-term vision for Union Jack Classic🌍What this means for fans, alumni and the sport in Britain This is just the beginning. Subscribe for weekly episodes, exclusive giveaways, guests, behind-the-scenes insight and everything you need to know ahead of September 19, 2026. 🎟️ Tickets + more info: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/union-jack-...